Graduates are coming into the workforce thinking that using AI is cheating, a top Deloitte exec says

Rob Hillard, CEO of Deloitte’s Asia-Pacific branch, has criticized colleges for teaching students that AI is cheating, creating a workforce unprepared for AI integration. Speaking to Bloomberg, Hillard said recent graduates enter the job market with a negative perception of AI due to restrictive educational policies. He emphasized that hands-on experience with AI is essential for designing future workplace roles. A Gallup and Lumina Foundation survey of 3,800 students revealed 42% say their schools discourage AI use, while 11% report outright bans. Despite restrictions, 57% of U.S. college students use AI weekly in coursework, and 20% use it daily. The reluctance stems from concerns over cheating and a push for independent critical thinking. AI’s role in education has sparked controversy, with graduation speakers facing backlash when discussing its growing influence. Meanwhile, professional services firms like Deloitte are accelerating AI adoption to streamline tasks, raising questions about workforce readiness. Deloitte claims it is hiring record numbers of graduates and investing heavily in training, but PwC has cut U.S. entry-level recruitment by a third over three years, partly due to AI’s impact. Hillard stressed the need for universities to adapt by integrating AI into curricula to better prepare students for an evolving job market.