AI: The Catalyst for a New Era in the Workplace?
My growing passion for Artificial Intelligence (AI), fueled by my experience in assisting over a thousand individuals in their job searches over the last few years, has sparked a deep curiosity about the future of work in the AI era. This article represents my quest to understand and adapt to the changing employment landscape, ensuring I can continue to effectively guide others in their career paths and surfing the AI wave.
The AI Job Apocalypse: Myth or Reality?
Recently, I attempted to explain AI and what I have been learning to my mom. Her response was a traditional one: “OMG, we are going to be replaced and dominated by robots like in the movies.”
I shared my view with her that the robots portrayed in movies are unlikely to replace humans in the near future. However, I also showed some examples of the current AI technologies that are already replacing human roles, which surprised her.
This reaction is common among people who are not heavily involved with technology or lack interest in the subject. It is important to raise awareness about these advancements, as they are already reshaping our world and will continue to have a significant impact on our future.
Throughout history, new technologies have often sparked more apprehension than optimism, as workers feel threatened by machines.
In the 19th century, approximately 80% of the workforce was involved in agriculture. This number rapidly decreased to just 2% as a result of mechanization. However, those who were displaced were able to find new employment opportunities in the emerging industry sector.
In the same era, during the Industrial Revolution, English workers known as Luddites infamously destroyed textile machines out of fear of job displacement. In the end, machines did indeed take over their jobs, but they managed to find employment elsewhere.
In these examples, the only thing that changed was the type of machine, but the situation remains the same.
Initially, unemployment was created, but it also led to the creation of new partnerships between humans and machines. Something similar might be happening now.
BYOAI (Bring Your Own Artificial Intelligence) is a growing trend in offices where employees use their own AI tools at work. This is becoming popular because AI tools are now more affordable, easier to use, and more and more jobs need AI skills.
I am an optimist by nature, and I am an optimist in this case.
Working with new tools has always improved our lives, and technology has played a crucial role in our evolution. I believe AI will keep enhancing our efficiency as human beings.
We are creative people by nature and tend to prosper by solving problems with new technologies. As long as we keep our nature, there is no reason to believe it will change this time.
Optimism aside, problems will arise.
To date, technology has had a positive impact on the job market. Therefore, one might think that further improvements through AI will enhance this trend. However, with the rapid advancements in AI, it’s uncertain what the future holds.
Robots are already replacing personal assistants.
Algorithms are writing articles for newspapers.
Artists and writers are possibly the next in line.
New York Times filing a lawsuit against Open AI and Microsoft for copywriting violation, alongside similar actions by other intellectual property holders, underscores the significant impact of AI.
Even autonomous cars may soon replace taxi drivers (a lot of question marks about when this will be a reality tho).
Those were some of the examples I explained to my mom, countering the more dramatic, Hollywood-style narrative of robots taking over society.
Thus, the question arises: Is a work apocalypse approaching?
In my optimistic view, I don’t see the emergence of AI as stealing jobs. It eliminates repetitive tasks and makes them more efficient.
However, if those repetitive tasks are the main part of your job, I think you should start worrying now. There are jobs that automation will swallow, and the general trend is clear.
We can take the example of Microsoft Copilot, a revolutionary AI-powered tool designed to enhance productivity and creativity across various aspects of work and personal life. Seamlessly integrated with Microsoft’s suite of applications, it automates routine tasks, offers intelligent data analysis, and provides insightful assistance in content creation and decision-making processes.
I might even be underestimating by suggesting that AI will primarily eliminate repetitive tasks, because there’s a risk that AI could displace more complex jobs too, leading to a larger impact on employment than anticipated. But let’s keep that for future chapters.
Redefining Work in the Era of Automation
According to the World Economic Forum, employers are anticipating that between 69 to 83 million new jobs will be created and 673 million jobs that currently exist will be eliminated.
Take the example of Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and how is revolutionizing the workplace by automating routine and time-consuming tasks.
How can a human compete with a system that can work 24/7, providing unparalleled efficiency and consistency?
Consider the role of an individual in an accounting department, for instance:
RPA systems can read invoices, input data into the correct fields, send confirmation emails, and even handle discrepancies without any human intervention while working around the clock.
The back office can be the ideal place to start with automation, since it is not part of the customer support service domain and is where the company’s main operations are carried out, such as HR and Finance.
They are very susceptible to automation since a lot of data is collected in them, and many numbers can be transformed into meaningful information.
Despite displacing some jobs, automation should not be viewed solely as a threat to employment but also as an opportunity to enhance human potential.
It will let workers focus on more creative, strategic, and meaningful tasks and reduce errors in boring administrative tasks.
Undoubtedly, there will be a lot of societal challenges such as unemployment and a reorientation of skills, but this will also signify new opportunities for many individuals who have yet to realize their potential.
Employees or individuals with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) skills will be in high demand. So if you’re already on this path keep going and improve other areas. For the others, here are some pieces of advice:
Even if it seems distant, the reality is some industries and jobs die overnight. To avoid becoming one of these obsolete roles and survive in the job market, you must be adaptable. You must have a good sense of what’s to come and then take the initiative.
Despite the intimidating changes, the best way to prepare is to become a well-rounded candidate with strong human skills.
A study by the OECD based on research from the World Economic Forum shows that emotional intelligence, solving complex problems, critical thinking, and creativity will be among the top ten skills most demanded that employers will look for in 2025.
