AI is upending entry-level jobs. Three teens tell us how they’re responding

As high school students prepare to enter the workforce, they find themselves facing a job market transformed by artificial intelligence. Experts from both technology and economics sectors suggest that AI is set to disrupt various job sectors, particularly impacting entry-level positions. Recent trends show a decline in employment for young adults aged 20 to 24, raising concerns about future job availability. Anthropic's CEO, Dario Amodei, has projected that AI could potentially eliminate up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs in the coming years. While some industry insiders foresee less drastic changes, the competition for roles in computer science—a field previously viewed as a secure path to success—has intensified as AI technologies take over more responsibilities, leading to fewer job openings. In response, high schools are racing to adapt their curriculums to include AI education, even as students increasingly turn to AI tools for academic assistance. A recent Pew Research Center study indicated that approximately 50% of U.S. teens have utilized ChatGPT for their homework, highlighting the widespread integration of AI into their academic lives. This shift is prompting many young people to reconsider their future career paths, with some leaning towards more stable hands-on careers like healthcare, while others are seeking to harness AI to enhance their prospects. Experts in the tech field, such as Colette Stallbaumer, general manager of Microsoft 365 Copilot, emphasize that acquiring AI skills is crucial for students aiming for successful careers. Stallbaumer noted that by 2030, LinkedIn predicts that 70% of workforce skills will undergo substantial transformation. She encourages students to explore innovative uses of AI, whether for app development or as a study aid, even if their teachers have yet to integrate it into the classroom setting. In light of the evolving landscape, some college students are opting for double majors that blend humanities with STEM disciplines, like psychology and data science, to safeguard against potential job market upheavals. Rachel Blankstein, co-founder of NextGen Advising, mentions that job listings increasingly demand AI proficiency, making it vital for students to cultivate professional skills beyond traditional academic coursework. For students aspiring to finance careers, for example, it's essential to build a solid understanding of financial instruments and markets right from their freshman year, regardless of the general education courses they are taking. A recent study by the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Accenture supports this approach, suggesting that a diverse skill portfolio is more beneficial than a linear career trajectory. As the job market continues to evolve under the influence of AI, young individuals must adapt alongside it. As student Karissa reflects, the focus should be on developing character traits such as tenacity, curiosity, and empathy to thrive in an increasingly AI-centric world.