Is Your Degree AI-Proof? 4 Career Moves To Make Amid Meta and Microsoft Layoffs
If you’re asking, “Is my degree AI-proof?” you’re not alone.
Meta and Microsoft have slashed tens of thousands of jobs while investing billions in artificial intelligence. Many Gen Z and millennial workers are left wondering whether the skills they spent years developing will still lead to a decent-paying career.
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While no degree comes with a guarantee, experts say there are four career moves that can help young workers stay competitive as AI reshapes the job market.
Put AI to Work
Using ChatGPT or Claude isn't enough. The real advantage comes from applying AI tools to everyday work.
Workers who can combine AI with their existing skills may have an advantage over candidates who rely on older processes, said Austin Stratt, founder of Careerify, a reverse recruiting service.
“A marketer, analyst, recruiter, product manager or engineer who can use AI tools effectively is more valuable than someone who only understands the old workflow,” he said. “Workers should learn how AI can speed up research, drafting, data analysis, QA, documentation and customer support within their specific role.”
Build Relationships
Technical skills matter, but so do the people who know and trust a worker's abilities.
Darcy Eikenberg, executive coach, speaker and author at Red Cape Revolution, said one of the best ways to become more resilient in a changing job market is to build stronger and broader relationships.
That means getting away from screens, reaching out to people, participating in professional communities and attending events both online and offline.
“Within organizations, relationships are the shortcut to getting the right work done the right way, so taking time to build one before you need it is essential,” she said.
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Specialize in a Niche Field
AI is getting better at handling general tasks. That's one reason some experts believe specialization may become even more valuable.
Komninos Chatzipapas, founder of Orion AI Software, said young workers should focus on developing expertise in a niche area rather than trying to compete as generalists.
He pointed to a recent hire who specialized in website speed optimization rather than software development broadly.
“As AI gets better and better, it will take over more of the ‘generalist’ roles,” he said. “Good data for niche work is exponentially harder to find and so it's much harder to train AI on that.”
Show Your Expertise
A strong resume may not be enough in a crowded job market. Employers increasingly want evidence of how candidates think and solve problems.
Sree Sudha, software project manager at ZF Group, said building visible thought leadership by sharing practical insights online. That could mean posting on LinkedIn, commenting on industry trends or discussing lessons learned from projects and professional experiences.
“In a crowded and volatile job market, traditional resumes are losing their punch,” Sudha said. “You cannot rely on a standard job application to prove your worth when thousands of displaced workers are applying for the exact same roles.”
Bottom Line
The future of work is changing, but uncertainty has always been part of building a career.
“The workers who adapt most successfully are often not those who experience the least anxiety, but those who learn how to manage uncertainty without allowing it to define their decisions,” said Valentina Lipskaia, a clinical psychologist and founder of the mental health app, Dzeny.
As AI reshapes the workplace, developing resilience may be the most valuable career move of all.
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This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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