LinkedIn Co-Founder Warns Gen Z of AI Job Market Bloodbath

Billionaire Reid Hoffman, the co-founder of LinkedIn, has acknowledged the challenging job market that Generation Z college graduates are entering, describing it as a predicted entry-level job “bloodbath” due to the impact of artificial intelligence (AI).

Hoffman, however, encourages young people to focus on developing human skills that AI cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence, ethical discernment, creative expression, and intention. He believes that those who master these skills will emerge as winners in an AI-mediated world.

Hoffman advises Gen Z graduates to move beyond vibe coding and prompt engineering, and instead prioritize understanding how technology is revolutionizing workflows and business models. He encourages them to take advantage of AI as a tool to create their own opportunities, rather than trying to AI-proof their careers.

Hoffman also emphasizes the importance of building in-person networks and friendships in business, calling it one of “humanity’s greatest superpowers.” He believes that these human networks of trust are more valuable than ever in an era of abundant efficiency and diminishing empathy.

Hoffman's advice comes at a time when AI is completely disrupting the college-to-career pipeline, with predictions that half of all entry-level, white-collar jobs could disappear. However, he remains optimistic that young people have an advantage in adapting to technology and can use AI as a tool to create their own opportunities.

Hoffman encourages recent grads to get entrepreneurial and use AI as a tool to create their own opportunities. He suggests trying lots of things and considering six-month experiments instead of making five-year plans. With the right tools, he believes that young people can now do what used to require teams, such as creating content and brands, generating and testing marketing campaigns, writing code, and designing products.

Hoffman's message to Gen Z graduates is clear: while the job market may be challenging, those who take advantage of AI and prioritize human skills will emerge as winners in an AI-mediated world. He encourages them to be proactive, adaptable, and entrepreneurial in their approach to their careers.