THE IMPACT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE ON EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GRADUATES

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the employment opportunities of Information Technology (IT) students, grounded in the theories of Skill-Biased Technological Change and Lifelong Learning. A conceptual framework is developed with four key hypotheses related to AI-driven recruitment, programming automation, skills transformation, and IT process automation. Data were collected from 70 respondents, including 50 current students and 20 recent graduates, and analyzed using Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR). The results indicate that IT process automation, skills transformation, and AI-driven recruitment significantly influence employment outcomes, whereas programming automation does not show a statistically significant effect. The findings underscore the necessity for IT students to engage in continuous skill development and adapt their job search strategies to AI-enhanced hiring processes. The study also offers practical recommendations for educational institutions and employers in the context of digital transformation.