Graduating today means stepping into a workforce being reshaped in real time by Artificial Intelligence. McKinsey Global Institute estimates that about 14% of the current global workforce (a whopping 375 million people), may be at risk of AI taking their job by 2030. This is only a mere five years away. AI isn’t a concept of the future — it’s a living, evolving tool that’s already changing how we work, learn and communicate.
For today’s grads, AI offers incredible promise — and undeniable challenges.
The Upside: A Career Accelerator
AI is a superpower for young professionals. It automates repetitive tasks, summarizes dense data and opens creative doors faster than any technology before it. Graduates now have access to tools that allow them to build prototypes, analyze trends or draft content with unprecedented speed. Even more powerful is the democratization of opportunity. With AI-driven platforms, you don’t need a corporate title or fancy degree to make an impact. If you can learn quickly and ask the right questions, you can compete globally from day one. AI also personalizes learning. From resume writing to job simulations, the ability to adapt and upskill is right at your fingertips — and increasingly driven by intelligent systems that learn alongside you.
The Tradeoffs: Disruption and Doubt
But with great power comes real pressure. AI is disrupting entry-level jobs across industries, creating anxiety for those just starting out. The challenge is no longer just to land a job, but to stay ahead of the curve in a job that may evolve dramatically in just a few years.
There’s also the problem of trust. AI systems, trained on biased or incomplete data, can produce flawed outcomes. Misinformation, deepfakes and algorithmic bias are growing concerns — especially for graduates raised in an era of social media and digital identity.
And finally, there’s the human factor. Over-reliance on AI may reduce the drive to develop emotional intelligence, creative problem-solving and the courage to lead with empathy.
A Future Shaped by Your Choices
To the class of today: AI doesn’t define your future — you do. Use these tools to enhance your abilities, not replace them. Stay curious, keep learning and never forget the value of human judgment. Technology may set the pace, but it’s your integrity, adaptability and imagination that will determine where it takes you.
Blair LaCorte, Managing Director of LaCorte Ventures, has also held executive roles at Texas Pacific Group, Aexojet, Vertical Net, Savvy Technologies, Autodesk, and Sun Microsystems. He is Vice Chairman of the Buck Institute. He’s been named Innovator of the Year by NASA, and is even an astronaut-in-training with Virgin Galactic.