Experts agree that while AI isn't eliminating all junior roles, it is compelling new graduates to upgrade their skills and demonstrate what machines cannot replicate: human judgment.
K Sudhiksha, 23, a communications graduate, faced an unexpected early end to her six-month public relations internship. Officially, the company cited restructuring, but she suspected AI's role in making her position redundant.
"I was spending most of my time running prompts on ChatGPT," she said, referring to the AI chatbot. "We were all encouraged to do it. I could do my tasks faster, but it also made me feel creatively stunted."
Joining the PR firm in July, Sudhiksha had hoped to develop skills in crafting press releases and pitching stories. Instead, much of her work involved using AI tools to generate first drafts and summarize news for clients.
"While we were warned to fact-check ChatGPT's output carefully, relying on AI made the experience feel hollow," she explained. She wished for a more engaging, creative process that allowed her to use her own critical thinking.
After three months, her role was made redundant, highlighting how AI is reshaping entry-level positions and demanding graduates to bring distinctly human skills.
Summary: AI is not eradicating entry-level jobs but is transforming them, pushing new graduates to enhance their creativity and judgment—traits machines cannot replace.