Majority of young professionals feel happy about embracing AI in their lives

More than half of young professionals feel comfortable or very confident about the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various aspects of daily life, while only 15 percent reported feeling unsettled or scared about the prospect, according to new research from CEMS, the Global Alliance in Management Education. Half (50 percent) also stated that social media impacts their life positively, while only just over a quarter (27 percent) feel that social media has a negative impact on their lives. Overall, 70 percent of graduates said that they feel optimistic about the future.

The global survey was conducted among recent graduates from the CEMS Master in International Management (MIM), who are now in their first year of work, or who have gone onto further study. It also found that 81 percent of graduates named salary in their top three criteria that would most influence their decision to take on a new role, followed by work life balance (61 percent) and opportunities for quick career progression (51 percent).

The gap between salary and work life balance as a top criterion has widened in the past few years, possibly in response to the current global cost-of-living crisis, meaning salary is an increasingly important factor for jobseekers. 58 percent said that three to five years is an ideal amount of time to spend in a role before looking for a new one – either in the same or a new company.

Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, said: “These results reveal that the majority of young people are not just accepting but embracing the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of their daily lives. The results reveal a profound level of comfort and confidence, signalling a generational shift in attitudes toward AI.

“One key factor driving this positive sentiment may be the seamless incorporation of AI into routine tasks, making life more efficient and convenient. Moreover, there is potential for AI to address pressing global challenges. Young people are aware of AI’s role in fields such as healthcare, climate research, and social justice initiatives. Through CEMS we aim to foster a balanced narrative around AI. On one hand we try to ensure that the benefits for innovation are fully realized, while also educating students around the need to continuously develop human skills including communication and empathy. We require a future generation of leaders who are able to harness all the advantages of AI, whilst thinking independently, in order to contribute to a more open, sustainable, and inclusive world.”

CEMS Student Board President Leonard Bussee said: “Since our childhood our generation has been exposed to the rapid advancements in technology. Crude forms of AI-like technology have been trialed and utilized for a while now in the digital space young people move around in, for example interactive characters in games, content suggestions on Instagram, editing software etc. Utilizing it in other aspects of daily life does not entail a huge change or step into a new world.

“I consider CEMS students to be a community of highly conscious, educated, and smart people with bright futures ahead. Each one of us is aware of the challenges the world is facing but we’re optimistic because we also understand that we have the tools to change the status quo. When heading into the future, many CEMS students, equipped with an incredibly good education and great determination, will be restless to climb into positions of power, allowing them to enact change.”