PwC Cuts Graduate Hiring as AI Reshapes Consulting Roles

PwC is reducing its entry-level recruitment in the United Kingdom, hiring 1,300 graduates this year instead of 1,500. The firm also plans to cut college graduate hiring in the United States by nearly one-third over the next three years.

Marco Amitrano, head of PwC's U.K. practice, attributed the pullback to a sluggish economy, volatile global markets, and a slowdown in investment and deal-making. He noted that artificial intelligence is reshaping professional roles, which has led to slower growth in job postings for AI-exposed occupations compared to those with lower exposure.

These reductions reflect a broader trend toward AI-driven efficiency gains. Amazon and Salesforce have also cited AI as a driver for workforce reductions, with Salesforce reducing its support staff from 9,000 to 5,000 workers.

The shift is contributing to a wider overhaul of the consulting industry. Beyond junior roles, senior employees are leaving the profession due to declining pay and restricted paths to partner promotions. These changes are expected to disrupt the traditional pipeline of junior talent that typically transitions into corporate leadership roles.