Core Insights - The article discusses a structural shift in the global white-collar labor market due to the rise of generative AI, leading to a preference for experienced employees over entry-level positions [2][7]. Group 1: Impact of AI on Employment - A study by Harvard scholars Seyed M. Hosseini and Guy Lichtinger provides evidence that generative AI is causing companies to favor experienced employees, significantly impacting entry-level job availability [3][7]. - The research utilized a large database of approximately 62 million LinkedIn profiles and 198 million job postings from 2015 to 2025 to analyze the effects of generative AI on job demand [6]. Group 2: Identification of AI-Adopting Companies - The researchers developed a two-step identification method to pinpoint companies actively adopting generative AI, focusing on those posting "AI integrator" job listings [10][14]. - Approximately 10,599 companies, representing 3.7% of the sample, were identified as "AI adopters," indicating a significant shift in hiring practices [16][19]. Group 3: Changes in Job Structure - From mid-2022 onwards, the growth rate of entry-level positions began to decline sharply, while senior positions continued to rise, suggesting a causal relationship between AI adoption and the reduction of entry-level jobs [25][26]. - By the first quarter of 2023, entry-level positions in AI-adopting companies decreased by approximately 7.7% compared to non-adopting companies [32][36]. Group 4: Recruitment Trends - AI-adopting companies reduced their external hiring of entry-level employees by an average of 3.7 per quarter, equating to a 22% decrease in their previous hiring rates [37]. - Interestingly, the turnover rate for entry-level employees in these companies decreased, while internal promotions accelerated [38]. Group 5: Industry and Educational Background Impact - The wholesale and retail sectors experienced the most significant decline in entry-level job postings, with a nearly 40% drop in AI-adopting companies compared to non-adopters [44]. - Graduates from mid-tier universities (Tier 2 and Tier 3) faced the most substantial employment impacts, while those from top-tier and lower-tier institutions were less affected [46][49]. Group 6: Recommendations for Job Seekers - Job seekers should focus on developing skills that are difficult for AI to replace, such as complex problem-solving, creativity, and effective communication [55]. - Understanding how to leverage AI as a complementary tool rather than viewing it as a threat is crucial for both entry-level and mid-career professionals [57].

Core Insights - The article discusses the shift in the age of career crises from 35 to 25, influenced by the rise of generative AI technologies [1][2]. Group 1: Impact of Generative AI on Employment - A recent economic research report indicates that generative AI is reshaping the labor market in a "seniority-biased" manner, significantly affecting junior employees more than senior ones [3][4]. - Data from Q1 2023 shows a notable decline in hiring for junior positions in companies that adopted AI compared to those that did not, while senior positions continued to rise [4][7]. - The wholesale and retail trade sectors experienced the most severe impact regarding the reduction of junior roles [7]. Group 2: Job Roles at Risk - Specific job roles that are likely to be adversely affected by AI include customer service, e-commerce content operations, and junior sales support [8][12]. - The implementation of AI in customer service has led to significant efficiency gains, allowing a reduction in workforce from 200 to 50 employees, indicating a trend towards layoffs rather than just hiring slowdowns [9][11]. Group 3: Educational Background and Employment Impact - The research reveals a "U-shaped" impact of AI on employment, where graduates from non-prestigious universities are the most affected, while graduates from top-tier institutions face relatively less impact [15][18]. - Graduates from elite universities typically engage in complex, non-structured work that is less likely to be replaced by AI, thus forming a complementary relationship with the technology [17]. Group 4: The Matthew Effect - The article highlights a growing disparity in capabilities due to AI, where advanced users can leverage AI as a powerful tool, while intermediate users may face challenges in maintaining their competitive edge [21][27]. - The ease of access to AI tools allows novice users to present themselves as intermediate players, leading to a compression of the survival space for true intermediate players [39][40]. Group 5: Future Implications for Job Seekers - The article suggests that the traditional path for junior players to advance through skill accumulation is being disrupted by AI, which can perform many repetitive tasks, making it harder for them to develop genuine skills [40][43]. - Companies may become more stringent in their expectations for new hires, as the reduced trial-and-error opportunities for junior players could lead to a more challenging job market [44][46]. Group 6: Conclusion - The article concludes that AI is fundamentally transforming work and life, leading to a contraction of junior roles and an increase in the value of higher-order thinking skills [47][48]. - The emergence of a new capability pyramid is anticipated, with a small number of experts at the top, followed by a few skilled individuals, many intermediate players, and a large base of unskilled workers [49].