The impact of AI on making early career decisions

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms how we study, work and make decisions, many people have valid concerns about what this means for their futures. While AI is here to stay, discover how to move your career forward with confidence

From personalised learning tools in education to automated systems in the workplace, AI is becoming a key component of our lives. For example, AI is helping university students summarise research and explore their career options. In the workplace, it helps to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and even reshape job sectors.

According to the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ Early Careers Survey 2025, students, graduates, and early careers professionals are increasingly concerned about how AI might disrupt the sectors they are looking to work in. Many are experiencing 'decision paralysis’, unsure whether to pursue their original careers or pivot to a career considered to be 'AI-proof.'

Using AI for career advice

Some survey respondents shared that they were using AI tools like ChatGPT to help decide what job to do. The question needs to be asked: Is this helpful or harmful?

The truth is, AI can be a helpful starting point. It can:

• summarise job descriptions
• suggest career paths based on your interests
• help you prepare for interviews.

However, it's not a substitute for human insight. AI lacks the context, empathy, and lived experience that a careers adviser, mentor, or industry professional can offer.

Use AI to explore, but not decide. View it as a thinking partner rather than a career coach.

When it comes to making meaningful decisions about your future, seek out real conversations with people who understand your goals, values, and background.

Overcoming decision paralysis in the AI age

It's easy to feel overwhelmed. The pressure to 'future-proof' your career, combined with reading constant headlines about AI replacing jobs, can lead to stress and indecision. Discover 5 ways to manage student stress.

The Deloitte Gen Z and Millennial Survey 2025 found that over 60% of Gen Z questioned are worried about job security due to AI. So, how do you move forward?

• Start small - you don't need to map out your entire career. Focus on your next step, whether that's a conversation with a mentor or exploring a course or an internship.
• Stay curious - explore how AI is being used in your field. Understanding the changes can reduce fear and spark new ideas. Consider job sectors you could work in.
• Talk it out - decision paralysis often eases when you share your thoughts with others. Use your university's careers service, join a peer group (see the importance of extra-curricular activities), or connect with alumni.

Remember, uncertainty is normal. The goal isn't to eliminate fear - it's to act despite it.

Choosing a career for the future

It's understandable that many students and graduates are questioning their career choices.

The fields in the examples below are already seeing the effects of AI tools, which have the ability to:

• analyse data
• automate routine tasks
• generate content.

But does this mean these careers are becoming obsolete? Not quite. It's true that some roles will change, but they won't disappear.

AI is excellent at handling repetitive, rules-based tasks. This means that entry-level or routine-heavy roles in some sectors may shrink or evolve. For example:

• Copywriting - AI tools like Jasper and ChatGPT can draft basic content, but human writers are still needed for tone, authenticity, storytelling, and brand voice.
• Graphic design - AI can generate visuals quickly, but designers are still needed to interpret briefs, understand audiences, and create original concepts.
• Law - AI can review contracts or summarise case law, but legal professionals are essential for advocacy, negotiation, and ethical judgment.
• Software development - AI can write code, but developers are still needed to architect systems, debug, and ensure security and scalability.
• Translation - AI can handle plain translation, but struggles with cultural context, phrases, and emotional meaning. These are all areas where human translators excel.

Creating new roles and hybrid careers

Rather than job displacement, AI is reshaping them. Many roles are becoming more strategic, creative, and interdisciplinary. For example:

• AI-enhanced marketers use data analytics and automation to personalise their marketing campaigns.
• Human-centred designers focus on user experience (UX), accessibility, and ethical design.
• Legal tech specialists combine law and AI to streamline legal research and compliance.
• Prompt engineers create effective inputs for AI systems to generate desired outputs.
• AI ethics consultants ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in AI systems.

These roles didn't exist a decade ago, and more are emerging every year.

Rethinking your career

Only make a decision to change careers based on curiosity and growth, not fear. If you are passionate about a field, don't abandon it just because AI is entering the picture. Instead:

• Research how your field is evolving - what new tools are being used, and what skills are in demand? You can also get a general idea about the skills employers want.
• Upskill in complementary areas - for example, a marketing student might wish to learn about data analytics or AI tools like HubSpot and Canva AI. Consider studying a big data course.
• Stay flexible - careers are no longer linear. You might start in one role and pivot to another as the sector changes.

Get the lowdown on how to choose a career.

Considering equity and access

It's also important to recognise that not everyone has equal access to retraining or tech resources. Students from underrepresented backgrounds may face additional barriers. That's why equitable and inclusive career support, mentorship, and accessible upskilling opportunities are essential.

As your next steps, you could:

• explore how your degree can evolve with AI
• view job profiles of interest
• consider what can I do with my degree?
• speak to a careers adviser.

Reframing your career in the age of AI

AI is not the end of your career. Yes, the landscape is changing, but so are the opportunities.

Whether you're looking to get your first job or are contemplating your career options, the key is to stay informed, flexible, and open to learning. Use AI as a thinking partner. Seek advice from people who understand your journey. Remember, your ability to adapt, connect, and create will always be in demand.

For those entering the workforce, now is the time to explore how AI can enhance, not replace, your career. If you're already working, it's a chance to reflect, reskill, and reimagine your career path.

Find out more

• Read about using generative AI in job applications.
• Explore CPD opportunities for graduates.
• Follow Kirstin on LinkedIn.