AI and High Agency: Navigating Career Disruption

When Nate B Jones claims that "entry-level hiring at major tech companies has collapsed by more than 50% since 2019," it paints a stark picture of the job market in the AI era. While such claims require scrutiny and sourcing, they underscore a pressing reality: AI is not waiting for us to catch up. Instead, it's redefining what 'entry-level' means, and not just in tech.

The New Job Landscape

The crux of the issue, as Jones discusses, is that AI has taken over many of the mundane tasks that used to train newcomers. The routine work that once served as the stepping stones of career progression is now automated, leaving aspiring professionals to find alternate paths. This isn't just a tech industry phenomenon; it's creeping into every sector AI touches, including cybersecurity and privacy.

High Agency: The Game Changer

Jones emphasizes a concept he calls "high agency," a mindset where individuals believe they control their destiny. "High agency is not a feeling," he states, "it's a recognition of the locus of control." Within the cybersecurity realm, this mindset is crucial. With threats evolving at a breakneck pace, security professionals must continuously adapt and learn, often using AI tools to stay ahead. This isn't just about having the skills but about having the initiative to acquire them.

AI: An Equalizer for Some

While AI could be the greatest equalizer, leveling the playing field by providing unprecedented access to knowledge and tools, it also demands a proactive stance. "AI acts as a jet engine on the back of high agency people," Jones says. But here's the caveat: this jet engine can either propel you forward or leave you behind, depending on your approach.

In cybersecurity, for example, AI can automate threat detection, but it takes a high agency mindset to interpret those findings, anticipate new threats, and develop innovative defenses. The same AI tools that democratize access to information can also amplify the capabilities of those who know how to leverage them effectively.

The Mirage of Job Titles

Jones argues that traditional job titles are losing their meaning in this new landscape. In cybersecurity, where skills and results matter more than titles, this is particularly true. The ability to demonstrate expertise, adaptability, and an AI-native mindset can often matter more than the name on your business card.

Case Study: Solo Founders and Multi-Million Dollar Exits

Jones cites the rise of solo founders who turn side projects into multi-million dollar exits as a testament to high agency and AI fluency. "Consider Maor Shlomo, a solo founder who built Base 44 from a personal side project to an acquisition by Wix for $80 million in six months," he notes. While specific examples like these require verification, they highlight the potential for individuals who embrace a high agency mindset to leverage AI for exponential growth.

The Security Dimension

In cybersecurity, high agency isn't just about career advancement—it's about survival. As AI tools become more sophisticated, so do the threats. Professionals must not only keep up with new technologies but also anticipate how these technologies might be exploited.

A Call to Action

Jones's message is clear: "If your career path exists in a world this changeable...the only real option left is to be high agency." For those of us in cybersecurity and privacy, this means not just adapting to change but driving it. AI provides tools to enhance our capabilities, but it's our responsibility to wield them wisely.

As we navigate this AI-augmented career landscape, the question isn't just how we can keep up, but how we can lead the way. In a world where AI is both a tool and a challenge, the high agency mindset could very well be our best asset.

By Rachel Kovacs