AI drives more junior-level hiring at IBM and other firms

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) has tripled its entry-level hiring for 2026, to an unspecified number.

The announcement comes amid growing concerns that AI could eliminate job prospects for new graduates.

IBM’s Chief HR, Nickle LaMoreaux, said that while previous junior job tasks, such as routine coding and engaging with new applicants, could be performed by AI, the new roles have been redesigned.

Junior software developers now focus more on client engagement, while HR associates act as critical supervisors for AI chatbots.

LaMoreaux warned that cutting entry-level pipelines makes it harder to hire mid-level managers and increases the cost to fill those positions. Hiring new talent for such roles is less efficient than promoting a junior.

Not just IBM, Dropbox echoed a similar sentiment. Its HR head, Melanie Rosenwasser, recently suggested that younger workers often possess a native AI fluency that far surpasses that of their senior counterparts.

Dropbox has increased its internship and new graduate programs by 25%.

The development comes despite Anthropic CEO predicting last year that AI could wipe out 50% of all entry-level office jobs within the next few years.

Overall, some firms are changing job requirements and using younger generations to help with AI integration.