AI, Onboarding, and the future of professional growth: the critical role of critical thinking

As a professional human being, I've always been obsessed with learning and development. Over my career, I've witnessed countless professionals succeed—or stumble—because of their onboarding experiences. The transition into a new role is more than a checklist of tasks; it’s about learning to navigate the end-to-end processes that shape the organization’s rhythm.

But today, this landscape is shifting dramatically. With AI taking over many entry-level tasks, the traditional learning curve is flattening, and managers face a pivotal moment: how do we ensure that new joiners not only succeed but thrive in this new paradigm? This topic aligns with some of my recent readings. One book I’ve been diving into is Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI, which explores the intersections of human and technological evolution. It’s a fascinating read that has given me new perspectives on how we can balance progress with purpose. Stay tuned—I'll be sharing a review in the coming weeks.

I recently came across a thought-provoking article that explored the implications of AI on early-career development. It highlighted a critical challenge: as AI automates foundational tasks, it inadvertently disrupts the apprenticeship model that has historically helped new professionals develop judgment, intuition, and leadership. In short, AI isn’t just changing how we work; it’s redefining who we become as professionals.

Onboarding in an AI-driven world

For new joiners, the onboarding process must evolve to meet these challenges. While AI can handle many basics—providing instant access to policies, training modules, and even task automation—it’s the human elements of onboarding that remain irreplaceable. Critical thinking, decision-making, and understanding the broader “why” behind processes are areas where we must focus.

The challenge isn’t simply about preserving jobs or maintaining efficiency—it’s about reconceptualizing how organizations develop talent in an AI-augmented world. This requires moving beyond the simplistic narratives of AI either replacing or enhancing humans to consider how we might create entirely new models of professional development that leverage both human and artificial capabilities.

Imagine a new employee shadowing an AI system that executes routine tasks. Without understanding the full context or the nuances behind those processes, they risk becoming adept at oversight but disconnected from the strategy. Onboarding programs must now integrate structured opportunities for critical thinking, encouraging new hires to question, analyze, and connect the dots between tasks and organizational goals.

AI as a Learning Partner

Rather than seeing AI as a threat, we must reframe it as a teaching tool. Consider this: AI systems can simulate complex scenarios, enabling junior employees to practice decision-making in safe, low-stakes environments. For example, an AI-powered recruitment tool could show how its algorithms prioritize candidates, prompting new HR professionals to reflect on how biases might influence the process.

These moments create fertile ground for developing not only technical competence but also ethical and strategic thinking. In essence, we can use AI to accelerate learning—but only if we remain intentional about designing learning pathways that go beyond task execution.

While many academics have suggested that AI primarily helps junior workers “level up,” evidence drawn from extensive field research suggests a more complex and potentially troubling reality.

The need for human-centered Professional Development

While we embrace AI for efficiency, we must remain steadfast in nurturing uniquely human capabilities. Communication, empathy, leadership, and creativity will define the professionals of tomorrow. Our onboarding processes should deliberately prioritize these skills, ensuring that as AI takes on routine tasks, we guide our talent toward mastering what makes them indispensable.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear your thoughts: How are you rethinking onboarding and talent development in the age of AI?