Preparing for AI’s Impact on our Jobs

The artificial intelligence (AI) revolution is here to stay, but you can “AI-proof” your jobs and prepare yourself for this new world. More importantly, you can leverage AI to make your position irreplaceable. Here’s how:

Work with AI, not against it

As AI becomes more widespread in the workplace, learn how to work with AI, not against it. How? By leveraging its strengths and making up for its weaknesses (and vice versa).

This is commonly called collaborative intelligence, whereby you can combine AI’s speed, accuracy, and efficiency with human qualities such as creativity, emotional intelligence, and social skills.

The result? You will make yourself irreplaceable.

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Jobs that will not be replaced by AI

There are still limitations to what AI can do. And there will, therefore, be certain jobs that only humans can perform.

So what sorts of jobs will stand the test of time?

Essentially, any job that requires one or more of the following “human” qualities that AI just can’t replicate:

• Involves human creativity;

• Involves human empathy, emotional intelligence, an understanding of human emotions and behaviours;

• Involves the ability to engage and connect with other people on an emotional level, as well as build deep relationships and trust;

• Involves effective communication and/or negotiation skills;

• Involves critical thinking, strategic planning, and decision making;

• Involves the ability to adapt to new situations, solve complex problems, and deal with unpredictable circumstances;

• Involves human judgement and intuition;

• Involves leadership.

Examples of jobs that encompass such qualities include CEOs, teachers, counsellors, surgeons, human resource managers, marketing professionals, and many more.

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New job opportunities

While it’s inevitable that AI will automate and replace some jobs, there is a flipside: New job opportunities will emerge as a result of this AI revolution.

So not everything is doom and gloom!

Some of these jobs are existing AI-related positions that will grow in demand over time, while others will be new positions created as a result of AI.

Below is just a small sample of the types of new job opportunities we’re already seeing:

AI developers: As AI systems become more advanced, the demand for this group of specialists to design such systems will continue to grow. AI developers and engineers are responsible for creating specific algorithms, building neural networks, and developing natural language processing capabilities.

AI consultants and strategists: As businesses around the world increasingly adopt AI, there will be a growing need for AI consultants and strategists to help businesses formulate strategies to leverage AI technologies and implement AI-based solutions that improve their current operations.

AI-assisted—specialists: Here’s a good example of a new role in a non-tech industry. These are individuals who specialise in the operation and maintenance of AI-assisted medical systems. With the increasing use of AI in healthcare, such as the use of AI algorithms for disease diagnosis and treatment planning, there will be a growing need for such specialists who can manage and maintain these systems.

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Equip yourself with the right tools, knowledge and mindset

Here are some ways you can keep yourself relevant and on top of the AI job revolution.

Learn and develop new skills

Another way to prepare yourself is by learning and developing new skills and knowledge.

Don’t just focus on hard skills in your job; instead, develop “human soft skills” that can’t be replaced by AI. Such skills will become increasingly important in this new AI world and can set you apart.

Keep up to date with AI developments

Keep up to date with the latest AI trends, developments, and tools. By doing so, you can better understand how such developments will impact your industry and job, prepare yourself for what’s to come and learn how to leverage AI as part of your job.

Be open to new opportunities

Some jobs will be taken by AI; others will be created, or maybe merged. If you want to stay ahead of the game when it comes to AI, you need to step outside of your comfort zone and be open to new opportunities.

Explore jobs requiring creativity, empathy, and human interaction

And if push comes to shove and you lose your job, look to replace it with innately human jobs—this goes back to the soft skills that I mentioned above.

That tidal wave is picking up speed. Don’t ignore it. Don’t fear it. Grab your surfboard and start paddling. You might just find yourself doing better than ever—and enjoying the ride.

Learn how to work with AI, not against it, by leveraging its strengths and compensating for its weaknesses (and vice versa).

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Contributed by: Henry J. Schumacher (schumacher@eitsc.com), President of the European Innovation, Technology and Science Center Foundation (EITSC). This article was first published in BusinessMirror on 27 June 2023.