New data suggests employers are moving to automate the entry-level job pipeline rather than hiring humans for routine early-career roles. A Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) survey of more than 600 recruiters found that one-third of employers say they are replacing entry-level positions with AI. The report highlights technology roles as the most exposed category, with 40% of employers in the sector reporting AI replacement, followed by manufacturing. GMAC’s Sabrina White said the finding is less about total elimination than reallocation: employers still invest in talent that can apply judgment and solve problems while using AI to automate routine tasks. For higher education, the immediate implication is curriculum alignment and career services strategy—especially for undergraduates planning internships and early employment paths where AI is increasingly handling screening, task execution, or other entry-level responsibilities.
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