Half also stated that social media impacts their life positively, while only just over a quarter feel that social media has a negative impact on their lives.

Overall, 70% of graduates said that they feel optimistic about the future.

A balanced narrative around AI

The global survey was conducted among recent graduates from the CEMS Master in International Management (MIM), who are now in their first year of work, or who have gone onto further study.

UCD Smurfit School’s CEMS MIM programme is ranked 17th globally by the Financial Times.

Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, said: “These results reveal that the majority of young people are not just accepting but embracing the increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into various facets of their daily lives. The results reveal a profound level of comfort and confidence, signaling a generational shift in attitudes toward AI.

“One key factor driving this positive sentiment may be the seamless incorporation of AI into routine tasks, making life more efficient and convenient. Moreover, there is potential for AI to address pressing global challenges. Young people are aware of AI's role in fields such as healthcare, climate research, and social justice initiatives.

“Through CEMS we aim to foster a balanced narrative around AI. On one hand we try to ensure that the benefits for innovation are fully realized, while also educating students around the need to continuously develop human skills including communication and empathy. We require a future generation of leaders who are able to harness all the advantages of AI, whilst thinking independently, in order to contribute to a more open, sustainable, and inclusive world.”

CEMS Student Board President Leonard Bussee said: “Since our childhood our generation has been exposed to the rapid advancements in technology. Crude forms of AI-like technology have been trialled and utilized for a while now in the digital space young people move around in, for example interactive characters in games, content suggestions on Instagram, editing software etc. Utilizing it in other aspects of daily life does not entail a huge change or step into a new world.

“I consider CEMS students to be a community of highly conscious, educated, and smart people with bright futures ahead. Each one of us is aware of the challenges the world is facing but we’re optimistic because we also understand that we have the tools to change the status quo. When heading into the future, many CEMS students, equipped with an incredibly good education and great determination, will be restless to climb into positions of power, allowing them to enact change.”

Salary is top criteria for jobseekers

81% of graduates named salary in their top three criteria that would most influence their decision to take on a new role, followed by work life balance (61%) and opportunities for quick career progression (51%).

The gap between salary and work life balance as a top criterion has widened in the past few years, possibly in response to the current global cost-of-living crisis, meaning salary is an increasingly important factor for jobseekers.

58% said that three to five years is an ideal amount of time to spend in a role before looking for a new one – either in the same or a new company.

About CEMS – The Global Alliance in Management Education:
CEMS is a global alliance with a presence on 6 continents, uniting 33 world leading business schools, more than 70 multinational companies, and 8 NGOs who together deliver the CEMS Master in International Management.

The CEMS MIM is a pre-experience joint masters programme.  On graduation students will have studied at two Alliance schools, taken part in a business project with a corporate partner and speak three languages. Students develop a global mind set, cross-cultural competence and leadership skills through a combination of coursework, international exchange, and internship opportunities and graduate with a Masters degree from their home school as well as the CEMS MIM.

The CEMS community is committed to the idea that the leaders who will be best prepared for the future will be free and unafraid in an uncertain world, will be humane citizens who can engage fully and think independently, and will contribute to a more open, sustainable, and inclusive world.

For 35 years CEMS has led the way in the development of global management education.

Through its unique blend of academic rigor, strategic corporate collaborations, and a commitment to ethical and socially responsible leadership, CEMS prepares the next generation of leaders who resolve to understand deeply the complexities of our time and who are eager to confront global business challenges and opportunities with humility and integrity.

Each year more than 1,300 graduates join our 21,000 strong global alumni network.