Why Fully Remote Companies Are Ghosting Entry-Level Grads

A recent study reveals a troubling trend: fully remote companies are hiring fewer entry-level workers, making it even harder for new grads to launch their careers. The lack of in-person mentorship and networking opportunities is leaving early-career employees struggling to grow.

Key Takeaways from the WSJ Careers & Leadership Newsletter

Remote work is making it harder for grads to find (and keep) jobs. Early-career employees learn crucial skills from shadowing colleagues and networking, so those without an in-person office are struggling to grow. A London School of Economics study showed that entry-level hiring rates, already on the decline, are even lower at fully remote companies.

There’s a new push to ready millions for AI career upheaval. Policymakers, philanthropic groups and big companies across the country have joined a coalition called RAISE US. The group has raised over $500 million so far and says it aims to rethink employment policy, figure out ways to transition workers to new fields and explore corporate incentives to retain workers.

M.B.A. pay is drifting down—and so is demand for the degree. AI is shrinking the job market for analyst positions in finance and consulting, leaving even some top-tier M.B.A. students struggling to land jobs several months after graduating. Those with a business masters still have a leg up on their peers without one, but their job prospects and salaries are waning.

Consultants are wrestling with a messy shift away from hourly billing. With AI posing an existential threat to traditional consulting, firms are looking to switch to fixed or outcomes-based pricing to stay in the game—but both have drawbacks.

How are companies managing AI token spend? By pulling out tactics last used during the rise of cloud computing. CIOs are using dashboards that track usage, hiring outside experts for help, implementing token caps and more to reduce costs from AI agents gobbling up computing power.

Is an AI jobs apocalypse coming? Three economists in conversation with the Journal have very different forecasts. One doesn’t worry about job destruction, while another says it will be “very difficult for people to survive by selling their labor” at all.

The new “bootstrap” to the American dream is deep cleaning cars. Social media videos featuring entrepreneurs power washing and vacuuming car interiors have spread like wildfire, leading some young people facing a challenging job market to start their own car detailing businesses.