AI in Career Development: How to Stay Ahead

So, now that we know a little bit more about AI’s strengths and limitations, what does that mean in terms of job loss? As previously mentioned, AI excels in processing data and detecting patterns. That means that jobs centered around these skills are most in danger of being phased out. 

At this point, you’re likely to have lots of questions, such as: Will AI replace jobs by 2030? How will AI affect finance jobs? And will generative AI images learn to respect copyright laws? While it’s difficult to anticipate the answers to all of these questions, we do have a pretty good idea in regards to which types of jobs are most in danger of becoming automated.

The following 10 jobs are most likely to be affected by the rise of generative artificial intelligence tools:

1. Car and truck drivers: While hard to believe, autonomous vehicles — vehicles that drive themselves — have recently been making strides. Although it’ll be some time until the use of these vehicles is widespread, autonomous vehicles could threaten the livelihoods of taxi drivers and Uber/Lyft drivers.

2. Computer programmers: Since computer programming relies on structured, straightforward language — something that ​​artificial intelligence writing tools excel at — it’s likely that entry-level computer programming jobs will soon become automated.  

3. Content writers: Due to the rise of ​​artificial intelligence writing tools, artificial intelligence paraphrasing tools, and artificial intelligence SEO tools, content writers will need to reevaluate how to approach their careers. That being said, creativity, humor, and empathy are difficult to replicate using AI writing tools. Therefore, there will always be a place for skilled writers within the job market. 

4. Customer service representatives: Chances are, you’ve used tools like chatbots and virtual assistants, especially when online shopping or processing returns. In general, these tools are really effective and with recent improvements, customer service representatives roles will continue to become more automated. 

5. Factory and warehouse workers: Factory work is often tedious and repetitive. Machines are able to complete these types of tasks with more speed, consistency, and accuracy than people. 

6. Financial traders: AI trading technologies are able to analyze markets and predict trends more quickly and accurately than professional financial traders. Due to the cost differential, it’s likely that financial trading will primarily rely on AI financial trading technologies. 

7. Graphic designers: While graphic designers’ work is more creative and innovative than AI-generated art, businesses may increasingly turn towards artificial intelligence design tools — such as generative AI photoshop and other artificial intelligence marketing tools — to create cost-effective marketing materials. 

8. Paralegals: Due to AI’s ability to quickly sort through large sets of data, it’s probable that legal firms will begin using AI to sort documents, gather facts for a case, and conduct legal research. 

9. Research analysts: As previously discussed, AI technologies are able to sort through large sets of data quickly, while detecting patterns and trends. This means that workers with research-oriented job tasks may need to pivot professionally to stay relevant in their field. 

10. Travel advisors: Due to the rise of targeted ads and search suggestions, travel advisors may become a profession of the past. 

Jobs that are safe from AI are jobs that require high levels of creativity, empathy, and complex strategic thinking. This is one of the many reasons Why Soft Skills Are Important in the Workplace. The following list features several jobs that are generally considered safe, despite the rise of AI tools and technologies:

While it’s true that AI and job loss seem to go hand-in-hand, AI will create jobs, too. In addition to generative AI jobs — where workers use AI generative tools to create written and visual content — machine learning engineers will be in high demand. These workers will be responsible for designing and monitoring AI systems. Now, what about other future jobs after AI? Companies will be in need of AI ethics specialists who will help ensure that generative AI tools are used ethically and responsibly.

Now that we’ve discussed which jobs are in jeopardy, which are largely unaffected, and which will be created, it’s time to shift our focus. How do you remain relevant in your industry with the rise of AI? 

To start off plainly, some people will simply have to consider changing careers, especially if their job was listed in the “What Jobs Will AI Replace?” section of this article. If you’re a seasoned professional, take a look at our article, Making a Career Change at 40: 5 Midlife Career Switching Tips for some inspiration as you pivot your career.

More generally, the best approach to staying professionally relevant is to focus on developing a diverse skill set that emphasizes verbal and written communication, creativity, empathy, and critical thinking. In addition to these soft job skills, people should also brush up on their math skills, especially in regards to statistics, calculus, and algebra. After all, companies will need to hire workers capable of comprehending the output of AI algorithms. Especially in marketing and finance.