AI driven layoffs are increasing across the country and raising concerns for students preparing to enter the workforce. Recent labor data shows that AI related job cuts tripled from February to March 2026, marking one of the fastest jumps since companies began reporting automation linked reductions.
In March, U.S. employers announced 60,620 job cuts, and 25 percent were connected to AI adoption, a sharp rise from about 10 percent in February. Technology companies such as Dell Technologies and Meta Platforms led the reductions, but the trend is spreading into transportation, healthcare, and other sectors that are beginning to rely more heavily on automation.
Businesses report that AI is reshaping daily operations and reducing the need for traditional staffing. Many companies say AI now produces between 25 and 75 percent of their code, lowering the demand for large software development teams. Leaders also say AI tools allow firms to operate with fewer employees overall, cutting operating expenses and shifting budgets toward new technology investments. These changes are affecting roles in customer service, content creation, and other areas that once offered stable entry level opportunities.
On Southern University’s campus, the rapid rise in AI driven cuts has sparked real anxiety among students who are preparing to enter a job market that looks different every semester. Some students say they worry about whether there will be space for them in fields that once felt secure. Junior marketing major Chelsea Funchess said she believes AI should support learning rather than replace it, explaining that “I am not totally against AI, but I think we need to use it for tools, use it for research purposes. I think we need to really try and get a good understanding of it instead of doing everything else.”
Freshman marketing major Ashaki Harris said she is concerned about how quickly AI is taking over tasks in creative and technical fields. She noted that “There are a lot of jobs like architecture jobs where people are not keeping those jobs because AI can draw plans, outlines, and pictures, so they are getting taken out of jobs because of it.” Harris said many students fear that by the time they graduate, the roles they are studying for may no longer exist in the same way.
Attempts to reach Dr. Brian Adams from the College of Business for comments were unsuccessful.
As AI continues to expand across industries, students and educators alike are looking closely to see how technology will shape future opportunities. For many, the hope is that understanding AI rather than fearing it will help the next generation find its place in a workforce that is still being rewritten.
