Consultancies say AI could make new graduates more valuable

In short: Consulting firms say the rise of AI is changing entry level work, and that new graduates can still benefit if they build broader skills.

What's going on

Some consultancies are pushing back on the idea that AI will automatically reduce opportunities for new graduates. They say graduates can benefit because AI is taking over some of the repetitive tasks that used to fill a junior employee’s day.

In consulting, a common early job is producing slide decks, which are presentation documents used to explain an idea or a plan. AI tools can now help draft text, summarize documents, and suggest layouts, which can speed up that kind of work.

The Financial Times’ Lex column points to a shift in what firms need from junior staff. The added context is simple: employers are looking for juniors whose value is not just a willingness to work long hours and churn out slide decks. Instead, firms want people who can ask good questions, check facts, understand clients’ needs, and make sound judgments, like a good editor who improves a rough draft rather than just typing it up.

What to watch

If more firms adopt AI for routine tasks, hiring may place more weight on problem-solving, communication, and basic business understanding. For graduates, the practical question is whether universities and employers adjust training and entry level roles so juniors get more chances to learn higher value work earlier.

Source: Financial Times