SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – If it feels like landing that first “real” job is harder than it used to be, you’re not imagining it — and it might have something to do with AI.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the unemployment rate for 20- to 24-year-olds is about three percentage points higher than the national average.
Economists describe the current job market as a “low hire, low fire” climate. In other words, companies aren’t laying people off at the same rate as in past downturns — but they also aren’t hiring aggressively. That can make it especially tough for young adults trying to get their foot in the door.
At the same time, employers are increasingly asking for something many early-career workers haven’t had time to build yet: AI experience.
A recent analysis from Indeed highlights how fast that shift is happening. Across industries, one in 12 job listings now includes “AI” in the job title — and that number has tripled since 2022.
So what can you do if you’re looking for work right now? A local economist encourages job seekers to adjust to the evolving landscape.
“Employers will look for people who can use AI to expand productivity and opportunities — not just to do existing tasks,” said Yong Suk Lee, an associate professor of technology, economy, and global affairs at the University of Notre Dame.
Lee says even though AI may be replacing some entry-level tasks, it’s also creating opportunities in other spaces — adding that while it may be harder right now for young adults to find jobs, building AI-related skills now can pay dividends later.
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