AI fears deter university applicants from tech fields

Fear that artificial intelligence will reduce future IT jobs has contributed to unfilled university places in computer science and data technology, Yle reported. The University of Eastern Finland had 112 available places left unfilled in the two fields after the spring joint application round.

Professor Markku Hauta-Kasari, vice dean of the university’s Faculty of Science, Forestry and Technology, said the rapid spread of AI was likely influencing young people’s choice of study programme.

“It certainly shows in both fields how forcefully AI has now arrived,” Hauta-Kasari said.

He said computer science places had also gone unfilled at other Finnish universities. In addition to concerns about AI, young people may be uncertain about where a data technology degree leads and what kinds of jobs it could provide.

Professor says job prospects remain strong

Hauta-Kasari considers fears about AI’s impact on employment unfounded. He said the growing use of AI would increase rather than reduce demand for data professionals.

“The amount of data in society is constantly increasing, and this creates new jobs for experts in the field,” he said. “There is an increasing need for critical data literacy so that we can be sure the information produced by AI is correct.”

According to Hauta-Kasari, a lack of information, public debate and headlines about disappearing IT jobs are fuelling uncertainty about AI. He said the sector was currently undergoing a transition as the technology became more widespread.

He said employment prospects in technology-related fields were excellent. Technology Industries of Finland is expected to need 140,000 new technology and engineering professionals over the next 10 years.

The University of Eastern Finland is seeking students for the unfilled places in Joensuu and Kuopio through a supplementary application round that closes on Monday. There are 34 places available in data technology and 79 in computer science. More than 30 places also remain open in master’s studies in sustainable technology.