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Artificial intelligence (AI) is a rapidly growing field that is revolutionising the way we live and work, even if you don’t realise it. 

AI tools like ChatGPT and stable diffusion are fueling the AI hype and for good reason, but every time you go on social media you are exposed to simple AIs created just to get your attention in hopes of you buying something.

Other than persuading you to buy something, Businesses use AI to automate tasks, analyse data faster, predict the future and make better-informed decisions. But as AI becomes more prevalent and accessible, there is growing concern about its impact on jobs and the labor market. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at AI and jobs, exploring the industries and jobs that are most at risk, and discussing what workers can do to prepare for a future dominated by AI.

Which Jobs are at Risk?

The impact of AI on jobs is not evenly distributed across all industries and professions. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the following industries are most at risk from AI and automation:

• Manufacturing and production,
• Retail and wholesale trade,
• Administrative and support services,
• Accommodation and food services.

Quick disclaimer, all of this depends on local companies putting up the money and time to integrate AI into their businesses, the slower they are to innovate the safer these jobs are, for now.

Here’s a rule of thumb; jobs that are largely routine tasks that can be easily automated, are most at risk, for example, data entry and telemarketing. ChatGPT the viral chatbot that can do your homework, write emails and respond to your requests like a human is a potential competitor to Customer service BPOs. Jobs that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving skills are less likely to be affected.

Which Jobs are at less Risk?

Jobs that Require Human Interaction and Empathy

One of the key characteristics of jobs that are safe from AI is that they require human interaction and empathy. AI is not sentient and at this point does not understand a lot of what it is doing, it is amazing at learning patterns and that’s how it’s able to appear intelligent. When it comes to dealing with complex social and emotional skills that are unique to human beings AI is not ready. Jobs in Healthcare, Education and the Arts need humans. You may have seen artists in an uproar about AI stealing their work and jobs, keep this is mind; without new human art the AI will not be able to learn new art styles and approaches. AI needs us to create content and tell it what to do so it can learn.

Jobs that Require Complex Problem-Solving

Another characteristic of jobs that are relatively safe from AI is that they require complex problem-solving skills. These jobs cannot be easily automated because they involve reasoning and decision-making that goes beyond what AI can currently do. Examples of these types of jobs include Lawyers, Nurses, Doctors and Creators. AI will revolutionise these fields by making them more efficient at making decisions, this efficiency could mean more affordable and easier access to medical and legal services by low-income households but also downsizing. A company that required five experts may only need two because of AI tools making processes more efficient.

Recommendations for Workers Concerned About Job Security

As AI continues to change the job market, it’s important for workers to stay informed and be proactive in preparing for the future. Here are a few recommendations for workers concerned about job security:

Embrace AI: AI will be integrated into the tools most employees daily. Microsoft has already started live integration of ChatGPT , the viral AI chatbot, in their software suites. AI if used correctly can reduce your workload, make you more efficient and the best part, save you work time. Our experiments estimate around 20 per cent – time savings in a workweek using AI tools.

Upskill: Invest in learning new skills, especially those that are in demand, such as project management, data analytics, cloud computing, and AI. You don’t have to be an expert, just enough to diversify how you can provide value to a company or your own business.

Be flexible: Be open to new job opportunities and be willing to adapt to new technologies. I predict in a decade people having dual professions in their lifetime, one or both for passion and/or stability.

Network: Build a professional network and stay connected with others in your field to stay informed about changes and new opportunities.

Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with developments in AI and the job market by following relevant news sources and participating in professional organizations. ChatGPT is less than five months old and there are more daily users of the tool than people in Jamaica, four times as many.

How should the Youths prepare?

Us working people have the benefit of being employed before and while AI adoption is going on. For the youths that will enter the new world in a few years, they have to start from scratch, we can’t be completely sure what that job market will look like, but there are strong recommendations I can give them now to improve their chances of a good career.

Emphasise Soft Skills

One of the most important skills for success in the future of work is a strong set of soft skills. These are non-technical skills that are essential for success in any job, such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Parents and educators can help students develop these skills by encouraging them to participate in team sports and activities that promote teamwork and collaboration.

Encourage a Love of Learning

Another key to success in the future of work is a love of learning. With the rapid pace of technological change, students who can learn quickly and adapt to new technologies will be in high demand. Parents and educators can encourage a love of learning by exposing students to new experiences, fostering their curiosity, and helping them find their passions.

Teach STEAM Skills

STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) skills have always been important to the Human Capital of a country, but now more than ever they make you indispensable to companies around the world.  Parents and educators can help students develop these skills by encouraging them to participate in STEAM-related activities and clubs, such as robotics and coding. Many of the resources are free and easily available online, this is one of the reasons we need high-quality Wi-Fi for every citizen.

Help Students Network

Networking is an essential skill for success in the workplace, and students who can build strong relationships with others will be in a better position to succeed. Parents and educators can help students develop their networking skills by encouraging them to participate in extracurricular activities, such as clubs and volunteer work, and helping them connect with professionals in their intended fields.

Conclusion

AI is expected to replace certain jobs, but when is the last time you saw an elevator man or horse carriage driver? New technologies make some jobs obsolete but ultimately create even more jobs. The internet resulted in Web Developers, Web Designers, YouTubers and more. AI is just another technology, the opportunities and risks come from how it’s used by people and companies. You all need to be aware of the impact AI can have on you and your family so that you can prepare for it. Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity – Seneca

• Adrian Dunkley is a Tech Entrepreneur, Scientist and AI expert with over 15 years of practical experience as an AI engineer and researcher. He is a Forbes Technology Council member, the founder of Jamaica’s first AI company, StarApple AI, and the President of the Jamaica Technology and Digital Alliance.