ADAPTING TO AI-MEDIATED WORKPLACES: HOW STEM TRAINEES NAVIGATE NEW CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Abstract

The integration of artificial intelligence in workplaces is rapidly transforming employment structures, skill requirements, and decision-making processes. This study examines how AI-mediated workplaces (AI-MWP) impact STEM trainees entering the workforce. Specifically, it explores their preparedness, the challenges and opportunities presented by AI-MWP, and the role of socio-digital skills in shaping their career trajectories. This study employs a socio-technical systems (STS) approach to analyze the experiences of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) interns. Using qualitative research methods, including interviews and case studies, we investigate how AI-MWP influence information sharing, task allocation, workplace interactions and the professional development of recent graduates. The findings highlight that AI-MWP introduce new challenges for STEM trainees, particularly in navigating socio-digital skills, workplace autonomy and task ownership. AI-mediated communication reduces informal learning opportunities, impacting trainees’ ability to develop professional networks and contextual understanding. Revealing a growing gap in employability frameworks that fail to address the evolving sociotechnical demands of modern work, the study also underscores the necessity of digital fluency, adaptability and interdisciplinary collaboration as essential competencies for thriving in AI-MWP. This study extends STS thinking into the AI-mediated work domain, offering new insights into how digital transformation reshapes employment dynamics. By identifying socio-digital skills as a critical yet overlooked component, we provide actionable recommendations for STEM educators and employers to improve training strategies and bridge the gap between academic preparation and AI-MWP.