Thanks to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the tasks historically assigned to early-career employees, once administrative and transactional, are now increasingly strategic and analytical. And the Class of 2025 is stepping up, too.
According to LaSalle Network’s latest report, Evolving Expectations in Entry-Level Hiring, which includes data collected from a survey to 2,000+ graduating seniors, the Class of 2025 is not only prepared for this shift; they’re ready to lead it.
WHAT SETS THE CLASS OF 2025 APART
Today’s graduates are bringing more than just enthusiasm to the workplace. They’re entering with:
- Hands-on experience using AI tools to support business decisions
- Foundational knowledge in digital business strategy, even beyond STEM majors
- A strategic, problem-solving mindset, shaped by real-world learning and internships
Whether through coursework, certifications, or self-initiated learning, this generation understands how to apply technology to real business challenges. For employers undergoing digital transformation, they represent a major competitive advantage.
AI’S IMPACT ON LABOR LAWS AND STRUCTURE
AI isn’t just changing what early-career workers do; it’s changing how their roles are classified. As tasks become more judgment-based and strategic, some entry-level positions may now qualify as exempt under labor laws. This requires a thoughtful approach to job design and compensation strategy.
Employers need to ensure that job descriptions, onboarding, and development pathways reflect the real strategic value these roles now deliver. Training programs must evolve to support early-career hires who are no longer entry-level in responsibility, even if they’re new to the workforce. The companies that reframe how they think about early-career talent, treating them as strategic contributors from day one, will have a serious advantage.
For more information on what this class is seeking, download LaSalle Network’s full report, Evolving Expectations in Entry-Level Hiring.
