Every job today is intertwined with AI, according to Clara Shih, a former AI executive at Meta and Salesforce. With 20 years in the AI field, Shih had a pivotal moment last fall when she observed Meta’s AI agents matching the performance of top employees across various tasks. “In that moment, I realized nothing would ever be the same,” she shared with Fortune.
As AI continues to advance rapidly, Gen Z faces a challenging job landscape. Many young adults, even Ivy League graduates, are struggling to find traditional employment. In response, Shih founded the New Work Foundation and its brand, Dear CC. Their goal? To prepare Gen Z for a future where AI plays a crucial role in the workplace.
Shih emphasizes that to keep up with AI’s speed, people need to be equipped with AI tools. Relying on traditional methods won’t be enough. The pressure on Gen Z is intensified by the risk of AI-related layoffs and a decline in entry-level positions. A recent ZipRecruiter report found that many young job seekers are exploring alternatives like entrepreneurship and gig work, shifting away from the conventional corporate path.
So how can Gen Z thrive in this evolving job market? Shih believes mastering the use of AI is key. A survey from AI platform Writer revealed that employees using AI in their daily work are more likely to receive promotions and raises compared to those who don’t.
To aid this process, the New Work Foundation has launched AI tools, such as Field Report, which helps job seekers understand the job market in their chosen field. For instance, those interested in law will learn that there are 31,500 open positions in the U.S., but AI poses a high risk of automation.
Another tool is JobClaw, which connects job seekers to roles based on their strengths, without needing a traditional résumé. A simple five-question form about personal career goals is all it takes.
Opinions about AI’s future impact vary among experts. Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic, believes AI could disrupt half of white-collar jobs, while Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, views it as a partner to human workers, potentially boosting hiring.
As AI adoption grows, so does skepticism. A Gallup poll revealed that Gen Z’s attitude toward AI has turned more negative over the past year. Shih finds this concerning, as those with moral objections to AI are often pivotal in shaping its future. “They are critical to steering these systems in the right direction,” she stated.
In conclusion, while the future of work is changing rapidly, Gen Z can adapt by embracing AI and learning to work alongside it.
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AI agents,American workers,American workforce,Gen Z,Jobs
