AI Speeds Entry-Level Responsibilities

Source: theglobeandmail.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

Artificial intelligence is altering entry-level jobs at companies like Shopify, KPMG, and McKinsey, where routine tasks are automated and new hires tackle higher-level work faster. Experts from these firms and surveys show young workers gaining AI fluency and soft skills like adaptability earlier in their careers. The article reports on this shift now amid rising AI adoption and youth job market concerns.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Key points

Details and context

AI handles tasks like information gathering and basic research that once defined starter jobs, freeing new hires to analyze data, question outputs, and make decisions from day one. Firms like KPMG now ask interview candidates how they use tools like ChatGPT and refine results. This speeds career paths but requires clear support to avoid overwhelming young workers, as noted by Memorial University economist Tony Fang.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Shopify's expanded internships build a talent pipeline while injecting AI curiosity into its culture. Randstad Canada's survey found 37 per cent of workers would quit over lack of AI training, up 14 points from last year. McKinsey stresses hiring "voracious learners" over specific AI prompting skills, given the technology's rapid changes.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Key quotes

“We really feel like AI will replace tasks, not jobs,” says Farhan Thawar, Shopify’s head of engineering.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

“It’s not that AI is necessarily replacing jobs, it’s that AI is changing the skills needed and kind of career paths that organizations want to put in place,” says Lewis Curley, a partner in KPMG Canada’s people and change practice.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

“We’re looking for people who can ask smart questions, who are curious and who can really interrogate the data,” says Blair Ciesil, a partner in global talent attraction at McKinsey.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Why it matters

AI's integration is compressing career ramps, affecting how companies build workforces and how young talent develops skills. For job seekers, this means mastering AI tools and soft skills like critical thinking to handle advanced duties early; for employers, it demands redesigned roles, internships, and training to attract and retain workers. Watch evolving hiring tests and internship expansions, though AI's pace could shift priorities further.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

What changed

Entry-level roles once focused on repetitive tasks like research; now AI automates those, assigning analysis and decision-making sooner; this shift is underway as seen in 2025-2026 hiring at Shopify, KPMG, and McKinsey.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

FAQ

Q: How has Shopify adjusted its hiring amid AI concerns?

A: Despite CEO Tobias Lütke's memo against non-AI-proof hires, Shopify grew its paid internship program to 1,000 intern engineers in Canada and the U.S. last year from around 70 before, hiring nearly 200 graduates. The company plans another 1,000 interns this year to bring in AI-fluent young talent.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Q: What skills do business leaders prioritize for entry-level roles per surveys?

A: A KPMG U.S. survey found 63 per cent of leaders value adaptability and continuous learning most, with 61 per cent citing critical thinking and problem-solving. The Future Skills Centre's poll of 1,700 Canadian SMB leaders named digital know-how, communication, and adaptability as top needs over the next three years.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Q: Why might workers leave jobs over AI?

A: A Randstad Canada survey showed 37 per cent of workers would quit due to lack of AI training, up 14 percentage points from the previous year. Young people seek employers investing in AI skills to stay competitive throughout careers.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)

Q: How are firms like McKinsey assessing candidates now?

A: McKinsey uses its gamified Solve test more often for problem-thinking and asks about AI use in interviews, but avoids over-testing prompting skills due to fast changes. It seeks curious, skeptical learners for messy problems.[[1]](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/careers/talent/article-ai-is-reshaping-entry-level-roles-meaning-more-responsibility-faster/)