In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the value of a traditional college degree may be fading — especially in jobs most exposed to rapid technological change.
According to PwC’s 2025 AI Jobs Barometer, formal qualifications are losing ground as a key requirement in the hiring process. The reason? AI is enabling people to acquire knowledge and skills at an unprecedented pace, making what you can do today far more important than what you studied years ago.
The report — based on nearly a billion job listings and thousands of company reports across six continents — finds that employer demand for formal degrees is falling across the board, but declines even faster in roles heavily affected by AI, such as data analysis and finance. In fact, the skills required for AI-exposed jobs are changing 66% faster than those in less exposed fields, up sharply from just 25% last year.
From Degrees to Demonstrable Skills
“For workers, a greater emphasis on skills over degrees may help democratize opportunity,” the report states. In essence, the hiring focus is shifting from credentials to capability. For example, a financial analyst who continuously learns new AI tools will likely be more valuable than one who holds an outdated degree.
PwC’s Global Chief AI Officer, Joe Atkinson, says this shift isn’t just inevitable — it’s necessary. “AI models are developing capabilities at a speed that is incredible,” Atkinson told. “If you’re not feeling uncomfortable, like you’re constantly trying to keep up, you probably aren’t paying attention.”
Atkinson advocates for a self-driven learning mindset. He urges professionals to explore AI tools, learn to write effective prompts for large language models, follow tech blogs, and practice applying AI in real-world settings.
“What’s most important is that AI skills are practical skills,” he said. “They’re applied skills — you have to use the tech.” Self-learning, once a bonus, is now becoming “the new table stakes.”
A New Era of Learning
Formal education still holds value, Atkinson insists, but its role is evolving. Degrees won’t disappear — but they may no longer be the golden ticket to career advancement they once were.
“Formal education isn’t just about skills,” he says. “It’s about the whole person — how you think, how you critique, how you interact.” In fact, these higher-order thinking skills may become more valuable in the AI era, not less.
Still, the message is clear: the age of AI demands continuous upskilling, adaptability, and curiosity. Degrees might open the door, but practical AI literacy will keep you in the room.
Prepared by Navruzakhon Burieva
