IBM to Triple U.S. Entry-Level Hiring in 2026

IBM announced it will triple U.S. entry-level hiring in 2026, despite pressure on broader demand for early-career roles due to advancing AI. The company, which did not provide exact numbers, said the expansion will be across departments and reflect a redesigned job mix. CHRO Nickle LaMoreaux said AI is handling more routine coding, shifting junior developers’ focus to customer-facing work, and HR interns to oversight of chatbots. She cautioned that cutting early-career recruitment risks mid-level talent shortages and may drive up attrition from competitor poaching. The move contrasts with warnings that AI could displace up to half of office entry-level roles by 2030. Dropbox is expanding its internship programs by 25% for similar reasons, emphasizing the AI fluency of younger workers.