AI Both a Boon and a Barrier for New Graduates, Says CFA Institute’s Global Survey
In a rapidly evolving job market shaped by automation and artificial intelligence (AI), a significant proportion of recent graduates are increasingly viewing AI as both a potential threat and a powerful career-enhancing tool, according to the CFA Institute’s Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025.
The survey, released this week by the CFA Institute, a premier global association of investment professionals, highlights the conflicting sentiments young professionals feel toward emerging technologies.
The findings, based on responses from more than 9,000 graduates worldwide—including 1,250 participants from India—offer a snapshot of current attitudes, aspirations, and anxieties among the newest entrants to the global workforce.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword for Career Prospects
A striking 70% of graduates globally said they believe AI will make it harder to secure their desired jobs, reflecting a growing unease about the impact of automation on traditional roles.
Among Indian respondents, this concern was even more pronounced, with a higher-than-average number fearing that AI could make the job hunt significantly more competitive and uncertain.
Despite these concerns, the vast majority also recognize the transformative potential of AI-related skills. An overwhelming 92% of those surveyed said gaining proficiency in AI and automation tools would improve their career prospects, suggesting a pragmatic shift in how new graduates are preparing for the future.
This paradox of both fearing and embracing AI illustrates how digital transformation is reshaping not just job markets, but also the very mindset of those preparing to enter them.
Rising Interest in AI Careers and Skill Development
The report observed a growing interest in AI-related careers, particularly among Indian graduates. Interest in pursuing AI-focused roles increased from 59% in 2024 to 63% in 2025, a notable jump that underscores a broader shift toward technologically aligned professions.
“This reflects a decisive pivot towards more future-aligned fields, driven by both awareness and adaptability,” the CFA Institute noted in its report.
Arati Porwal, Senior Country Head for the CFA Institute in India, emphasized the importance of AI fluency. “For this generation, AI is no longer just an option,” Porwal said.
“They are aware of how imperative it is for professional growth and are actively seeking to gain relevant, industry-aligned skills.”
Finance Sector Retains Top Position as Career Destination
The finance sector continues to dominate as the top choice for career-minded graduates. According to the survey, 38% of respondents expressed the most confidence in finance as a stable and rewarding sector, up from 30% in the previous year.
This makes finance the leading sector of choice for the third consecutive year, followed by Information Technology (32%) and Education (21%).
For those who chose finance, 23% cited its stability and long-term attractiveness, while 26% considered it the most valuable industry in which to build a career.
This surge in confidence comes as the sector undergoes a significant transformation, embracing cutting-edge technologies such as generative AI, blockchain, and algorithmic trading.
Dr. Archana Singh, a professor at D.Y. Patil University who attended the survey’s launch event in Mumbai, stressed the importance of tech-readiness in the financial domain.
“The finance sector is evolving with time,” she said. “The modern version of finance is deeply interwoven with technology. Students must now be trained not only in traditional financial concepts but also in tech-enabled finance applications to stay relevant.”
Graduates Prioritizing Certifications Over Traditional Degrees
Another significant finding from the report is a shift in how graduates are approaching higher education and professional training.
While 40% of respondents indicated that they are eager to secure employment immediately after graduation, a noteworthy 68% said they believe that professional certifications offer better career progression than a conventional postgraduate degree.
This reflects a broader global trend in favor of flexible, skill-based learning over lengthy academic programs, especially in fast-paced industries where practical expertise is highly valued. 85% of Indian graduates said that certifications had directly improved their employability or increased their income, reaffirming the value of short-term, high-impact credentials in today’s job market.
A Generation Defined by Clarity and Confidence
Summarizing the broader implications of the report, Arati Porwal remarked, “The insights clearly show a generation that is not only confident but also deliberate in the way they approach career growth. They are highly aware of the changing dynamics in the global job market and are making calculated decisions to stay competitive.”
The Global Graduate Outlook Survey 2025 paints a picture of a new generation that is ambitious, self-aware, and highly adaptive.
While AI remains a cause for concern, it is also seen as a tool for transformation—one that can unlock opportunities for those equipped with the right knowledge and credentials.
As industries continue to digitize and global markets grow more complex, the road to career success may not be linear. But for today’s graduates, it is clear that embracing change—and mastering the tools driving that change—will be key to thriving in the future of work.
