1. The current crisis is just as economical as AIRED
Shift's graduate labor market is not uncommon, according to Kirsten Barnes, head of Bright Network's digital platform, which connects graduates and young professionals with employers.
“This year, changes in the graduate job market typically fluctuate by 10-15%, but appear to be driven by a combination of factors, including the broader economic situation and normal fluctuations in business demand, rather than a direct impact from AI alone.
Less graduates said that among companies that employ alumni that “no one says it's up to AI,” Claire Tyler, director of insights at the Institute for Student Employers (ISE), which represents major graduates.
Some recruiting experts cited the recent increase in employer national insurance contributions as a factor that slows entry-level recruitment.
Ed Steer, CEO of Sphere Digital Recruitment, who hires junior marketers and hires technology and media sales roles, said graduate school vacancy has dropped from 400 per year in 2021 to 75 this year's forecast. He placed a dropdown on companies that wanted to hire more experienced applicants “can deliver to customers on the first day.”
2. However, AI is definitely a factor
However, Auria Heanley, co-founder of Oriel Partners, who is recruiting personal assistant roles, has dropped by 30% this year in entry-level roles. She said “an unquestionable” that “AI is combined with wider economic uncertainty, making it much more difficult for graduates to find these roles.”
Felix Mitchell, co-Chief Executive Officer of Instant Impact, which is recruiting medium-sized companies, said work related to STEM. [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] It was the most confusing. “I think the evidence suggests that AI is likely to become the creator of net work, but losses happen faster than profits.”
3. The revolution is only accelerating
Major tech companies such as Microsoft are trumpeting the impact of AI agents. This is a system that autonomously performs human-level cognitive tasks – a tool that could become a capable workplace assistant, including consultancy company McKinsey and law firm Clifford Chance. Developer AI boss Dario Amodei warns that the technology will wipe out half of all entry-level office jobs over the next five years.
James Reid, CEO of Employment Agency Reid, said AI will change the entire job market from now on.
“This feels like a year when AI is really changing and embedded.
Sophie O'Brien, chief executive of pollen careers, catering to early career and entry-level roles, said AI had “accelerated” the decline in graduate recruitment for several years.
She added: “It is entirely clear that the vast number of jobs in the coming years will be redundant due to the many professional desk-based jobs processing information on laptops.
4. Learn AI skills now
David Bell of Odgers, executive search firm, said the law firm is demanding AI capabilities from its graduates. “As part of the interview process for graduate intake, they are asking them about their understanding and use of AI,” he said. “Everyone who doesn't use ChatGpt or equivalent will have a hard time getting on board.”
James Milligan, global head of STEM, recruiting multinational Hayes, agreed. “If they don't have a second skill set on how to use AI, they'll definitely be at a disadvantage,” he said. “Work doesn't die, it evolves, it changes. I think we are currently in the process of evolutionary change.”
Chris Morrow, managing director at Digitalent, which specializes in recruiting AI-related roles, said that rather than adopting technology, he is creating a new category of AI-Adjacent positions.
This demand for expertise encourages universities to adapt their courses accordingly. Louise Ballard, co-founder of Atheni.ai, helps businesses adopt AI technology, but says the problem is that “basic AI literacy skills” are not taught in higher education.
“Your people don't have the training they need,” she said. “The skills required to be good at AI aren't necessarily academic skills you've acquired.”
Morrow said the real risk was that AI is not employed and that educational institutions and government policies cannot be maintained. “Universities need to embed AI learning in all subjects,” he said.
5. Graduates use AI to apply for jobs, but you need to be careful
AI is obvious help in filling out your resume and form and writing cover letters. Many organizations contacted by the Guardian reported a surge in applications as filings became easier.
According to Bright Network, the number of alumni and undergraduate students using AI has risen to 50% from 38% last year. Teach, a leading graduate employer, said it plans to accelerate the use of a non-write review process to reduce the impact of computers drafted entries.
ISE's Tyler warned that excessive use of AI in applications could lead to employers ending recruitment campaigns early and targeting specific groups in recruitment work. Ending such drives early could also affect underrated groups, she said.
The error, once considered a red flag, may now be seen in a different way, says James Reed. “In the old days, I used to screen for CVs with misspellings because I think the person is either not paying attention to detail or getting closer to things with a casual mindset.
6. Consider applying for a small business
Small and medium-sized businesses, or companies employing less than 250 people, were also selected as graduate opportunities.
Pollen's O'Brien noted that SMEs are the UK's largest employer, 60% of the workforce, and lack of AI knowledge could present employment opportunities.
“Many of these companies don't know how to use AI, they are scared of AI and there is a great opportunity for young graduates to bring those skills to small companies that are still employing,” she said. “By bringing these skills to small businesses, we can revolutionize that business.”
Dan Hayes, co-founder of the Alumni Recruitment Office, said there are thousands of employers under the radar, below the level of a large corporation “desperate for brave individuals.”
“There's this huge, hidden market and it's rarely reported,” he said.
