A recent Indeed report reveals that younger job seekers are more concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their education and skill sets compared to their older counterparts. The report, based on a Harris Poll survey of 772 U.S. adult workers and job seekers with an associate’s degree or higher, highlights the growing concern among Gen Z job seekers about the relevance of their college education in the face of increasing AI adoption.
Nearly half of Gen Z job seekers believe that AI adoption has made their college education irrelevant, compared to about one-third of Millennials. This sentiment is likely influenced by the ongoing trend of deemphasizing college degree requirements in job postings, with half of Gen Z job seekers viewing their degrees as a waste of time and money.
The Impact of AI on the Job Market
The rapid adoption of AI in the workplace is not only affecting job seekers but also influencing in-demand roles, salary trends, and even the C-suite’s purview. According to Linsey Fagan, Indeed Senior Talent Strategy Advisor, every job currently posted on Indeed’s job board will likely experience some level of exposure to generative AI.
“For any organization to succeed with AI, every single employee needs to have a basic understanding of AI and how their company uses it,” Fagan said. “Leaders play a crucial role in this shift by assessing their teams, listening to individual needs, and supporting their development.”
Responding to the Challenge
To address the challenges posed by AI adoption, CIOs have started creating upskilling programs to help employees develop the necessary skills. Technology vendors have also launched training programs open to the general public. For instance, online learning platform O’Reilly reported a significant increase in demand for AI-specific training last year, with the number of professionals seeking training on AI principles more than quadrupling.
Fagan emphasized the need for organizations to invest in their employees, providing training, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to explore new tools in a supportive environment. “Organizations need employees to be motivated to try these tools and want to apply them in their day-to-day work,” she said.
