New graduates use AI 1.5 times more often than older workers
Workers aged 21 to 24 use AI tools every day 1.5 times more often than those aged 25 and over, according to Atlassian research. In the company's engineering teams, new graduates are 19% more likely to be AI superusers and 1.8 times more likely to spend at least an hour a day on AI. Job postings mentioning AI skills grew 31.7% a year from 2015 to 2022, compared to just 8.2% for all degree-related roles. Undergraduate use of AI has jumped to 92% from 66%. But entry-level hiring at big tech firms and startups has fallen 50% since pre-pandemic levels, mainly due to budget cuts. Younger workers are also 38% more likely to hide their AI use from managers.
Employers once prioritised degrees and basic transferable skills for entry-level roles, with little mention of AI even in tech fields. New graduates entered graduate schemes based on academic records, while on-the-job training filled skill gaps. AI proficiency rarely featured in job descriptions for non-technical positions. Now new graduates lead AI adoption, but entry-level jobs have halved and hidden usage means recruiters see no proof. This widens the gap for non-technical applicants, as AI mentions explode in postings while budgets squeeze junior hires. Visibility of practical AI skills decides who gets interviews.
Analysis
Tech new grads might hide their AI edge, but that leaves room for you to flaunt no-code projects that pass ATS filters and prove competence. Prompt ChatGPT today to build one portfolio piece from your degree field, like analysing public trends, and pin the screenshots to your LinkedIn profile with a clear 'AI in action' headline.
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