The AI Price of Admission: Who’s Left Behind?

The notion that artificial intelligence will bring about an age of abundance has become a familiar refrain in tech circles. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei predict “massive prosperity” and “radical upside.” However, as we consider the implications of AI adoption, it’s essential to ask: what does this mean for those who aren’t already at the table?

The Federal Reserve reports that aggregate job postings remain steady despite AI adoption. But for those struggling to gain a foothold in the workforce, this news is little comfort. As AI multiplies productivity and expands access to information, goods, and services, it’s also raising the price of entry into the workforce.

This phenomenon is not new; we’ve seen similar shifts with mechanized agriculture, industrial machinery, and computers. Each time, the initial disruption led to increased efficiency, lower costs, and improved living standards. However, this time around, the stakes are higher, and the window for adaptability is narrower.

Career preparation cannot be an afterthought in a world where AI is increasingly prevalent. Institutions must align with the changing labor market by teaching transferable skills and equipping graduates to navigate evolving careers. The old model of earning a degree, getting hired, and then learning on the job is no longer reliable. Institutions need tighter feedback loops with employers, faster program updates, and more opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and project-based work that demonstrate students’ capabilities.

The market will increasingly reward graduates who possess depth in one field combined with breadth in human skills like judgment, communication, creativity, and ethical reasoning. As routine cognitive work becomes cheaper, the premium on these skills will rise. AI literacy is also becoming a differentiator, and companies that recognize this will be well-positioned to reap the benefits.

But what about those who can’t afford or don’t have access to emerging education pathways? The problem isn’t just one of economic mobility; it’s also one of access. Abundance does not guarantee seats at the table – in fact, it might just widen the gap between haves and have-nots.

This is where education comes in. Rather than simply preparing students for a world with AI, institutions must show employers that early-career talent still delivers value. The goal shouldn’t be to create a world where a select few hold extraordinary tools, but one where many can use them to shape an extraordinary future. If AI can put more on the table, education must make more seats available.

In this new landscape, the risk of starvation is real – not just for companies that stop hiring early-career talent, but also for the very notion of a meritocratic society. As we march towards an age of abundance, let’s not forget the importance of access and economic mobility. It’s time to ensure that education is doing its part to create a future where many can use AI to shape their own destiny – not just a select few.