CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Artificial intelligence has been changing the way companies work, and now, it’s also changing how they hire.

Research from Revelio Labs shows entry-level job postings in the U.S. are down 35% since early 2023, with AI playing a major role.

What You Need To Know

Entry-level job postings in the U.S. are down 35% since early 2023, with employers citing AI as the cause

In 2025, AI was tied to more than 54,000 layoffs

96% of Queen’s University of Charlotte 2025 graduates found a position within 6 months of graduating

For new college graduates, this shift in the job market means fewer openings and more competition for their first job.

Numbers from outplacement firm Challenger show AI was tied to over 54,000 layoffs last year, making an already competitive job market even tougher to navigate.

The changing landscape is what made Queens University of Charlotte senior Omari Emmanuel pursue a degree in Data Analytics.

“The college recruiting process for full-time internships is severely competitive, now more than ever,” Emmanuel said.

For international students like Emmanuel, the path from the classroom to a career isn’t as clear as it used to be.

“It’s a very competitive cycle, and having to hear my friend, who was also just a recently finished freshman, having to recruit for junior year summer internships, that was when I had an epiphany of having to take the process very seriously,” Emmanuel said.

Emmanuel is not alone in his experience, as new data from Cengage Group reveals only 30% of college graduates landed a full-time job in their field in 2025, down sharply from the year before.

With AI automating tasks that used to be entry-level, staff at Queens University’s Center for Career Development say they are now helping students navigate fewer jobs and higher employer expectations.

“In this day and age, it’s not enough just to write a good resume and cover letter. What we’re constantly doing is educating ourselves on trends in applications, in what employers are looking for,” Angela Tsuei-Strause said, executive director at the Vandiver Center for Career Development.

For Emmanuel, that meant he had to do more to stand out among other applicants, like leaning on internships to help bridge the gap AI was creating.

“I wish I could have done five, four internships, but obviously that’s not possible. After I had my first internship experience, that opened my eyes to what career I would like to do and what I’m interested in,” Emmanuel said. “I think it’s very, very important to start early as a college student and with the recruiting process to be able to get a full-time job.”

According to new numbers from Queens University, 96% of its 2025 graduates found a position within six months of graduating.

In May, Emmanuel will be going to New York to start a career in his field.

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