OTTAWA - Jacqueline Silver, a recent computer science graduate from McGill University, initially believed that her degree would secure her a job. However, after more than a year of job hunting and submitting hundreds of applications, she found it increasingly challenging to enter the workforce in her field. Living in Toronto now, Silver expressed how exhausting and discouraging the experience has been, noting that several of her classmates are facing similar difficulties.
Silver described the job application process as a daunting undertaking that felt akin to another academic course. She spent countless hours at the library completing her assignments, only to invest an equivalent amount of time applying for jobs. According to recent studies, this struggle might not be unique to her; new research indicates that the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is significantly affecting job availability across various sectors, notably impacting young job seekers the hardest.
A recent academic paper from Stanford University revealed that 22 to 25-year-olds in jobs most exposed to AI are experiencing a drop in employment opportunities. In contrast, employment rates for older workers and individuals in less AI-exposed occupations have either remained stable or even increased. The CEO of FutureFit AI, Hamoon Ekhtiari, shared insights into the complexity of AI's impact on the job market. He identified junior roles in software development, sales, marketing, and customer service as particularly vulnerable to AI advancements.
Silver articulated her concerns regarding generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, which can perform tasks like coding with surprising efficacy. She pointed out that AI's capability to produce code means fewer entry-level positions may be needed in her field. "Maybe you still need someone to tweak it or look at it closely, but overall, you don’t really need that many people to write it anymore because the generative AI can do it," she commented.
Ekhtiari emphasized the need for companies to adopt a long-term perspective on workforce development and nurture young talent. He also stressed the importance of educational institutions facilitating better skills training and urged governments to assist individuals through job transitions. "Traditionally, there was a promise. Go to school for four years, you'll have a 40-year career," he stated, highlighting that this notion is no longer applicable in today's rapidly changing job market.
Catherine Connelly, a professor of human resources and management at McMaster University, noted that while AI can automate certain tasks, it is not a complete substitute for human involvement in strategic and decision-making roles. She cautioned that this shift might prevent new graduates from accessing entry-level positions, which often involve routine tasks that are essential for gaining experience.
As a result of these challenges, unemployment among Canadians aged 15 to 24 rose to 14.7 percent in September, as reported by Statistics Canada, marking a 15-year high outside of pandemic-related periods. Conservative MP Garnett Genuis raised concerns about the worsening youth unemployment crisis, asserting that it could hinder young workers' career advancement for years to come. He criticized the government's response to youth unemployment and proposed increasing financial educational support in high-demand fields, alongside incentives for employers to provide housing for workers.
In response, Jennifer Kozelj, a spokesperson for Minister of Jobs and Families Patty Hajdu, acknowledged the rapid changes in the workforce due to AI, stating that young Canadians are particularly feeling the effects. "These are challenging times, but we are acting with urgency to harness this tool, build on productivity, and ensure no worker gets left behind," she added.
This report illustrates the significant challenges faced by recent graduates in the wake of technological advancements and highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies in education and employment policies.
