Is AI putting graduates out of work already?
Is AI putting graduates out of work already?
Date: May 13, 2026
Source: The Economist
URL: https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2026/05/13/is-ai-putting-graduates-out-of-work-already
Key Findings
Chart shows relationship between AI exposure by field and employment changes for US university graduates (2022-24, surveyed 6 months after graduation):
- Fields with highest AI exposure (Information sciences, Computer science): 10-15 percentage point drops in full-time employment
- Finance, Accounting: Moderate declines (around 5 points) despite moderate AI exposure
- Civil engineering, Electrical engineering, Communications: Declining despite lower-to-moderate AI exposure
- Psychology, Philosophy: Slight increases despite some AI exposure
Clear negative correlation between AI exposure and employment outcomes for recent graduates.
Chart
Chart data from Anthropic and National Association of Colleges and Employers.
