Amazon Web Services (AWS) CEO Matt Garman has cautioned companies against replacing entry-level employees with AI, calling it “one of the dumbest things” he’s heard. Speaking on the Matthew Berman podcast, Garman emphasized that junior employees are typically more affordable and quicker to adapt to new technologies, including AI tools. He questioned the long-term impact of such decisions, asking how companies would cope a decade from now without a talent pipeline that has grown and evolved with the business.
Garman stressed the importance of continuing to hire fresh graduates, as they can adapt and grow with changing tech trends. He also encouraged students to focus on building a broad skill set, rather than relying on expertise in a single area, which may become obsolete in the future. Ironically, despite his views, AWS laid off hundreds of employees in July, citing AI as a reason for requiring fewer roles.
Across Amazon, over 22,000 jobs have been cut since 2022. While Garman’s stance contrasts with other tech leaders, such as OpenAI’s Sam Altman, growing fears persist globally about AI’s impact on job security.
