Artificial intelligence is causing concern among workers entering the job market, with fears that it could lead to job losses. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 predicts that 41% of employers plan to reduce their workforce by 2030 as AI automates tasks. Additionally, Big Tech companies hired fewer recent graduates in 2024, indicating a decrease in entry-level opportunities.
Despite these worries, some experts see AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Jiaona Zhang, chief product officer at AI timekeeping company Laurel and an adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, believes that AI is creating a new career path for young professionals. She calls it the “AI workflows” role, which involves identifying areas within a company that can be enhanced with AI and implementing systems to bring about those improvements.
Zhang emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the value of AI in saving time and increasing efficiency. She mentions a recent graduate at Laurel who developed an AI agent for salespeople, earning acclaim within the company. Other companies, like Box, are also recognizing the potential of AI and are hiring for roles such as “AI business automation engineer.”
While the “AI workflows” role may not be widely advertised yet, similar positions like AI automation engineer and AI operations specialist are in demand. Employers are seeking candidates who can leverage AI tools to solve business problems effectively. Practical experience with platforms like ChatGPT, Claude, and Salesforce’s AI tools could be advantageous in securing such roles.
In essence, the future of work may involve working alongside AI systems rather than competing against them. The ability to demonstrate how AI can save time and money for businesses will be crucial for success in this evolving landscape. As companies continue to invest in AI, individuals who can help them harness its potential are likely to be in high demand.
This article was originally published on Moneywise.com and highlights the changing dynamics of the job market in the era of artificial intelligence. As the workforce adapts to new technologies, opportunities for roles like AI workflows are emerging, offering young professionals a chance to shape the future of work.
