PwC has scaled back its intake of consultants and accountants compared to two years ago, a trend Griggs expects to persist as the firm prioritizes machine learning experts. However, he rejects the notion that these roles are becoming obsolete. Data from the firm’s 2026 AI Jobs Barometer indicates that professional services are evolving rapidly, with roles requiring deep human expertise growing twice as fast as those simplified by automation. Wages in these high-skill sectors have climbed 42% since 2021, signaling that the integration of AI is driving demand for complex, technology-augmented solutions.
To navigate this shift, Griggs is advocating for a broader academic background in new recruits. He views liberal arts majors and MBA graduates as essential assets, valuing their ability to act as continuous learners in an unpredictable environment. The firm is backing this philosophy through strategic academic partnerships, including leadership initiatives with Harvard Business School and AI training programs at Wharton designed to help partners leverage new tools commercially. For the next generation, including his own three children, Griggs emphasizes that the ability to research, discover, and adapt remains more critical than mastering static coursework.
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