AI Tools for Businesses Reshape Career Landscape, Workforce Demands

Artificial intelligence is increasingly being integrated into various aspects of life, from education to workplaces. This shift has significant implications on career decisions and workforce needs, as educators, students, and employers are beginning to realize the effects of AI on their respective fields. While the job impact of AI remains uncertain, new research suggests that it’s already influencing what students choose to study and how businesses plan for future hiring.

The Lumina Foundation-Gallup 2026 State of Higher Education Study provides valuable insights into this phenomenon. According to the survey, a significant number of bachelor’s degree students are considering changing their majors due to AI-related concerns. Specifically, 13% said they have considered changing their major ‘a great deal,’ while 29% say they have thought about it ‘a fair amount.’ This indicates that many students are reevaluating their academic choices in light of the potential job market implications.

Joi Hester, a rising junior at NC State, shared her perspective on AI’s impact. As a world languages and culture major with a minor in biology, she acknowledged that opinions on AI vary depending on individual fields and levels of study. ‘That really depends on what type of student you’re asking,’ she said. Her own experiences have led her to consider the potential job displacement caused by automation.

The survey found that 16% of currently enrolled college students have already changed majors or field of study due to concerns about AI’s impact on future employment. This trend suggests a growing awareness among students and educators regarding the need for adaptability in an increasingly automated work environment. Hester noted that one potential concern is that businesses might require fewer workers if AI handles more routine tasks.

However, she emphasized that humanities programs continue to offer important advantages. ‘That’s one of the places where people like me, who may be in a major considered endangered by AI, could be more competitive,’ she said. This is because students with strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills can complement AI tools, making them valuable assets in an evolving job market.

Hester also shared her personal approach to using AI. She only uses it when required for coursework, preferring to develop a range of skills that will remain relevant regardless of technological advancements. ‘I think learning various skills is always going to be useful,’ she said. Her stance highlights the importance of balancing technical proficiency with human judgment and creativity.

The growth of data centers has sparked debate among local governments in North Carolina. Some communities are considering moratoriums or development pauses, while others are actively courting projects. Supporters point to job creation and local investment as benefits, but critics have raised concerns about environmental impacts and utility use, questioning the true scale of long-term employment figures.

The expansion of artificial intelligence has fueled a wave of data center development across the country, increasing demand for skilled workers in this sector. Joel Thames, Vice President of Environment, Health, Safety, and Workforce Development at Associated Builders and Contractors, highlighted the unique aspects of these jobs. ‘Data centers are unlike other construction projects,’ he said. ‘There’s a heavy commercial aspect to these jobs, as well as industrial aspects.’

The industry is facing significant labor shortages, with an estimated 456,000 additional workers needed next year to meet projected demand. The trade group has partnered with Meta through America’s Workforce Academy, investing $115 million in training programs for AI infrastructure and construction-related jobs. This initiative aims to address the shortage by providing opportunities for individuals to gain skills and experience.

Thames noted that thousands of applications flooded in after Meta announced its investment. He emphasized the long-term goal of enrolling workers in more comprehensive programs once they become comfortable with their roles. ‘The chances of them staying with the same contractor and continuing this type of work is very high,’ he said. This growth opportunity creates a positive outlook for individuals involved in data center construction.

The expansion of AI has also sparked debate among local governments, with some communities considering moratoriums or development pauses while others are actively courting projects. Supporters point to job creation and local investment as benefits, but critics have raised concerns about environmental impacts and utility use, questioning the true scale of long-term employment figures.