July 2, 2026 | In the News

Nearly 7 in 10 Employers Would Rather Hire Early Career Talent with Interdisciplinary Background Over Specialized Skills

According to a Wakefield Research survey conducted on behalf of Cognizant[1] and Pearson[2], about 7 in 10 employers would prefer to hire early career talent with interdisciplinary backgrounds than specialized skills.

The findings, featured in Business Insider, highlight ways AI is shifting priorities when hiring 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.” In addition, the research reveals that 64% of Human Resources professionals value skills in identifying new solutions over solving known problems with existing methods.

“Employers today are re-examining their priorities when hiring entry level staffers with an eye toward AI,” said Nathan Richter, Senior Partner at Wakefield Research. “This research helps Cognizant and Pearson share a compelling story about evolving priorities in hiring.”

[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.