‘We’ve given them the short end of the stick’: Business school dean says AI could eliminate many jobs for young people—even as they lead innovation

May 20, 2026 - 21:50

Despite being the driving force behind many of today's technological breakthroughs, young people are at high risk of losing their jobs to artificial intelligence, says Jeff DeGraff, a business school dean and professor. DeGraff argues that the current AI transition prioritizes efficiency over original thinking, leaving younger workers vulnerable.

"We've given them the short end of the stick," DeGraff said in a recent interview. He explained that while young employees often spearhead innovation, companies are now using AI to replace entry-level and mid-level roles with systems that are "better, cheaper, faster." This shift, he warns, undermines the very creativity and risk-taking that younger generations bring to the workplace.

DeGraff, who teaches at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business, noted that many organizations are adopting AI to cut costs rather than to foster new ideas. This creates a paradox: the same demographic that leads digital transformation may also be the first to see their jobs automated. He called for a rethinking of how businesses integrate AI, suggesting that leaders should focus on augmenting human talent rather than replacing it.

The professor's comments come amid broader debates about AI's impact on employment. While some experts predict that AI will create new opportunities, DeGraff's warning highlights a growing concern that young workers could bear the brunt of the transition. He urged companies to invest in training and to value the unique human insights that AI cannot replicate, rather than simply chasing short-term gains.