June 18, 2026 | In the News

Building an AI-Enabled Work Force, From the Entry Level

According to a Wakefield Research survey conducted on behalf of Cognizant[1] and Pearson[2], more than one third (37%) of entry-level tasks in India are already being performed by AI, surpassing the global average of 33%.

The findings, featured in the Economic Times of India, the second most widely read English language business news outlet in the world, highlight the brisk transition to AI integration at the entry level. In fact, 96% of HR leaders expect entry-level roles to evolve into positions where employees supervise or manage AI systems within the next five years, according to the research.

Findings from this research are included in the report, “The AI Workforce Pulse: The Adaptability Imperative,” including that 94% of HR professionals expect that AI will generate entirely new entry-level roles that do not currently exist. Because of this, 85% still view entry-level positions as essential in the AI era. But the question now is: what to do with early-career talent once you hire them?“Global media is focused on how AI is reshaping entry-level roles,” said Nathan Richter, Senior Partner at Wakefield Research. “By sponsoring this research, Cognizant and Pearson are helping to illustrate how work is shifting on a global scale.”

[1] Cognizant. “37% of Entry-Level Tasks in India Already Done by AI, Finds Cognizant and Pearson Study.” Cognizant Newsroom, 18 June 2026, https://news.cognizant.com/2026-06-18-37-of-Entry-Level-Tasks-in-India-Already-Done-by-AI,-Finds-Cognizant-and-Pearson-Study. Accessed 16 July 2026.

[2] “Entry-Level Work Remains Essential: 94% of HR Leaders Expect AI to Create New Entry-Level Roles, Pearson and Cognizant Study Reveals.” Pearson plc, 18 June 2026, https://plc.pearson.com/en-GB/news-and-insights/news/entry-level-work-remains-essential-94-hr-leaders-expect-ai-create-new-entry. Accessed 16 July 2026.