'Dislocation' | Embrace AI but don't bank on jobs, Bill Gates warns Gen Z grads

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is urging recent graduates to embrace AI tools as a way to enhance their prospects, whilst acknowledging that the pace of disruption sweeping the early-career job market is unlikely to slow down.

“Embracing [AI], and tracking it, will be very, very important,” Gates said in comments to CNN. “That doesn’t guarantee we’re not going to have a lot of dislocation.”

Gates continues to advise young people to “be curious, read, and use the latest tools.” He believes smart systems can open up opportunities that are “fun and empowering.” Still, the challenge for Gen Z is not a lack of interest in AI, but the speed at which entry-level jobs are being replaced or transformed.

Entry-level roles under pressure

Across the US, entry-level job postings have fallen roughly 35% since January 2023. AI has played a central role in the drop, with roles susceptible to automation seeing the steepest declines.