Many organizations see beginners as the executing layer at the bottom of the pyramid, suitable for tasks that AI is now taking over. However, this seriously underestimates the value of beginners. Young professionals bring a fresh perspective, challenge entrenched working methods, and are often the first to be familiar with new technologies. Moreover, they contribute to the balance and dynamics in teams and are crucial for the development of future leaders within the organization.
The latter point is worryingly current: 76 percent of Dutch companies indicate that they are concerned about the development of internal leadership. Without the influx of new employees, there simply is no foundation on which that growth can take place.
From diploma to thinking power
The profile of the 'ideal beginner' is in transition. Where previously a university degree was considered an indispensable gateway, only three percent of companies still see it as a top priority. Instead, qualities such as problem-solving ability, critical thinking, and practical experience are gaining ground. Candidates with a strong portfolio or relevant internship background have an advantage, even without a classical education.
This shift opens the door to more diversity in career paths and team composition. Beginners bring knowledge and perspectives that help organizations to adapt more quickly in changing markets. Especially in a time when innovative strength is partly determined by how quickly a team can understand and apply new technologies.
Leadership is cultivated from the bottom up
An important consequence of the rise of AI is that much 'entry-level work' is disappearing. At the same time, this is precisely the work through which beginners typically develop within an organization. According to the research, 74 percent of companies expect that this practical experience will become harder to provide. This threatens to create a gap in the internal learning cycle.
Organizations therefore need to invest more actively in onboarding and learning trajectories. Not only to pass on knowledge but also to allow beginners to grow into key positions. Beginners are not only receivers of knowledge; they also bring new insights, fresh tools, and up-to-date skills, which are valuable for existing teams.
Beginners: the future of the labor market
It is striking that Dutch companies seem to be aware of this. Despite technological disruption, 72 percent of organizations choose to invest in retraining and upskilling. Not only for existing teams but also department-focused, so that specific knowledge is retained. This indicates that many companies do not see AI as a replacement but as a complement: the human remains central.
In that light, cutting entry-level positions is a short-term solution with long-term risks. Beginners are flexible, eager to learn, and digitally skilled. They have the right mentality to grow with change and are often quicker to adopt new tools than established forces. This makes them indispensable links in any organization that wants to continue innovating.
AI is and remains a human endeavor
The advent of AI undeniably calls for strategic choices. But scaling back the influx of beginners is not one of them. Those who do not make room for new talent now risk a lack of leadership, innovation, and adaptability in the long run. Especially in a world where technology is accelerating exponentially, human creativity, vision, and eagerness to learn are invaluable.
The beginner of today is the leader of tomorrow. And who knows, maybe that beginner will teach you something about AI.
