How recent graduates entering the job market can outperform AI
South China Morning Post
by Eric StrysonFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Recent graduates entering the job market face a significant challenge: artificial intelligence (AI) is not only eliminating jobs but also eroding the very skills that make humans valuable in the workforce. While automation has reduced opportunities, particularly with Hong Kong graduates in 2025 finding 55% fewer job openings than the previous year, the deeper issue lies in AI's impact on cognitive and interpersonal abilities. This undermines young professionals' ability to stand out in a machine-automated era.
The threat is multifaceted. On one hand, AI-driven tools are replicating tasks that once required human effort, from data analysis to customer service interactions. On the other hand, reliance on technology may weaken critical thinking, communication, and emotional intelligence—skills that remain irreplaceable by machines. This cognitive degradation poses a long-term risk to career success and societal progress.
However, there is hope for graduates willing to adapt. By focusing on uniquely human strengths such as creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, professionals can carve out roles where AI cannot excel. Embracing lifelong learning, reskilling in high-demand fields like AI development or cybersecurity, and pursuing entrepreneurial ventures in niche markets offer pathways to thrive despite automation.
This issue matters globally, as countries grapple with similar challenges. The rise of AI necessitates a redefinition of workforce strategies, emphasizing human skills that complement technology rather than compete with it. For young professionals, the key lies in leveraging their distinct strengths while staying ahead of the curve in a rapidly evolving job market.
Ultimately, the future belongs to those who can harness human ingenuity alongside technological advancements. By prioritizing adaptability and innovation, recent graduates can not only survive but outperform AI in an era dominated by machines.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/15/2026