AI is killing the grunt work, forcing companies to rethink entry-level hiring

At London-based ad agency Catalyst, one junior employee can now handle five different client accounts.

Previously, several were needed, according to founder Tobias Green. Now, AI tools handle research, write the first pass of copy, and gather data.

"Then you need someone to come in and fix it up," he said, comparing the arrangement to "a reverse Mechanical Turk." AI works behind the scenes while the human is the face presented to the client.

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly adept at research, drafting, coding and administrative work — all tasks traditionally given to junior employees across industries.

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It's changing how the ad agency views entry-level roles. "If AI removes the grunt work, then the grunt work is no longer relevant," Green told CNBC. "They don't need to learn those skills … They need to learn how to manipulate and utilise AI."

Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly adept at research, drafting, coding and administrative work — all tasks traditionally given to junior employees across industries. 

This can boost productivity, but experts have also raised concerns about what this means for career advancement and how young workers can develop the required skills in the first place.

Open University's 2026 Business Barometer report, which surveyed 1,500 business leaders in the U.K., found that 51% of respondents said AI was changing how they hire. Some 19% said they had reduced entry-level recruitment, with 42% of these citing AI adoption as a reason.

Entry-level roles are 'where you get your training wheels'

Lucy Beaumont, global SVP of product at talent assessment company SHL in Surrey, England, said some major graduate recruiters are hiring fewer people as they assess whether they need the roles at all.

If we've had an organisation that's a pyramid shape, we're now seeing what we call a diamond

Lucy Beaumont

SHL

'Hiring for potential'

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