“The Real Threat Isn’t Your Job”: AI Isn’t Taking Careers—It’s Replacing People Still Learning to Work, and It’s Happening Fast

As thousands of young graduates prepare to take their first steps into the job market, they face an unexpected obstacle: artificial intelligence (AI). The technological promise that was supposed to relieve us from repetitive tasks seems, paradoxically, to be blocking new generations from entering the professional world. The potential for AI to transform industries is immense, but for young professionals, it represents both an opportunity and a looming threat to their career prospects.

The Disappearing First Rung of the Career Ladder

Traditionally, young professionals begin their careers with internships, junior positions, or simple tasks that allow them to learn and climb the ranks. However, as Aneesh Raman, LinkedIn’s head of economic opportunities, explains, the first rung of the career ladder is vanishing. The reason? These entry-level tasks—administrative, repetitive, often low-skilled—are now being assigned to generative AI. This shift means fewer opportunities for young graduates to learn on the job.

Tech giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft are already automating tasks previously performed by young employees: writing code snippets, data entry, administrative assistance, and more. The result? A decrease in on-the-job learning opportunities. As AI takes over these responsibilities, young professionals find themselves cut off from the experiences that traditionally built careers.

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The Impact of Automation on Employment Rates

According to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, the unemployment rate for young graduates in the United States stands at 5.8%, compared to 6.2% for the youngest workers. This increase is partially linked to the rapid automation of entry-level tasks. Companies like Duolingo and Shopify are actively reducing the recruitment of juniors for these roles, preferring to assign them to AI systems.

Chris Hyams, CEO of Indeed, highlights that in approximately two-thirds of jobs, more than half of the required skills can be satisfactorily, if not excellently, performed by current AI. While AI does not entirely replace jobs, it renders many steps of traditional training pathways obsolete. This situation causes a paradox: companies alert us to the lack of qualified labor, yet they no longer provide the conditions to train this talent.

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Challenges in the European Market

In Europe, the tension is more pronounced as companies struggle to recruit experienced technical profiles, even as young people cannot access the positions that would allow them to gain experience. The paradox is stark: businesses need skilled workers but are not offering the necessary training grounds. The inability of young professionals to secure entry-level positions poses a significant challenge for the future.

If this trend continues, AI will not eliminate millions of jobs overnight; it will simply prevent future professionals from emerging. The risk is high that we might end up with powerful tools but without enough qualified humans to manage and evolve them. The challenge lies in rethinking professional integration and ensuring a space for human learning where machines are gaining ground.

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The Path Forward: Balancing AI and Human Development

For AI to benefit everyone, we must rethink how we integrate young professionals into the workforce. Ensuring that there is a balance between automation and human development is crucial. Companies should invest in programs that allow for human-machine collaboration, ensuring that the workforce is prepared for an AI-driven future.

Moreover, educational institutions and businesses must collaborate to create new pathways for skill development. By doing so, we can prepare the next generation for a future where AI is a tool for empowerment, rather than an obstacle. The question remains: How can we foster an environment where both AI and emerging professionals can thrive together?

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