In the All-In Podcast at CES 2026 Special Event, McKinsey Global Managing Partner discussed employment issues for recent graduates in the AI era. He pointed out that McKinsey and some large companies are researching the talent screening criteria for enterprises in the AI age. The research found that humans possess three unique core abilities that AI can never replace: leadership in setting goals and vision, judgment based on values, and creativity that transcends model reasoning. He emphasized that humans are truly irreplaceable in areas where AI cannot perform.
This also means that your educational background and alma mater are gradually becoming less important. Companies are now more focused on “personal actual abilities,” such as GitHub profiles, portfolios, and works, which are the criteria for talent selection.
As AI reshapes the workplace, young people should also adapt and rethink what their “personal competitiveness” truly is.