‘You feel radicalized’: A Meta AI exec watched agents beat her top workers. Now she’s built a nonprofit to help Gen Z find jobs before they disappear
In today’s rapidly evolving job market, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) is undeniable. Clara Shih, a former AI executive at Meta and Salesforce, has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of AI in the workplace. After observing AI agents outperforming her top employees, Shih felt a sense of urgency to address the challenges facing the next generation of workers. This led her to establish the New Work Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to equipping Gen Z with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-driven world.
The Turning Point
Shih’s journey into the world of AI began over two decades ago. However, a pivotal moment occurred last fall when she saw Meta’s AI agents not only matching but surpassing her best employees across various tasks. “In that moment, I knew that nothing would ever be the same,” she reflected. The realization that AI could significantly alter job dynamics left her feeling “radicalized.”
The Challenge for Gen Z
As Shih navigated her career, she began hearing from the children of friends and family—many of whom were Ivy League graduates—about the difficulty of securing jobs. The combination of AI-related job displacement and a slowdown in entry-level job openings has left many Gen Zers reconsidering their career paths. A recent report from ZipRecruiter indicates that many young people are exploring alternatives to traditional employment, such as entrepreneurship, gig work, and trade schools.
Empowering Gen Z with AI Tools
Shih’s response to these challenges was the launch of the New Work Foundation, which includes a consumer-facing brand called Dear CC. The foundation aims to train Gen Z to navigate a workforce increasingly dominated by AI. “The only way to help people keep up with the pace of AI is to give them AI tools,” Shih stated. She emphasized that traditional methods of job searching and career advancement are no longer sufficient in the face of rapid technological advancements.
AI in the Workplace
AI has evolved from a novelty to a critical component of many jobs. It is now seen as a tool that can enhance productivity and efficiency. According to a survey conducted by AI enterprise platform Writer, employees who actively use AI in their daily tasks are more likely to receive promotions and raises compared to those who resist adopting the technology.
New Work Foundation Initiatives
The New Work Foundation has introduced several AI-enabled tools designed to assist job seekers, particularly those from Gen Z. One of these tools, called Field Report, provides insights into various career paths, including the number of open roles and the level of competition. For instance, a career in law may reveal 31,500 job openings in the U.S., but it also highlights the high risk of automation.
JobClaw: A Unique Job-Seeking Tool
Another innovative tool offered by the foundation is JobClaw, which helps job seekers identify roles that align with their strengths and interests. Unlike traditional job applications, JobClaw requires no résumé. Users simply fill out a five-question intake form to express their career aspirations.
The Future of Work
As AI continues to evolve, so too will the labor market. Some industry leaders, like Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, predict that AI will disrupt a significant portion of the white-collar workforce. In contrast, others, such as Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, envision a future where AI complements human workers and potentially increases hiring opportunities.
Gen Z’s Sentiment Towards AI
Despite the potential benefits of AI, many Gen Zers have developed a negative perception of the technology. A recent Gallup poll indicated that sentiment towards AI among this demographic has become increasingly unfavorable compared to the previous year. However, Shih believes that those who express moral objections to AI are essential to its development. “The people who have moral objections to AI are actually the ones I want involved,” she said. Their input is crucial in ensuring that AI systems are developed responsibly and ethically.
Conclusion
The New Work Foundation, spearheaded by Clara Shih, represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges posed by AI in the job market. By equipping Gen Z with the necessary tools and knowledge, the foundation aims to empower the next generation to thrive in an AI-driven economy. As the future of work unfolds, it is essential for young professionals to embrace AI and adapt to the changing landscape of employment.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on data available up to October 2023 and reflects the ongoing discussions surrounding AI and its impact on the workforce.
