Employment Opportunities as Automation  Take Over
(Photo : Employment Opportunities as Automation Take Over )

Before the pandemic, many companies had plans for digital transformation, AI adoption, and data-driven innovation. These plans were to be performed over a 5-10-year time span. When Covid came on the scene, these businesses not only saw an opportunity to accelerate these plans, but it was almost a situation of do or die. With the workforce and other essential elements of business operations being unpredictable, it seemed as if rapid investments in artificial intelligence was the best way to compensate. 

Now, we are gaining some control over Covid with rising vaccination rates, and there is a possibility that we could be creating a new, more stable norm. Ultimately the major question becomes: 

If companies are able to maintain the heightened pace of AI adoption, what does that mean for people currently in the workforce and people looking for new jobs as they probe online job boards like JobSearcher, Indeed, or LinkedIn?

Does this Mean Robots are Taking Over?

When talking about AI in the workplace, most people's first impulse is to ask if robots will be taking over jobs. Well, according to a study conducted by McKinsey & Company in 2017, one out of three U.S. workers could automate some or all of their tasks using AI by the year 2030. With the rapid acceleration of digital transformation due to Covid, the timeline could very well be cut short into the coming years. 

While this is alarming, the study mentions that it is very unlikely that there will be a lack of jobs. Instead, we can expect new roles and positions to appear and the demand for certain occupations will likely increase. Therefore, employees in current positions and industries may need to either switch occupations or upgrade their skill set to remain relevant in their workspace.

So as a job searcher or someone contemplating your career, you can sit back and take a deep breath. But don't sit back for too long. Below, we will highlight careers at risk and some who are projected to remain safe, or even increase in demand. 

Career Fields at Risk 

Before we talk about career fields that will be in high demand, let's first address career fields that are at risk. As an employee in one of these fields, it will be up to you to decide whether you will need to change occupations or speak with your employer about upskilling to keep pace with artificial intelligence integration. 

  • Telemarketing
  • Loan Officer and/or Budget Analysts
  • Tax Preparation Workers
  • Manufacturing - Warehouse Workers
  • Administration Workers
  • Retail Workers and Cashiers
  • Taxi, Uber, Lyft, Truck Drivers
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants

Career Fields in High Demand

Employment Opportunities as Automation  Take Over

This may be a bit arrogant to say, but some careers just cannot be completely overtaken by artificial intelligence... at least not yet. They may have the capability to automate, but automation would take away the quality at which the job can be performed. 

For example, while the healthcare industry will be quick to adopt AI for administrative tasks, that AI cannot adequately replace the work of healthcare professionals such as doctors and nurses. Why? Because artificial intelligence has limits. AI cannot:

  • Create, conceptualize, or manage strategic planning
  • Accomplish work that requires precise hand-eye coordination
  • Deal with unknown and unstructured spaces
  • Feel or interact with empathy and compassion

As you contemplate those limits and apply them in other spheres, other career fields that hold a level of safety are:

  • Careers in Management and Strategic Planning
  • Fiction Writing
  • Teaching
  • Lawyers and Attorneys
  • Physical and Occupational Therapists
  • Psychiatrists
  • UX/UI Design
  • Coding/Software Developer
  • Machine Learning

Lastly, you know what they say. If you can't beat them, join them. As an employee facing automation, one of the best ways to remain relevant is to learn how to develop, maintain, or manage the artificial intelligence that has come to take your place. So, know that careers in artificial intelligence will be around for a long time. 

Food for Thought 

As you prepare for the future of work and the consistent adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence, remember that there is nothing to fear. Though you will go through some major changes, you can stay relevant by adopting new skills, getting more education, or changing careers to find a safer occupation.

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