A new survey reveals that two-thirds of graduates worldwide are worried that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation will make it harder to secure jobs.
The poll, conducted by the CFA Institute, indicates that 48% of graduates believe AI and automation will make it “slightly more difficult” to get their desired job, while 13% think it will make it “significantly more difficult.”
These findings highlight the growing job insecurity related to AI, following earlier reports that it could threaten hundreds of millions of jobs. Despite these concerns, the survey also shows that graduates recognize the importance of AI and automation for their career success.
Almost half of the respondents (46%) consider AI/automation to be “quite important” for their career path, and 20% regard it as “very important.”
Additionally, 51% of graduates believe that proficiency with automation tools would provide a “large benefit” for their career prospects, while 41% think it would offer a “small benefit.”
Increase in Career Confidence
Overall, career confidence among graduates has risen, with 78% expressing confidence in their future career prospects, up from 75% the previous year. Among these confident graduates, 31% are “very” confident and 47% are “quite confident.”
Moreover, more than 80% of graduates reported that they understand what employers are seeking.
Graduates’ primary concerns include:
- Low pay (11%)
- Lack of jobs in their preferred sector (10%)
- Working in a sector that doesn’t fulfill or interest them (10%)
The CFA Institute surveyed 9,916 respondents from 14 markets who are either studying for a bachelor’s degree or higher or have graduated with a bachelor’s or higher within the last three years.
