Dylan Field, the 34-year-old billionaire CEO of Figma, is pushing back against concerns that artificial intelligence will eliminate entry-level jobs, arguing instead that young professionals have a distinct advantage in the AI-driven hiring landscape. During a recent appearance on the “In Good Company” podcast produced by Norges Bank Investment Management, Field addressed what he calls a “critical” debate currently unfolding in the software industry.
The central question facing employers: Should companies hire senior, mid-level, or junior employees in the age of AI, or will AI simply replace all human workers? Field noted he’s heard predictions about AI eliminating jobs “a bunch of times,” but emphasized that “it hasn’t come true yet” and companies “continue to hire.”
Field’s perspective favors younger workers because of their native understanding of AI technology. “My bias actually is a lot more toward the junior folks, and I think people that are younger are AI native in a way that folks that are older have to learn,” Field explained. This “AI native” quality—the intuitive understanding and comfort with AI tools that younger generations possess—represents a competitive advantage in today’s job market.
At Figma, which competes directly with Adobe in offering design products and services, Field said the company has always maintained a mix of ages in its workforce. However, he made clear that understanding and enthusiasm for AI is now a non-negotiable requirement for new hires. “I think that it is important that people come in, first of all, knowing that we’re pushing full steam ahead into the AI era,” Field stated. “So, if you have a bias against AI, that’s a great dinner-table conversation between us, but we’re very focused on making sure that we build for this AI age.”
Field’s optimistic outlook contrasts sharply with current labor market realities. Young professionals are currently navigating challenging employment conditions characterized by stagnant job growth and persistent unemployment. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ final 2025 jobs report revealed that the job market has remained largely stagnant, according to economists. Many companies are betting that AI can handle tasks traditionally performed by entry-level workers, leading some economists to predict that employers may pause hiring young professionals.
Despite these concerns, Field maintains his position. During an October 2025 appearance on “Lenny’s Podcast,” he stated definitively that he doesn’t believe AI will take human jobs at all, positioning himself as an optimist in an increasingly anxious employment landscape.
Key Quotes
Does AI mean that you should hire senior people or middle-level, or junior, or are all the jobs going to go away because AI will replace them all? I’ve heard that last one a bunch of times, and it hasn’t come true yet. All the people have said that. They continue to hire.
Dylan Field framed the central question facing the software industry regarding AI’s impact on hiring. His observation that dire predictions haven’t materialized yet challenges the narrative that AI will eliminate jobs, though he acknowledges this is a “critical” ongoing debate.
My bias actually is a lot more toward the junior folks, and I think people that are younger are AI native in a way that folks that are older have to learn.
Field articulated his preference for hiring younger workers, introducing the concept of being “AI native” as a competitive advantage. This statement positions youth as an asset rather than a liability in the AI-driven workplace, directly countering concerns about AI eliminating entry-level positions.
I think that it is important that people come in, first of all, knowing that we’re pushing full steam ahead into the AI era. So, if you have a bias against AI, that’s a great dinner-table conversation between us, but we’re very focused on making sure that we build for this AI age.
Field made clear that AI enthusiasm is now a requirement at Figma, not optional. This quote reveals how AI adoption is becoming a cultural litmus test at leading tech companies, with skepticism about AI potentially disqualifying candidates regardless of other qualifications.
Our Take
Field’s perspective reveals an important divide in how AI’s impact is being interpreted across the tech industry. While he champions young workers as “AI native,” this view may primarily apply to companies actively building AI products rather than those simply implementing them. There’s a crucial distinction between working at a company like Figma—where understanding AI means shaping its development—versus working at a company where AI might automate your role.
The “AI native” concept itself warrants scrutiny. Being comfortable with AI tools doesn’t necessarily translate to job security if those tools are designed to reduce headcount. Field’s optimism, while refreshing, comes from someone whose company benefits from AI adoption rather than being disrupted by it. The real test will be whether his hiring philosophy spreads beyond AI-building companies to the broader economy, or whether it remains confined to a privileged subset of the tech industry where AI creates more opportunities than it eliminates.
Why This Matters
This story represents a significant counternarrative to the prevailing anxiety about AI’s impact on entry-level employment. As one of the tech industry’s most influential CEOs, Field’s perspective carries weight in shaping how companies approach hiring in the AI era. His argument that younger workers possess an “AI native” advantage could influence hiring strategies across the software industry and beyond.
The broader implications extend to workforce development and education. If Field’s view gains traction, it could accelerate the integration of AI literacy into educational curricula and professional training programs. Companies may increasingly prioritize AI fluency as a core competency, potentially reshaping what qualifications matter most for entry-level positions.
However, Field’s optimism also highlights a critical tension in today’s labor market. While he argues AI creates opportunities for young workers, economic data shows stagnant job growth and many companies reducing entry-level hiring. This disconnect raises questions about whether AI will truly democratize opportunity or whether only those at companies like Figma—which are building AI tools rather than simply implementing them—will benefit. The outcome of this debate will significantly impact an entire generation’s career prospects and the future structure of the technology workforce.
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Source: https://www.businessinsider.com/figma-ceo-dylan-field-hiring-jobs-market-ai-age-bias-2026-1