How AI automation is reshaping the IT leadership pipeline

In the wake of AI, the early-talent job market is in decline across all jobs and industries, with a 10% drop since 2021, according to a recent report from SAP . When isolated for the top 10 most common entry level job titles, including software engineer, customer support, and data analyst, job openings declined 35% from 2024 to 2025. AI is already impacting entry-level and task-based roles, leaving the question of what will happen to the future talent pipeline of IT leadership.