AI's Impact on New Graduates' Job Market

Published Date : 18/10/2025 

Manjeet Rege, a professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering, discusses the nuanced impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, particularly for recent college graduates. 

Manjeet Rege, a software engineering and data science professor at the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering, recently spoke with WCCO-TV about the complex and multifaceted impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the job market. The conversation delved into how AI is not just a threat but also a catalyst for new opportunities.

From the interview:

Host: How is AI actually impacting employers?

Rege: AI has made its foray into different industries. From the education to finance sector, retail manufacturing, what employers have noticed is that the combination of human judgment and AI going hand in hand can lead to a lot of gains. So when you look at manufacturing, companies are looking at how do we reduce the downtime in the manufacturing unit using AI in health care sector. How do we improve the patient health care? So, AI is being used in a number of sectors on a daily basis.

Host: How are you seeing AI impact entry-level job opportunities?

Rege: That’s an interesting question. Artificial intelligence is reshaping entry-level jobs in two ways. First, when you think about a traditional entry-level job that used to be data heavy, like programming or simple data analysis or even data entry, those are now getting automated with AI. However, you’re also having a newer set of entry-level jobs that are getting created as a result of AI, such as data stewardship, AI management, prompt engineering. So these are new sets of jobs. Entry-level jobs will still exist. They’ll just look different.

The University of St. Thomas School of Engineering is at the forefront of preparing students for these changes. By integrating AI into the curriculum, the school aims to equip graduates with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven job market. This approach not only helps students understand the technology but also teaches them how to work alongside AI, leveraging its capabilities while maintaining human oversight and judgment.

In conclusion, while AI is transforming the job market, it is also creating new opportunities. The key for job seekers and recent graduates is to adapt and acquire the skills necessary to navigate this evolving landscape. By doing so, they can position themselves to benefit from the advancements in AI rather than being left behind.

For more information on the University of St. Thomas School of Engineering, visit their official website. The school is committed to fostering innovation and preparing the next generation of engineers and data scientists for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS): 

Q: What industries are most impacted by AI?

A: AI is making significant impacts across various industries, including education, finance, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. Each sector is leveraging AI to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance service quality.

Q: How does AI benefit employers?

A: AI benefits employers by automating routine tasks, reducing downtime, improving accuracy, and enhancing decision-making processes. It also opens up new opportunities for innovation and growth.

Q: What are some new entry-level jobs created by AI?

A: Some new entry-level jobs created by AI include data stewardship, AI management, and prompt engineering. These roles require a blend of technical skills and an understanding of AI applications.

Q: How can recent graduates prepare for an AI-driven job market?

A: Recent graduates can prepare for an AI-driven job market by acquiring relevant technical skills, understanding AI applications, and learning how to work alongside AI systems. Universities and training programs are increasingly offering courses in AI and data science.

Q: What is the role of human judgment in an AI-driven workplace?

A: Human judgment remains crucial in an AI-driven workplace. While AI can handle data processing and routine tasks, human oversight is essential for making complex decisions, ensuring ethical considerations, and maintaining a human touch in customer interactions. 

More Related Topics :