Will AI eliminate entry-level jobs?

The rise of AI in the workplace has sparked both excitement and uncertainty.  

As AI automates more manual and repetitive tasks that were traditionally assigned to junior professionals, what’s the future of entry-level talent in an AI world?  

It’s a fair concern. Early-career roles have traditionally been the gateway for young professionals to enter the workforce, build confidence and develop key skills. Now, with automation accelerating, these roles are undergoing significant changes. But rather than being eliminated, they’re evolving—opening new doors for junior talent with fresh perspectives and digital agility.  

The World Economic Forum predicts 170 million new jobs will be created by AI globally by 2030. And businesses adopting AI early are already seeing a 38% performance increase. These shifts require skilled, flexible early-career talent who can work with AI, not be replaced by it.  

Adaptability is the new advantage 

To succeed in this changing landscape, young professionals need to be AI-ready from day one—with a mindset built on growth, agility and digital confidence.  

Employers are no longer just hiring for technical expertise. They’re looking for individuals who can evolve alongside the technology, not be outpaced by it.  

Early-career professionals who thrive will be those who embrace lifelong learning, engage with AI tools, and pair human insight with digital capabilities.     

Today’s graduates are stepping into roles that demand an understanding of how data flows through organisations, and how to collaborate across hybrid, often global, teams.  

How graduates can stay competitive in an AI-driven job market  

The tech landscape continues to offer exciting and dynamic career opportunities. At the end of 2023, the UK tech sector achieved a remarkable milestone, reaching a combined market valuation of $1.1 trillion.  

According to FDM Consultant, Norbert Csecs, who went through our graduate programme and is currently working as a Junior Tech Specialist for a financial institution:  

“The majority of the world, including the British government, is betting on AI continuing to improve quickly. This dynamic technological environment encourages everyone to rethink their processes and build a capability to harness the power of AI in their organisation. Even more exciting is the opportunity the global tech community has in shaping the usage of neural computing for the common good. It’s a brave new world, an incredibly exciting time to be alive!”  

But the fast pace of technology means that roles are similarly evolving quicker than ever before. Standing out in today’s job market means more than having a degree. Here’s how graduates can build confidence and stay competitive:  

1. Get comfortable with key tools
   Build hands-on experience with Python, Power BI, and cloud platforms that power modern business decision-making. 
2. Strengthen data literacy
   From interpreting dashboards to spotting trends, knowing how to work with data is a critical skill across all industries. 
3. Understand AI’s role in business
   It’s not just about coding—graduates need to understand where AI adds value, from automating tasks to improving customer experiences, so they can contribute strategically, not just technically. 
4. Develop soft skills
   Communication, adaptability, critical thinking and collaboration are just as important as technical know-how.   

Top entry-level tech roles on the rise  

This list highlights careers in AI, data, cloud computing, machine learning, and cybersecurity – roles that are integral to the UK’s thriving digital economy. These roles are transformative and fast-paced, requiring a commitment to upskilling and reskilling.    

Data Analyst  

Data is everywhere, and every sector from healthcare to entertainment relies on it. Entry-level data analysts transform raw data into actionable insights using tools like Python, SQL, Excel and Power BI. These professionals help businesses make smarter, evidence-based decisions.  

David Harvey, Head of our Data & Analytics Practice, shares his insights on the changing role of data consultants in today’s evolving tech landscape:   

“The role of a Data Consultant has evolved drastically over the last few years as organisations continue to recognise not only the value that data can bring but also the need to ensure that the data being delivered by data pipelines is of a high quality, especially as this is the data which is now feeding AI Large Language Models.”  

Cybersecurity Analyst  

As AI adoption increases, so do cyber risks. Cybersecurity analysts help protect data, networks and systems. Junior roles include threat detection, vulnerability testing, incident response and audits.  

“Cyber resilience allows clients to understand their risk posture and then apply the right amount of cybersecurity to their organisation by building walls, locking systems down, and preventing breaches before they happen.” says Sawan Joshi, FDM’s Group Director of Information Security  

AI/Machine Learning Operations Support  

AI models need more than just development—they need support. Entry-level professionals in AI/ML operations maintain models, monitor for bias or errors, and support data pipelines, often collaborating with data engineers and QA testers.  

The government’s National AI Strategy highlights the growing need for the “supporting workforce” behind AI deployment, not just its creators.  

Cloud Support Engineer  

With cloud infrastructure powering AI and modern apps, cloud support engineers are vital. Entry-level roles include system monitoring, environment configuration and technical support. Experience with platforms like AWS, Azure or Google Cloud is increasingly valuable.   

According to TechUK, cloud computing is one of the fastest-growing areas in the UK tech sector, with strong demand for junior talent.  

Why these roles are ideal for early talent  

For graduates, these roles offer:  

• Structured learning and clear progression paths  

• Exposure to cutting-edge tools and technologies  

• Opportunities to make meaningful contributions early in their careers  

• Transferable skills that support long-term growth 

By developing both soft and technical skills, graduates can step confidently into these evolving roles—prepared not just to participate in the AI age, but to shape it.  

Garth Newboult, FDM’s Delivery Director, explains:  

“As tech hiring accelerates in 2025, organisations will prioritise skills in cloud computing, cybersecurity, data science, and AI integration. However, technical skills alone will not suffice. Change and transformation initiatives will demand professionals who blend technical expertise with a transformation mindset.”    

These positions sit at the intersection of technical knowledge and human insight. While AI handles pattern recognition and automation, people are needed to frame the right questions, interpret results, and ensure ethical and effective application.  

How FDM prepares junior talent for an AI-driven future  

At FDM, we equip graduates with the skills, support and confidence to thrive in the AI workplace.  

Our programmes span data analysis, cloud computing, cybersecurity and automation—ensuring consultants are ready to add value to client projects from day one.  

By combining hands-on experience with continuous development, we’re building a workforce that’s not just AI-aware, but AI-ready.  

Conclusion    

We’re already seeing most manual and repetitive tasks being automated, even traditional tech roles like software development are evolving. In fact, according to a recent Forbes report, AI now writes 25% of Google’s code, highlighting just how embedded these tools are becoming in core functions. 

The most valuable skills won’t be ones AI can replicate, but those that are human: 

• Critical thinking 

• Creative problem solving 

• Emotional intelligence 

• Adaptability 

These are the qualities that will shape how technology is applied, interpreted, and improved. And this is exactly where today’s graduates can shine. 

Explore how you can build the skills to succeed in an AI-powered world through our Graduate Programme here.