IBM to Triple US Entry-Level Hiring in Major AI Talent Shift

International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) plans to sharply increase entry-level recruitment in the US in 2026, even as artificial intelligence tools automate many junior-level tasks across industries, as per Bloomberg report. The company said early-career hiring will expand across functions rather than being limited to select tech teams. 

Hiring Push Even as AI Reshapes Roles 

IBM said it will triple its entry-level hiring in the US next year, though it did not disclose exact numbers. The expansion will span multiple departments. Nickle LaMoreaux, IBM’s chief human resources officer, said the hiring covers roles that are often assumed to be replaceable by AI. 

Speaking at a New York conference, she said, “And yes, it’s for all these jobs that we’re being told AI can do.” She added that the company has redesigned entry-level job descriptions for software developers and other roles to justify the increased intake internally. 

According to LaMoreaux, many junior roles from two to three years ago are now largely automated by AI. As a result, IBM has restructured early-career positions to focus on higher-value responsibilities instead of routine task execution. 

New Skill Mix for Early-Career Employees 

IBM’s updated entry-level roles now emphasise customer interaction, oversight and AI-assisted workflows. Junior software developers are spending less time on basic coding and more time working with clients and applied problem-solving. In HR, fresh hires increasingly step in where chatbots fall short, reviewing outputs and coordinating with managers. 

LaMoreaux said cutting fresher hiring may save costs in the short term but can create a leadership gap later. Companies that under-invest in early talent may be forced to hire mid-level managers externally at higher cost and with longer adjustment cycles. 

The move comes amid wider debate over AI’s effect on graduate employment. Some industry leaders have warned that a large share of entry-level office jobs could disappear this decade, while others argue younger workers are better positioned to work alongside AI tools. 

Read More: IBM in Advanced Talks to Acquire Confluent for $11 Billion! 

Conclusion 

IBM’s hiring plan signals a shift in fresher roles from routine execution to AI-augmented work rather than a reduction in early-career opportunities. 

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