IBM will hire your entry-level talent in the age of AI

IBM to Triple Entry-Level Hiring in the U.S. in 2026

As the artificial intelligence industry continues to evolve, there is a widespread belief that AI will ultimately replace many entry-level jobs. However, not every company is following this trend. In fact, hardware giant IBM is bucking the trend by ramping up its entry-level hiring efforts.

According to a recent report by Bloomberg, IBM is set to triple its entry-level hiring in the U.S. by 2026. This ambitious initiative was announced by Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s chief human resource officer, during Charter’s Leading with AI Summit.

LaMoreaux emphasized that despite the advancements in AI technology, IBM is committed to hiring entry-level employees for roles that focus on engaging with customers and other people-forward tasks, rather than tasks that can be easily automated by AI, such as coding.

This strategic shift in hiring approach is aimed at not only meeting the current workforce needs but also preparing these entry-level employees for higher-level roles within the company in the future.

While the exact number of hires for this initiative was not disclosed by IBM, the move signals a proactive approach by the company to navigate the evolving landscape of AI and its impact on the job market.

Implications of AI on the Labor Market

The year 2026 is poised to be a pivotal year in terms of understanding the impact of AI on the labor market. A study by MIT in 2025 suggested that AI could potentially automate 11.7% of jobs in the U.S. JS’s survey also indicated that investors are anticipating significant changes in the labor market due to AI.