IBM's Bold Move: Tripling Entry-Level Jobs in the US by 2026 with a Focus on AI Oversight

IBM plans to triple entry-level hiring in the US by 2026, focusing on roles that leverage human judgement and oversight of AI systems. This announcement comes as artificial intelligence reshapes the job landscape for new graduates, shifting responsibilities away from routine tasks.

As reported by Bloomberg, the technology giant emphasizes the continued value of early-career workers, but with redesigned roles. IBM has not specified exact numbers or types of positions, but the new jobs will prioritize areas requiring human judgement, customer interaction, and oversight of AI systems over administrative or repetitive work.

Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM's chief human resources officer, stated that the company has rewritten entry-level job descriptions to reflect these changes. "And yes, it's for all these jobs that we're being told AI can do," she said at a conference in New York. She noted that AI systems now handle many routine tasks previously assigned to junior staff, making it essential to demonstrate the real value these individuals bring.

Redefining Junior Roles

Under this new approach, junior software developers at IBM will spend less time writing basic code and more on direct customer engagement and supervising AI-generated outputs. In human resources, entry-level employees are increasingly tasked with stepping in when HR chatbots fail, correcting responses, and collaborating with managers.

This move addresses growing concerns about AI's impact on graduate employment. Last year, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei warned that up to half of entry-level office jobs could disappear by 2030, adding to anxiety in a competitive job market.

Balancing Short-Term Savings and Long-Term Talent

LaMoreaux highlighted that cutting graduate hiring might save money short-term but could lead to a shortage of experienced managers later, forcing companies to recruit mid-level staff from competitors at higher costs. Some experts argue that younger workers are a better long-term investment during technological shifts due to their adaptability.

IBM's announcement follows restructuring efforts, including role reductions in its US infrastructure division and layoffs in China and globally as it shifts focus to higher-growth areas.

Industry Trends

IBM is not alone in boosting early-career recruitment. Dropbox plans to expand its internship and graduate programs by 25%, citing younger workers' familiarity with AI tools. Dropbox's chief people officer, Melanie Rosenwasser, compared recent graduates to Tour de France bikers, while older colleagues are still using training wheels.