Will AI Steal Your Graduate Job? PwC's Chief Previews the Future

In a candid discussion with the BBC, PwC’s global chairman, Mohamed Kande, warned that the surge of artificial intelligence (AI) could significantly shrink the opportunities for entry-level graduates. While Kande clarified that recent job cuts within PwC were not directly related to AI advancements, he emphasized the growing need for skilled AI engineers, a sector where the firm faces hiring challenges.

Kande spoke at a business summit in Singapore, touching on the broader implications of the global economy and the impact of recent geopolitical events like Trump’s tariffs. Despite a challenging hiring landscape for new graduates—PwC has adjusted its hiring projections, no longer aiming for a target of 100,000 hires over five years—Kande remains optimistic about the potential for new job creation linked to AI integration within companies.

PwC has already seen a significant reduction, cutting over 5,600 roles globally last year, and is reconsidering its approach to graduate recruitment as responsibilities shift due to the rise of AI technologies. Traditionally hiring thousands each year—1,300 in the UK and 3,200 in the US—Kande noted that while the company still plans to hire, the skill set required is evolving.

Delving into the role of AI in consulting services, Kande pointed out that businesses are increasingly able to utilize AI to process data at unprecedented speeds, fundamentally changing how consulting work will be executed, often substituting human labor for technology that accomplishes tasks in a fraction of the time.

Despite these shifts, Kande noted that the AI boom poses exciting new opportunities. He shared that PwC is striving to recruit hundreds of engineers to push forward their AI agenda, yet faces recruitment difficulties. Amid global economic uncertainties exacerbated by tariffs, many companies are seeking guidance on navigating challenges, thereby benefiting PwC’s consulting sector.

Kande also addressed the fallout from the company’s suspension in China over its auditing failures with Evergrande, promising strong changes in governance and quality management to rebuild trust and avoid future pitfalls. His tenure aims to ensure that such lapses do not repeat, reflecting a commitment to accountability and high standards in auditing practices.