LinkedIn CEO Foresees Degree Devaluation: Future Belongs to Four Types of Workers

According to international media on October 2, as artificial intelligence (AI) continues to mature, entry-level positions in fields like software engineering are contracting — putting younger workers, especially Gen Z, at a disadvantage. At a fireside chat, Ryan Roslansky, CEO of LinkedIn, argued that the future of work won’t belong to those with elite credentials, but to those who are adaptable, forward-looking, eager to learn, and ready to embrace AI tools.

Business Insider reported that during a September 30 event in San Francisco, Roslansky warned this shift would open up competition in ways never seen before.

A Microsoft-backed survey found that about 70% of companies now prefer candidates with AI skills — even if their experience is limited — rather than well-seasoned candidates lacking AI literacy. Meanwhile, LinkedIn data shows that job postings requiring AI skills have surged by roughly 70% year-over-year.

Roslansky emphasized that he doesn’t believe AI will entirely replace humans. Instead, those who embrace AI tools will displace those who don’t.

Beyond AI skills, he argued that attributes like empathy, communication, adaptability, and social skills will remain essential to success.