Aneesh Raman, Chief Economic Opportunity Officer at LinkedIn, discussed with John Yang the unique challenges facing the college class of 2025 in securing entry-level jobs.
The conversation covered the impact of AI on traditional entry-level roles, the need to reimagine the nature of early career work, and practical advice for new graduates.
Key topics included changes in required job skills, the shift away from conventional career ladders, and strategies for graduates to adapt to the evolving job market.
Action Items
No action items were assigned or discussed during this meeting.
Impact of AI on Entry-Level Job Market
The unemployment rate for recent college graduates has risen to 5.8%, the highest since 2021 and higher than the national average.
AI is increasingly automating tasks traditionally performed by entry-level workers, such as reviewing documents, debugging code, and basic customer service.
The combination of AI-driven automation and broader economic uncertainty is creating one of the most difficult job markets for new graduates in decades.
Consequences for New Graduates and Employers
Difficulty in landing the first job can negatively impact lifetime earnings and economic mobility.
Companies risk losing talent pipelines if they do not adapt entry-level roles to provide higher-value learning opportunities and mentorship.
Employers are urged to increase the complexity and value of tasks given to new hires and appreciate the unique skills of this generation, particularly their familiarity with AI and technology.
Reimagining Entry-Level Work and Education
Some organizations, such as KPMG and law firms like McFarland’s, are already assigning more complex responsibilities to new hires, relying on AI to handle routine tasks.
Business schools and community colleges are updating curricula to include AI fluency and proficiency training, preparing students for new types of roles.
Educators and employers need to collaboratively ensure that graduates gain both technical and adaptable skills relevant to the modern workforce.
Advice for the Class of 2025
The traditional "career ladder" model is changing; career paths now resemble a "climbing wall" with less predictable advancement.
70% of job-required skills are projected to change by 2030, and professionals are likely to hold twice as many jobs over their careers as in the past.
Graduates should focus on continual learning, developing AI fluency, understanding their own professional narratives, and cultivating curiosity-driven expertise.
Failing to secure a job in one's chosen field is not the end; using AI tools and focusing on skills rather than pedigree can lead to alternative opportunities and valuable learning experiences.
Decisions
No explicit decisions were made during this meeting.