AI Reshaping Young People's Career Paths

AI's Impact on Young Job Seekers

Young graduates are using artificial intelligence to make career choices, moving away from traditional methods. This generation is changing the rules of the job market, and the scale of this shift is becoming clear.

A survey by Prospects, involving over 4,000 British students and graduates, shows the extent of AI adoption and its impact on future job prospects. Almost 39% of young job seekers use AI to refine their resumes or cover letters, while 30% use it to create these documents from scratch. AI is also used to prepare for job interviews (29%) and answer application form questions (23%).

This widespread use of AI is changing job search strategies. Consequently, one-fifth of young graduates submit more than 50 applications, which is linked to the ease of using AI tools. Those aged 25-34 are the most active, with 44% using AI to improve their chances of finding employment.

AI as a Career Advisor

Beyond resumes, AI is offering career advice. Nearly 18% of those surveyed use platforms like ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot for career guidance, with 84% finding these platforms helpful. AI is becoming a source of information, though it is still considered less valuable than human expertise.

Career Plan Changes

AI is not only changing job searches but also impacting career paths. 10% of students surveyed have altered their career plans because of AI. Some are leaving fields they think are threatened by automation. One respondent stated they were going to be a graphic designer, but they realized that most clients would no longer need their work after advancements in AI. Others worry their skills will become obsolete, especially in areas like translation and writing.

However, AI is also creating new job opportunities. Some see potential in fields like cybersecurity and data analysis. One person mentioned that technology is changing how we handle crime, leading to new jobs in this area.

This transformation is causing concern, though. Students who have changed their career plans are more uncertain about their future (46% compared to 37%) and more pessimistic about their prospects (29% compared to 17%). One respondent said their job will be obsolete soon, so they need to find something more secure. This creates stress for young people in training.

Educational institutions and companies need to adjust to this change by training a generation that can work with AI while maintaining their professional identity. The impact of AI on the professional world will depend on our ability to use it for growth rather than as a source of worry.