UNMASKING THE CHALLENGE: WHY COLLEGE GRADUATES ARE LOSING SLEEP OVER AI EMPLOYABILITY

In an era where technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, the looming question of whether artificial intelligence (AI) is an asset or a threat to employment has become the focal point of discussions. The concerns voiced by college graduates about the impact of AI on their employability have ignited a thought-provoking debate that requires us to delve into the intricate dynamics of this rapidly changing landscape.

The anxiety among college grads about AI's impact on their job prospects is valid in today's evolving job landscape. The Cengage survey emphasizes a balanced approach: AI and automation reshape industries while creating new collaborative opportunities. Integrating soft skills with AI expertise meets future workforce needs. Employer recognition, noted in the survey, underscores human-centric attributes like creativity and empathy, lacking in AI. The WEF Future of Jobs Report confirms tech roles (AI, Machine Learning) lead in growth. Educational institutions must adjust curricula to impart technical skills and interpersonal abilities. Fostering AI-human synergy is key to allaying grad concerns and ensuring a prosperous professional future

The transition in the job market leads to a vital question: Is AI poised to leave a trail of job losses in its wake?

According to a recent survey conducted among the postgraduate students, the resounding answer is NO. The consensus among these future professionals is that AI operates as a tool that requires human intelligence (HI) for its operation and development. They stress that as long as individuals adapt and embrace technological changes, their jobs remain secure. The prevailing sentiment is that AI augments human efficiency and does not seek to replace the human workforce entirely. As one student aptly put it, "AI is there for your convenience and not at your convenience."

Prateek Desai, a journalist and a faculty at Christ University, when asked about his take on the issue said “People who are trying to stay away from Artificial Intelligence (AI) or are resisting AI are the ones who are at the risk of losing their jobs. AI is not going to take anybody's job. People who know how to use AI will take away jobs from people who don’t know how to use AI. I think AI is going to be an asset as long as we know how to leverage it. It cannot threaten anybody, it is going to help us work more efficiently. Without human intelligence (HI), artificial intelligence (AI) is of no use because AI needs HI to train it everyday. AI is developing everyday and that is only possible because of humans.”

Vivek Gupta, a Human Resource head at Amazon (Chennai), when asked about his thoughts on AI being a threat or an asset, said “There has to be a balance to it, if we over index on Artificial Intelligence and start imagining a world with just AI then of course it’s a threat because then we are substituting human intelligence with machine intelligence but as long as there is a right balance between leveraging human intelligence and at the same time artificial intelligence, I think it’s an asset and would help the human race reach great heights.”

Backing this discussion with statistical insights, studies reveal that by 2030, AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy, creating new opportunities across industries. Furthermore, 85 million jobs could be displaced by AI, but 97 million new roles may emerge, indicating that the future job landscape will be shaped by the emergence of AI, not merely overshadowed by its dominance.

In conclusion, the anxiety surrounding AI's impact on employability is understandable, but it is essential to dispel the notion of AI as an impending threat. With a commitment to upskilling, incorporating AI into daily routines, and embracing technological shifts, individuals can secure their roles in an AI-augmented world. The harmonious coexistence of human intelligence and artificial intelligence is the key to a prosperous future. As we navigate this dynamic landscape, it's vital to remember that TECHNOLOGIES CHANGE BUT THE ROLE OF HUMANS AS EMPLOYEES IS IRREPLACEABLE.