AI is Reshaping Entry-Level Jobs: How to Navigate the New Starting Line

The Changing Landscape of Entry-Level Work

For generations, entry-level jobs have served as the gateway into the workforce, giving new graduates and career changers a chance to learn, contribute and build a foundation for long-term careers. Today, however, many job seekers are finding those doors harder to open. While economic pressures play a role, the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is increasingly reshaping what entry-level work looks like — and who performs it.

Rose Miller is president of Suite Advice, LLC

The Disappearing Entry-Level Experience

Across industries, employers are saying they are hiring fewer true entry-level employees. Job postings labeled “entry-level” often require prior experience, technical expertise, or certifications that many first-time job seekers do not yet have. All you have to do is read the job description, then scroll down to the job requirements. The job requirements almost always include experience. That proves that “entry-level” no longer means what it used to.

As an HR consultant, I speak to many people, both hiring managers and job seekers. There is a lot of frustration among job seekers eager to work but unsure how to get started. They are stuck in the well-known catch-22: unable to gain experience without a job and unable to get a job without experience.

At the same time, employers are under pressure to operate more efficiently. Rising costs, tariffs, competitive markets and economic uncertainty have pushed many employers to streamline operations and reduce roles that require significant onboarding or supervision.

How AI is Transforming Entry-Level Roles

AI-powered systems are having an impact on jobs that center around scheduling, data entry, basic customer service responses, research and content drafting. Once assigned to junior employees, these jobs can often be done faster and more affordably with AI-powered systems. Employers are trying to do more with fewer resources and that includes rethinking how they hire.

While AI is not replacing entire professions, it is reducing the number of task-based roles that once served as training grounds for early-career workers. As a result, the traditional bridge between education and employment is changing.

New Expectations for Entry-Level Candidates

Rather than eliminating opportunity, AI is changing expectations. On Indeed, LinkedIn and Monster, many entry-level positions posted now require stronger digital literacy, problem-solving abilities and comfort working in unison with technology. A side effect is many employers placing an increased value on transferable skills — communication, adaptability and critical thinking — over defined experience. For job seekers, this shift means they need to communicate to the interviewer how AI tools are productively used as an advantage rather than a threat.

I just spoke to a job seeker, just one year out of college, and he is trying to be ahead of the curve by showing how he has used his AI tools in acquiring his degree in marketing.

Alternative Pathways to Gain Experience

As traditional entry-level jobs decline, one of the ways employers can help with this brewing job dilemma is by increasing opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, project-based roles, rotational positions and hybrid positions. These strategies will allow job seekers to gain experience while contributing real value. Smaller organizations, in particular, often offer broader exposure to skill development.

Employers have always played a critical role in shaping the future workforce. Rethinking entry-level roles does not mean lowering standards — it means redesigning jobs to blend technology with mentorships, training and clear growth paths. Businesses can create structured early-career roles and job opportunities that focus on skill-building and career development. Employers should embrace the use of AI to augment employees, not eliminate learning opportunities, and partner with schools, chambers and workforce organizations. The companies that invest in talent early will have the strongest pipelines later.

The Role of Education and Policy

There is also a call to action for educational institutions and workforce development organizations to tune in to these changes and emphasize applied learning, certifications, and partnerships with employers.

Policymakers and community leaders can help by supporting workforce development funding, incentivizing employer-led training and modernizing education-to-employment pipelines to help ensure opportunity remains accessible. Communities that align education, business and workforce strategy will be best positioned to compete in an AI-driven economy.

Looking Toward the Future

History shows that technological changes often create new opportunities, alongside creating some fear and disruption. The use of AI tools will force an increased demand for roles centered on strategy, oversight, customer relationships and innovation — areas where human touch and insight remain essential.

Entry-level jobs may look different than they did a decade ago, but they are not disappearing. We shouldn’t see the future of work as humans against machines. My hope resides with employers, educators and policymakers supporting collaboration, intentional design and investment in people to ensure the next generation has meaningful ways to start, grow and succeed.