We all know that AI is transforming jobs worldwide and, with it, the expectations for young people entering the workforce. But what exactly is happening? What does it mean for us and our futures?

Few are better positioned to answer than Jacqui Canney, chief people & AI enablement officer at ServiceNow. The Bay Area software firm, now valued at over $200bn with over 25,000 employees worldwide, moved up to no. 46 on the 2025 Fortune 500 with roughly 85% of F500 companies using its AI Platform services.

Canney, who previously served as chief people officer at retail giant Walmart and advertising firm WPP, sits at the crossroads of talent strategy and enterprise AI. In her exclusive interview with Harbingers’ Magazine she shared what this means for the next generation of professionals and why we should be both optimistic and prepared.

Balancing AI and soft skills

When asked whether AI is changing the skillset young professionals need most, Canney didn’t hesitate: “Yes – and it’s a big opportunity, especially for your generation.”

While being fluent with AI tools can certainly help, the most valuable qualities go beyond tech expertise. “Curiosity, creativity and adaptability are the superpowers,” she said. Although AI can speed things up and automate routine work, Canney acknowledged that the outcomes still rely on “your values, ideas and voice”.

What recruiters are looking for

“Things are shifting fast and expectations are evolving,” Canney noted. Rather than expecting technical mastery from day one, she said hiring managers are looking for people who are comfortable with new tools, open to continuous learning and who possess critical thinking skills.

At ServiceNow specifically, she said, “We value a product mindset, which means thinking like you’re building a product with your end user in mind.” This means always learning, improving and creating with purpose.

Canney emphasised: “We don’t expect new hires to be an AI expert on day one.” What she and others in the workforce value is insatiable curiosity and readiness to collaborate. Even just experimenting with AI tools or finding ways to improve your workflow by harnessing artificial intelligence shows that you are future-ready.

The future of entry-level jobs

Many people, including graduates, fear that AI will replace entry-level positions, making job opportunities scarcer and more difficult to find. Canney recognises that this is a cause for concern but is more optimistic: “AI is definitely changing what entry-level jobs look like, but that doesn’t mean opportunities are going away.”

Canney explained: “We need talent to train AI agents and ensure quality of AI outputs. We need people to design memorable moments that AI can’t replicate. We need people to guide responsible use of AI and interpret data to make decisions.”

Rethinking career paths

Canney stressed that careers today are rarely straightforward – and that’s okay. The key, she said, is staying open, supported and eager to grow. “One thing I always say: career paths aren’t always linear,” she said.

“We know we need to build an AI-ready workforce,” she said. “That means rethinking everything: how we define roles, what skills we prioritise and how we prepare for jobs that might not even exist yet.”

From Canney’s point of view, “Leaders who invest in early-in-career talent today will see long-term growth and innovation tomorrow.” She said she is passionate about building resources that empower young talent to “lead, innovate and grow.”

She’s also working closely with her digital technology team to streamline the integration of new employees through AI-powered tools. “It’s all designed so new hires can focus on learning, not logistics, and collaborating with their leaders and teams starting on day one.”

Encouraging the next generation

Finally, Canney addressed the uncertainty that many young people feel today. “We know it can feel overwhelming right now,” she admitted. The pace of change, the disruption and the pressure to be ‘AI-ready’ can be daunting. But she reassured young readers: “We’re listening – because everyone’s journey is different.”

What matters most, she said, is staying curious, being open to failure and willing to explore. “You don’t need all the answers right now,” she said, but you do need “a spirit of learning”. She added: “I always like to remind young people that they have so much potential – maybe even more than they see in themselves.”

She believes that if young people keep asking questions, trying new things and leaning into their ambitions, they will find a way into a career – one that is fulfilling and also AI-proof.

“Remember: your voice, your values and your ideas are exactly what the future needs,” she concluded.