Why New Grads Are Confident About Finance Jobs Despite a Tough Market and AI Disruption

New Graduates Show Strong Confidence in Finance Sector

Despite a tough job market, many recent graduates remain optimistic about their prospects in finance. A survey by the CFA Institute found that 40% of Canadian university students and recent grads see finance as the sector they have the most confidence in. This outpaces STEM fields by a significant margin of 20 percentage points.

Michael Thom, managing director of CFA Societies Canada, attributes this optimism partly to the growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in finance. Most students—87%—feel confident in their AI skills, and 35% believe these skills give them an advantage over traditional skills like knowing a second language, which scored 23%. Yet, nearly 75% also worry that AI could hurt their career opportunities by eliminating entry-level jobs.

Why Are New Graduates Favoring Finance?

Thom suggests that finance is adapting to AI rather than being disrupted by it. This adaptability may explain the sector’s appeal despite the challenging job market. While AI might reduce some entry-level positions, finance seems positioned to remain resilient.

What Does This Mean for Finance Jobs in Canada?

Young professionals are feeling the pressure from a weak economy, but financial services are expected to hold up better than other sectors. This resilience offers a reason for optimism among new entrants to the field.

Key Skills for New Finance Professionals

AI literacy is becoming essential. Graduates who already have some understanding of AI need to translate that into practical skills they can apply on the job. This includes familiarity with generative AI, data handling, and integrating AI into daily tasks.

Considering AI as a tool to enhance work rather than replace it opens new opportunities. Building competence in these areas can accelerate career growth.

How AI is Changing Entry-Level Finance Roles

Routine tasks like basic commentary and content creation—once common starting points for junior staff—are increasingly handled by generative AI. Properly prompted and supervised AI tools can efficiently produce these outputs, freeing professionals to focus on higher-value work.

For example, UBS has implemented AI personas that represent their analysts, helping answer client questions based on published research. This approach extends the reach of finance professionals without replacing them.

Risks and Opportunities in Hiring

While AI may reduce the number of entry-level jobs, it can also help new hires contribute more quickly to complex tasks. This shift demands faster skill development but can enhance career progression.

There’s a potential risk to talent pipelines, especially for roles like advisor assistants, but so far there’s no clear evidence that finance is losing out more than other sectors. In some cases, AI might even increase demand for skilled professionals.

Final Thoughts on AI and Career Development in Finance

Many still view AI as overhyped or premature to change their skill sets. However, ignoring AI could be a mistake. Finance professionals at all career stages should pay close attention to AI’s impact and adapt accordingly.

For those interested in building AI skills relevant to finance, resources like Complete AI Training’s finance-focused AI tools offer practical courses and tools to stay competitive.