Rethinking the future: how emerging talent is already driving AI adoption at Mason Advisory

Two recent reports, one ranking five-year earnings by degree (no surprise, tech degrees are up there as the top earners) and another showing a 33 percent drop in entry-level roles since ChatGPT’s November 2022 debut, paint a stark picture: AI is reshaping career entry points faster than ever.

As Head of Academy here at Mason Advisory, I read both through the same lens: what does this mean for the next generation? These aren’t just headlines to me, they are signals that the world of work is changing faster than ever.

The fear factor

We didn’t wait for the headlines to tell us things were changing. We’ve been listening, anticipating and acting. Entry-level positions, the vital first steps into the workplace which help us build confidence, experience and networks, have fallen by a third, according to labour-market data. Headlines warn of jobs evaporating; young professionals worrying that there is no first rung on the career ladder, and yet, focusing solely on the negatives obscures a bigger opportunity.

Youth as digital natives in an AI world

Gen Z aren’t just learning AI as we are, they are growing up with it. As true digital natives, they intuitively adopt tools like prompt engineering and AI assistants, even if they haven’t yet unlocked their full potential. They’re not merely adapting to disruption; they are driving it. With the right opportunities and learning, they’re poised to become the architects of ethical, effective AI integration, guiding CIOs and reshaping the future of work from the inside out.

Turning vision into action

At Mason Academy, we have been co-designing an AI-focused programme, working with AI industry experts, our own in-house specialists and Academy members eager and ready to lead the charge. New launch pathways will turn potential into impact with programmes that reflect where the world of work is going, not where it’s been.

So, let’s stop talking about jobs being lost, and let’s talk about potential being unleashed.

We’re exploring two key pathways:

1. AI software specialists

In partnership with a leading AI-technology provider lacking scale, we will train Academy talent to deliver bespoke AI solutions, equipping them to lead client implementations from day one.

2. AI-first consulting

Embedding AI fluency from onboarding: our people will not only understand AI but will learn to question, apply, and critique it in real-world consulting contexts, ensuring every recommendation considers ethical implications, technical viability, and client value.

Not just an entry-level story

This isn’t just an early-careers dilemma, AI will impact roles at every level. Some changes may arrive gradually; others are already here. But one thing is clear: none of us are immune.

Whether you’re new to consulting or deep into your career, now’s the time to get curious, confident, and creative about AI.

Let’s move beyond fear and unlock what’s possible.

It’s early days, but this is a space where we have a real opportunity to lead the way.

Want to be part of this journey or learn more about our AI-first Academy approach? Get in touch at contact@masonadvisory.com. We’d love to hear from you.