Can we all agree that little or effective training has been created for these skills?
To mitigate the impact of job displacement, there is a critical need for upskilling and reskilling programs. These initiatives should focus on equipping the workforce with the skills required for the jobs of tomorrow.
In my opinion, is not even a question of whether AI will displace jobs that rely heavily on routine and manual tasks, but when. As we have seen it’s already happening, but it will be much bigger than that.
If you’re someone working in this type of field, I would strongly suggest you start thinking about your life for the following years.
What’s Next for Work? Exploring Potential Future Professions
The rise of AI technologies is expected to create new categories of jobs, many of which will revolve around the development, monitoring, and maintenance of these systems, as well as roles that leverage human capabilities that AI cannot easily replicate.
There will be a lack of people for those positions and certainly, transitioning to new AI-related roles often will involve leveraging skills from traditional backgrounds and enhancing them with new knowledge.
For many of these transitions, additional training in AI, machine learning, data analytics, or a related field will be highly beneficial. This could come in the form of online courses, bootcamps, certifications, or even advanced degrees, depending on the role and the individual’s starting point.
The key is to combine existing domain expertise with new tech skills to stay competitive in an AI-augmented job market.
Here are some potential jobs that might emerge, with traditional backgrounds and transferable skills that could be an advantage to perform:
AI Trainer
Individuals who train AI systems to perform tasks such as recognizing speech or images, understanding natural language, or even emulating human behaviors. This includes teaching AI context, cultural nuances, and ethical operations.
- Traditional Background: Psychology, Education, Communication
- Transferable Skills: Understanding of human behavior, communication skills, teaching experience
AI Maintenance Specialists
Experts who service and repair AI systems, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively, much like IT support for software today but with a focus on AI-specific issues.
- Traditional Background: IT Support, Computer Science
- Transferable Skills: Technical troubleshooting, hardware and software knowledge
AI Ethicists
As AI becomes more prevalent, there will be a growing need for professionals who can address the ethical implications of AI. This could include formulating guidelines for the ethical use of AI, auditing algorithms for bias, and ensuring that AI systems align with societal values.
- Traditional Background: Philosophy, Law, Social Science
- Transferable Skills: Ethical reasoning, regulatory knowledge, social research
Human-AI Interaction Designers
These professionals will design interfaces and experiences that enable smooth interactions between humans and AI systems, from voice-activated assistants to collaborative robots (cobots).
- Traditional Background: UI/UX Design, Cognitive Science, Human-Computer Interaction
- Transferable Skills: Design thinking, user research, empathy for user experience
Personal Privacy Advisors
Professionals who help individuals manage and protect their personal data and advise companies on data collection and management practices, in compliance with privacy laws and regulations.
- Traditional Background: Law, Information Technology, Cybersecurity
- Transferable Skills: Knowledge of privacy regulations, security protocols, advocacy skills
Autonomous Transportation Specialists
As autonomous vehicles of all kinds become more prevalent, specialists will be needed to oversee fleets, manage logistics, and navigate the legal and practical aspects of these technologies.
- Traditional Background: Urban Planning, Transportation Engineering, Logistics
- Transferable Skills: Knowledge of transportation systems, project management, regulatory awareness
Digital Therapists
Professionals who assist individuals in managing the psychological and social effects of an increasingly digital and AI-driven world, helping them find a balance between tech and life.
- Traditional Background: Psychology, Counseling, Wellness Coaching
- Transferable Skills: Empathetic listening, behavioral therapy techniques, stress management
Algorithm Bias Auditors
Professionals who scrutinize algorithms for biases that can lead to discrimination and work, to ensure fairness and inclusivity in automated decisions.
- Traditional Background: Data Science, Actuarial Science, Sociology
- Transferable Skills: Data analysis, critical thinking, knowledge of statistical biases
Those are just some examples.
Some of them might not happen or happen in different shapes.
Some others will arise.
The actual titles and responsibilities of these roles will evolve with the technology and the needs of the market.
As AI and automation change the employment landscape, the emphasis on lifelong learning and adaptability will be crucial for the workforce to transition into new opportunities.
Humans are (still) the answer
Having said all of that, one reason why I think robots are unlikely to replace us soon is that the touch and consideration of humans are increasingly a selling point.
In my particular case, I don’t like being surrounded by algorithms that know me better than I do, and I am increasingly concerned about the data I provide. I believe that more people think this way and there is a greater awareness of this topic.
Companies are also aware of it and are working to include it in their strategies.
Even in the health area, which has been mentioned so much for its advances, humans will continue to be indispensable for their emotional sensitivity.
Can you imagine a robot caring for you in a moment of distress, when we need affection the most?
However, we cannot deny that AI is threatening jobs at an increasing speed, and technologies can make entire sectors obsolete.
As soon as many enterprises start to use it, others will necessarily have to do the same or they will fall behind and cease to be competitive.
It will be very difficult to predict when this shift will occur, but in the long run, both individuals and societies must consider these scenarios.
I’ll be following the upcoming chapters closely and sharing them. I encourage everyone to do the same.
Disclaimer: As an AI enthusiast on a learning journey, the insights I share here come from my personal perspective. The field of AI is a vast and evolving landscape, filled with uncertainties even for “AI Experts”. If you’re keen on following my learning path and ideas, please follow along.
