Generative AI is transforming entry-level work—but it isn’t erasing the first rung on the ladder. According to LinkedIn’s COO, Dan Shapero, graduates aren’t losing opportunities; they’re simply stepping onto a reimagined path.
Shapero: AI Is Next Decade’s Defining Issue
At Cannes Lions, Shapero called AI “the defining issue of the next decade” for businesses and employees alike. While early data hint at tougher competition for junior roles, the real shift has been automation of repetitive chores—not wholesale layoffs. Shapero remembers when new consultants at Bain spent hours crafting slides and hunting through printed reports. Now those tasks run themselves, and newcomers devote their energy to strategic analysis and creative problem-solving.
Prioritizing AI Fluency and Creative Agency
This change puts a premium on what Shapero terms “AI fluency” and “agency.” Fluency is knowing how to operate AI tools; agency is having the imagination to apply them in fresh ways. In his view, the technology itself will be ready long before people learn to harness it effectively.
How Hiring Assistant Frees Recruiters’ Time
LinkedIn’s own “Hiring Assistant,” rolled out last fall, offers a glimpse of that future. By drafting job descriptions, matching candidates and handling initial screenings, the tool gives recruiters back their time for relationship-building and persuasion. Early users say it even uncovers talent they might have missed, hinting at more inclusive hiring practices ahead.
Why Human Judgment Still Matters
Still, Shapero is clear: AI won’t replace human judgment. The most successful teams will blend machine speed with personal insight, committing to continuous learning and adapting habits as new tools emerge. For Gen Z, that means AI skills may soon rank alongside degrees on a resume. Those who embrace both the technical and creative sides of AI will find the career ladder very much intact—its steps simply redesigned for an automated world.