Many recent grads say AI is making it harder to get a job. Economists aren't so sure
Recent college graduates are struggling to secure entry-level employment and frequently cite AI as a primary barrier to hiring. While graduates feel AI is automating their potential roles, economists remain cautious about attributing the current job market difficulties solely to AI.
Why it matters
The perception of AI as a job-killer is impacting the career confidence of young professionals, even as the actual labor market impact remains a subject of debate.
Westend61/Getty Images Irene Chang, 21, studied engineering in college because she enjoys solving problems. She also wanted to major in something she thought would lead to a stable career.
"I wanted to work a job right after college," she says.
But that has been a challenge. Chang graduated in May from Georgia Tech with a bachelor's degree in industrial and systems engineering. She says she started applying for entry-level data analyst roles about a year ago, while she was still in school. Chang estimates she has submitted around 450 applications since last September and has had about 19 interviews — so far she hasn't gotten any offers.
Jacqueline Kline, 25, is in the same boat. She graduated this past spring from Florida State University with a master's degree in communications.
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