Unemployment among Americans who are entering the workforce for the first time has reached a 37-year high. The number of internships available fell by 11% in April 2024, largely due to layoffs in the tech and government sectors. At the same time, artificial intelligence is increasingly being used to automate entry-level tasks such as data synthesis and report creation.
The New York Times has raised concerns about the impact of AI on entry-level jobs, suggesting that it may necessitate a reevaluation of how we educate college students and even the value of a college education itself. Graduates today are not only facing the challenge of automation in the job market, but the landscape of employment is shifting in other ways as well. This has left students and recent graduates uncertain about how to best leverage their degrees and improve their job prospects.
Arizona State University (ASU) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges. One of their sophomore students, Paige Davis-Boerner, who is pursuing a degree in finance, noted that AI was once considered cheating in high school, but attitudes have shifted. Faculty members at ASU are encouraging students to explore AI, providing them with prompts and transcripts to engage with the technology. Davis-Boerner emphasized the importance of using AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance productivity and focus on more meaningful tasks. She expressed excitement about incorporating AI into her future coursework.
In early 2024, ASU became the first university to partner with OpenAI. As a result of this partnership, all faculty and staff gained access to AI tools, leading the institution to develop various AI-focused degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Business which graduated its first class in 2025. One graduate of the program quickly secured a position as a government AI consultant.
Despite the advantages of using AI in learning and workflow, not everyone at ASU is fully embracing the technology. Davis-Boerner observed that some full-time employees had never used a large-language model before. This gap in adoption is not unique to AI; Kolby Stallings, Associate Director of Admissions at Scripps College in Claremont, California, likened the integration of AI to learning how to use Excel or email effectively.
Stallings has witnessed students using AI to organize their thoughts, assist with projects, and even make changes to their fitness routines. He believes that integrating AI into daily tasks can shift how individuals approach learning, productivity, and problem-solving. Stallings advocates for teaching individuals of all ages how to use AI purposefully and confidently, as it can provide a competitive advantage.
He recommends using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude as thinking partners for brainstorming ideas or drafting papers. In doing so, students can enhance their technical skills and critical thinking abilities. Beyond academic settings, AI can also be utilized to update resumes, refine applications, and practice interview skills for recent college graduates. It can help individuals identify transferable skills and explore new career paths.
However, Stallings also stresses the importance of developing essential human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as communication and emotional intelligence. He suggests that young people take on leadership roles, such as organizing events, leading projects, or mentoring peers, to cultivate these abilities. Hands-on learning experiences are crucial for preparing students for a rapidly evolving job market.
In conclusion, the integration of AI into education and the workforce presents both challenges and opportunities for students and recent graduates. By embracing AI tools and developing critical human skills, individuals can position themselves for success in a competitive job market. To learn more about AI's impact on education and employment, visit kd2kub.com.