Next-Gen Workforce Meets AI: Navigating Career Paths in a Tech-Driven World

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global world of work, raising important questions about how younger generations perceive its impact on their future careers. This study investigates the perceptions of Generation Y (Gen Y) and Generation Z (Gen Z) university students toward AI and its influence on employment opportunities. A quantitative survey was conducted with 153 respondents from universities in China and Malaysia, examining three key variables: AI awareness, attitudes toward AI, and perceptions of employment prospects. The regression model explains 59.9% of the variation in students’ perceptions (R² = 0.599). Both awareness (β = 0.400, p < 0.05) and attitude (β = 0.521, p < 0.01) significantly shape students’ views, with attitude exerting the stronger influence and mediating the effect of awareness on perception. These findings underscore the importance of higher education institutions in enhancing AI literacy, cultivating adaptive mindsets, and integrating technology-oriented curricula to prepare students for the demands of an AI-driven labor market. By fostering proactive and confident engagement with emerging technologies, universities can empower future professionals to navigate challenges and leverage opportunities in the evolving digital economy