AI is reshaping entry-level work. Is your workforce ready?

New research entitled “The AI Workforce Pulse: The Adaptability Imperative” from Pearson and Cognizant shows how AI is transforming hiring, skills and early-career roles — and why organizations must adapt now.

94% of HR leaders expect AI to create new entry-level roles...

94%
60%

...yet 60% say their learning programs can’t keep pace. 

Entry-level roles are not disappearing — they are being redefined. As AI takes on routine tasks, organizations are shifting toward roles that require adaptability, human judgment and AI fluency.

This research, based on a global survey of HR leaders, explores how leading organizations are evolving their workforce strategies — and where many are falling behind.

96%

Roles are evolving

96% of HR leaders expect entry-level roles to evolve into positions where employees supervise or manage AI systems within the next five years.

Liberal arts degrees rise in value

67% of HR leaders say they now value liberal arts degrees more than they used to; representing a reversal of a decade of STEM-first hiring logic.

67%
95%

Middle managers are critical

95% identify middle managers as the most critical factor in making AI adoption work; the same layer many companies are cutting right now. 

Skills are changing

97% say soft skills are more important than ever.

97%

The gap is growing

Demand for AI training is rising — but most organizations aren’t ready

As work evolves, the most successful organizations will focus less on replacing tasks and more on building the capabilities that help humans and AI work together. That starts with early-career talent... The future belongs to organizations that combine AI innovation with a deep understanding of how people learn, develop, and apply new skills in the real world.” 

Ali Bebo, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pearson

Get the insights shaping the AI workforce

Download the full report to understand how AI is redefining entry-level work — and how to build a workforce ready for what’s next.

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Global survey of 750 HR leaders across the U.S., UK and India

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