New Qlik research shows that tariffs, not just AI, are changing what work looks like in the future

In 2025, the most disruptive force in the US job market isn’t AI. It’s trade policy, according to a new survey from Qlik^®, a leader in data integration, data quality, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI).

Tariffs and global trade shifts are quietly reshaping the workforce, creating new roles like Tariff Mitigation Strategist and Reshoring Program Manager, while eliminating others altogether. Among graduates in the class of 2024-25, 34% cite trade disruption as a key reason their job prospects have changed, putting tariffs on par with AI (33%). Meanwhile, 48% say jobs in their field are already being automated, and 66% have changed their career goals since January.

“Tariffs are no longer a background factor,” said Mike Capone, CEO at Qlik. “They’re reshaping hiring plans, altering supply chain strategies, and creating roles companies didn’t even know they needed six months ago. Employers are adapting quickly, but many are still operating without a clear picture of the skills available or the ones they’ll need next.”

Qlik commissioned two national surveys. One of 1,000 U.S. graduates (Class of 2024–25) and another of 1,500 business leaders. The combined results show a generational gap in awareness, and a systemic rewrite of the workforce already underway.

Grads are confident, but underprepared:

• 66% have already changed their career goals this year
• 80% of graduates say they feel more confident in their career prospects than they did in January
• 48% say jobs in their field are being replaced by automation
• 24% say roles are being eliminated entirely

While graduates express confidence, employers are quietly reshaping their organizations:

• 31% of companies plan to increase investment in supply chain and manufacturing despite trade volatility
• Only 57% believe grads have the skills companies need today and 28% cite AI/automation literacy as a skill they’re struggling to hire
• 1 in 5 businesses have created entirely new job roles in response to tariffs, including:
  • Tariff Mitigation Strategist
  • Reshoring Program Manager
  • AI Lead
  • Supply Chain Resilience Analyst
• While firms are investing in tools like predictive analytics (40%) and automation (50%), 39% admit their internal data is still limited or incomplete

“This is where data has to lead. Workforce change is happening faster than most systems can track, and the cost of slow insight is rising. Business leaders need sharper signals to navigate volatility, and graduates need clearer visibility into what’s changing. Better data won’t solve every challenge, but it’s how you stop guessing and start planning,” added Mike Capone.

The gap between what companies need and what graduates expect is widening. Nearly half of grads say automation is already replacing jobs in their field, and a third cite trade disruption as a reason their career plans have changed. Companies are still hiring and grads are adapting. With the right data, and the right investment in real-time insight, current disconnects become an opportunity for the workforce of tomorrow.

About Qlik

Qlik converts complex data landscapes into actionable insights, driving strategic business outcomes. Serving over 40,000 global customers, our portfolio provides advanced, enterprise-grade AI/ML, data integration, and analytics. Our AI/ML tools, both practical and scalable, lead to better decisions, faster. We excel in data integration and governance, offering comprehensive solutions that work with diverse data sources. Intuitive analytics from Qlik uncover hidden patterns, empowering teams to address complex challenges and seize new opportunities. As strategic partners, our platform-agnostic technology and expertise make our customers more competitive.

© 2025 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. All company and/or product names may be trade names, trademarks and/or registered trademarks of the respective owners with which they are associated.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250724286335/en/