AI Could Revolutionize Young Workers' Futures, Says Handshake CEO

The Impact of AI on Entry-Level Jobs

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has sparked widespread concern about the future of entry-level jobs. Many worry that as AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, it could render traditional junior roles obsolete. However, some industry leaders argue that this shift might actually benefit young workers who have grown up in an era where AI is a common tool.

Garrett Lord, CEO of Handshake, a job search and AI training platform, shared his perspective on the evolving job market. According to Lord, today's graduates are uniquely positioned to succeed because they are "AI native." This means they have grown up using AI tools and are more comfortable integrating them into their work processes.

Leveraging AI can be compared to having an "Iron Man suit on," according to Lord. This analogy highlights how AI can enhance productivity and efficiency, giving young workers a competitive edge. While many headlines suggest that AI will eliminate junior roles, Lord claims that employers on Handshake’s platform—ranging from Fortune 500 companies to federal agencies—are not seeing this trend unfold as predicted.

Lord emphasized that the fear of AI replacing entry-level jobs is often exaggerated. He noted that many employers are not hearing the same concerns from their workforce. Instead, he observed that young workers who are familiar with AI tools can take on tasks that previously required entire teams. For example, in fields like social media marketing, one employee can manage video production, design assets, posting across multiple platforms, and even run analytics—all independently.

This shift doesn't require advanced degrees, as Lord pointed out. Young workers don't need a data science degree to leverage AI effectively. Instead, they can use these tools to streamline workflows and increase their value to employers.

The Evolution of Jobs and the Need for Reskilling

Lord also acknowledged that hundreds of millions of jobs will evolve due to AI. While this change may require workers to reskill, he believes that AI is ultimately an accelerant rather than a threat. He expressed optimism that AI will empower individuals to be more productive and create greater impact in their respective fields.

Despite these positive outlooks, not all tech leaders share the same level of confidence. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, warned that AI could potentially eliminate up to half of entry-level, white-collar jobs within the next five years. He stressed that many people are unaware of this impending change and find the idea hard to believe.

Gen Z: A New Generation of Workers

Other technology leaders have also weighed in on the topic, suggesting that Gen Z graduates may be in a favorable position. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, recently stated that while AI will certainly eliminate some jobs, younger workers are better equipped to adapt to these changes. He even went so far as to say that if he were 22 and graduating college, he would feel like the luckiest person in history.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, encouraged young people to highlight their familiarity with AI when seeking employment. He emphasized that being "AI native" is a valuable asset that can make them stand out in the job market.

Conclusion

As AI continues to reshape the job landscape, the role of young workers remains a topic of discussion. While some experts express concerns about the potential loss of entry-level positions, others see opportunities for growth and innovation. The key for young professionals may lie in embracing AI as a tool for success and continuously adapting to new technologies. Whether they are lucky or unlucky depends largely on how well they can navigate this changing environment and leverage the advantages of being "AI native."