Business·2026-02-13 02:47Core Insights - IBM plans to triple entry-level hiring in the US by 2026 despite concerns that AI may reduce demand for early-career workers [1][5] - The hiring expansion will encompass various departments, although specific figures were not disclosed [2] - The company is adapting entry-level job descriptions to highlight the value that new hires can bring, focusing on roles that require human interaction rather than routine tasks that AI can perform [4] Hiring Strategy - IBM's chief human resources officer emphasized the need to demonstrate the real value of entry-level positions in light of AI advancements [4] - The roles for junior software developers have shifted from routine coding to more customer-facing responsibilities [4] - Entry-level HR staff are now tasked with managing situations where AI chatbots fall short, rather than handling all inquiries directly [4] Industry Context - Concerns are rising about AI potentially eliminating half of entry-level office jobs by 2030, creating anxiety among new graduates [5] - Some executives argue that investing in younger workers is beneficial during technological changes, as they tend to be more proficient with AI [7] - Dropbox is also expanding its internship and new graduate programs by 25% to leverage the AI skills of younger workers [8] Long-term Implications - Reducing early-career recruitment could lead to a shortage of mid-level managers in the future, increasing costs for companies that may need to hire externally [6] - Companies may face challenges in integrating externally hired talent into their culture compared to internally trained employees [6]