AI is rapidly reshaping the future of work, particularly at the entry level. As routine tasks become automated, traditional graduate roles are evolving – raising important questions about skills, education, and career pathways. This event brings together industry and academic experts to explore how roles are changing, where new opportunities are emerging, and how we can prepare the next generation for an AI-driven workforce.
5.30pm – 8.15pm
1 December 2026
Cambridge
The Bradfield Centre
£50 plus VAT for non-members
The rapid advance of artificial intelligence is reshaping the world of work at an unprecedented pace. Historically, graduate roles have served as the foundation of professional development into industries such as software engineering, law, and pharma. These roles often involve repetitive, data-driven tasks, which are precisely the kinds of activities that AI now handles with increasing proficiency.
As a result, a growing body of evidence suggests that entry-level roles are increasingly considered to be among the most exposed to displacement or redesign, with employers increasingly seeking candidates who can demonstrate experience, specialization, or immediate impact. This leads to early-career roles evolving in ways that compress or bypass traditional learning stages.
This raises a critical question: How should higher education and the society as a whole respond to this challenge?
This event brings together voices from industry and academia to examine the emerging impact of AI on graduate roles. It will explore how skill requirements are shifting, where opportunities are arising, and how education systems can adapt to prepare the next generation. – how organisations can adapt to prepare the next generation.
Why attend? Be involved in the societal debate around these critical issues, gain practical insight, understand implications for hiring / skills / education.
Who should attend? Employers, educators and policy makers, HR, talent, recruitment and L&D professionals, early-career professionals, or students?
Thank you to our AI SIG sponsor Appleyard Lees
