The death of the entry-level job
Sunday musings: What was once a stepping stone into industries like marketing, design, and programming is now a barrier, forcing beginners to rethink how they break in.
A few years ago, I was standing in the newsroom of a multinational media company in Singapore, thinking I had finally made it.
I had spent years working my way up, learning every skill I could, like writing, photography, and video production, to get my foot in the door. But when I finally asked for a chance to write, the chief editor’s response crushed me.
“Sorry, only people with degrees can write stories for us.”
That was the moment I realised the game had changed.
The entry-level job is not what it used to be. It is disappearing.
The vanishing entry-level role
For decades, entry-level jobs were a rite of passage. You would start at the bottom, gain experience, and slowly climb the ladder.
That is how it was supposed to work. But today, AI and automation are replacing the roles that once gave beginners a chance to prove themselves.
Tasks that used to be assigned to junior employees, like writing basic reports, editing photos, or even drafting marketing copy, are now being done faster and cheaper by machines.
In some industries, beginners are no longer welcome. What used to be an entry-level role is now labelled "junior" or "mid-level. " Hiring managers expect applicants to come in with years of experience and specialised skills.
When I finally landed a newsroom job, I assumed my skills and dedication would be enough. But instead of writing, I was told to stick to videos and photos. I spent days covering court cases, waiting for people who never showed up. I co-produced stories, but the editor refused when my colleague requested to add my name to the byline.
I kept going, thinking I would eventually be recognised if I worked hard enough.
But the system was not built for people like me.
Credentials vs capability
When I was told I could not write because I did not have a degree, I realised how the traditional job market locks people out.
Companies no longer want to train entry-level employees. They want fully skilled professionals from day one. But here is the truth: Skill development no longer happens within organisations. It happens outside of them.
I left that job feeling like a fraud. I had done everything right, learned the skills, built a portfolio, and proven my ability, but it was still insufficient.
So, I stopped trying to fit into a system never designed for me.
I packed my bags and left for Europe, spending time figuring out what I truly wanted. That is when I realised something important: the gatekeepers no longer matter.
The future of work belongs to creators
The disappearance of entry-level jobs is not just a problem; it signals that the workforce is changing.
The future belongs to those who take control of their careers. Instead of waiting for someone to permit you, you must create opportunities for yourself.
I started writing again, not for a company, but for myself. I built a creator business, wrote for global media outlets, and helped brands tell their stories without a traditional job title or degree.
The truth is, no one cares about your credentials if you can prove your value. Your work speaks louder than any qualification ever could.
If you have been told you are not enough because you lack experience or credentials, understand this: The old system is dying.
The new one rewards those who take action, build their platforms and refuse to wait for permission.
The entry-level job is disappearing, but there has never been more opportunity for those willing to carve their own path.
See you next Sunday.
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