THE implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) at work will unlikely see the elimination traditional junior roles entirely, as they can be potentially redefined as higher-value positions with a different mix of responsibilities.
Malaysian Industrial Commercial Service Employers Association (MICSEA) president YK Lai says the future entry-level role may therefore involve working alongside AI from day one.
“A junior HR executive, for example, may spend less time manually preparing standard documents and more time interpreting workforce data, engaging with employees, resolving issues and supporting managers.
“Similarly, junior employees in other professions may be expected to use AI tools to accelerate routine work while focusing their time on higher-value activities,” says Lai.
The greatest risk is that organisations may focus too heavily on short-term cost savings, says Lai.
“If companies automate entry- level work and significantly reduce junior hiring, they could weaken their own future talent pipeline. Today’s junior employee is tomorrow’s manager, specialist or senior leader.
“If there is no effective entry point, organisations may eventually find themselves competing for experienced talent that they have not invested in developing themselves. “
Lai also cautions that there is also a broader labour market risk; young graduates could find themselves caught in a difficult position where employers demand experience and advanced skills, while the very jobs that traditionally provided that experience are disappearing.
“This could widen the gap between those who have access to training, technology and professional networks and those who do not. Therefore, the transition needs to be managed deliberately.
“Employers should redesign junior roles, strengthen mentoring and structured development programmes, and recruit for potential rather than expecting every graduate to arrive fully formed.”
