The growing use of AI is changing many jobs around the world, and those early in their careers may experience the biggest impact.
ADP Chief Economist Nela Richardson speaks at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting about how schools and businesses may need to change the way they think about early career skills development.
To access the full session from the World Economic Forum in Davos, visit https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2026/sessions/chief-economists-briefing-what-to-expect-in-2026/
Video Description:
Dr. Nela Richardson, ADP Chief Economist and ESG Officer
We've done some research with Stanford University, and we continue to do so. But one of the findings, that they have seen and this is related to your question on digital jobs and a growing young workforce, is that, occupations that are exposed to AI have, a vulnerability when it comes to early career. You think about what I can do, it can automate certain tasks, and you think about what you did when you were 22.
You think about how many of those tasks could be done by AI right now. And you worry about your past self. So I think what in every country early career is needs to be thought of intentionally by employers. So this is the first statement as, AI changes the way we work and how we work. Young people have to be brought along, but particularly when you look at certain professions that are, starved of young talent and it's in professional services, it's in construction, it's in the care economy and the health economy.
And how robotics will often fill that physical gap. There will be a growing need for these digital jobs and digital skills and digital trainees. And I think it's an excellent opportunity. So I applaud your efforts in Nigeria. I think employers- universities, of course, have a responsibility to educate, but the skill development is going to be so quick that by the time you leave the workforce, get another degree or certificate, come back to the workforce, your job is changed already.
And so employers are going to be in this, new role of bringing their talent, and talent all over the world with them so that they can keep up with the innovation they like to achieve. And that's the world where we're heading. It's different than the world at the past.
