How can you “future-proof” your career in an age of AI?

We’ve all heard the predictions: AI will alter, create and, in some cases, eliminate jobs. But how many? Which ones?  

With AI causing so much churn in the job market, it’s hard to know which jobs and skills will be most resistant to automation. Just how much churn are we talking?  

From 2023-2027, the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that 83 million jobs will be lost and 69 million jobs will be created, a reduction of 14 million jobs, or 2%.  

How can you future-proof your career when there are so many unknowns? First step, choose a career that is less exposed to automation.  

Jobs that are safest from automation

There are lots of predictions about the least AI-exposed jobs. For example, the U.S. Career Institute compiled a list of the 65 jobs at least risk of automation, including careers in medicine, social services, engineering, public service, education and more.

Other studies point to a surprising factor in the race against the robots: your human body.  

In fact, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF), expectations that physical and manual work could be displaced by machines have decreased, with companies now estimating that 42% of tasks could be automated by 2027 (down from 47%).  

In May 2023, the WEF reported that the highest job growth in 2023-2027 will be in these roles:  

• Agricultural equipment operators

• Drivers of heavy trucks and buses

• Vocational education teachers

• Mechanics and machinery repairers

• Business development professionals  

• Building frame and related trades workers  

• University and higher education teachers  

• And more (see report)

Notice anything interesting about this list? All these jobs are either very physical or require essential human skills to instruct others in a classroom setting (teachers and professors) or connect with others to influence their thinking and sell products or services (business development professionals).  

While you might think those with technical ability (e.g., programmers and data analysts) would be safest, think again.  

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Who’s most afraid of losing their job to automation?

A survey of US workers found that those most afraid of losing their job to AI work in some of the most technology-enabled industries (including HR):  

That’s not to say jobs in these areas will disappear—but they will change as AI evolves. The safest bet if you work in one of these areas is to research which skills will be most in demand as AI continues to evolve.  

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Cool career pathing tool

To take the fear out of the future, Lightcast offers a free tool that identifies the skills required to transition from 10 “feeder” jobs to the “next-step” on an AI-powered career path.  

For example, it shows how someone could go from a Training and Development Specialist to a Curriculum and Instructional Designer or from an Event Planner to a PR/Communications Specialist.  

Try it: Just pick from one of 10 jobs, enter your contact details, and the site will send you a report showing which AI skills you’ll need to move from feeder to next-step job.  

Upskilling and reskilling

The next thing to do? Consider the adage, “If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” That is, learn as much as you can about AI, even if you’re not in a technical role, because it’s here to stay.

For tips on courses to take and in-demand skills, read our blog “Must-have AI skills for today’s job seekers.”

And aside from courses, stay up to date on AI news by attending networking and industry events and remaining current with AI legislation in your area.  

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Become a human-AI collaborator

Another tactic is to become adept at human-AI collaboration, so you can help your team and organization get the most out of AI. Here are some steps to follow:  

1. Understand AI basics: First, gain a solid understanding of AI concepts, applications, tools and limitations through introductory courses such as those linked above.

2. Develop AI collaboration skills: Regardless of your role, practise working with AI not so much as a tool, but as a partner. One study of 5,000 workers found people who used AI as a simple tool saved 53 minutes per day (which they use to do admin tasks) whereas more strategic collaborators save 105 minutes per day and use this time to keep learning new skills and generating new ideas. Some key things to try: Use AI to help build long-term plans, optimize resource allocation or gain insights from complex marketing data.

3. Encourage AI experimentation: For those working on a team, encourage your team members to integrate AI into their daily work, set weekly challenges for trying new AI tools or asking AI specific questions.

4. Learn AI tools for non-techies: Familiarize yourself with AI platforms designed for non-technical users, such as AutoML and AI-powered analytics tools.

5. Develop an understanding of AI ethics and governance: From privacy violations and biased algorithms to job-killing automation and autonomous vehicles causing accidents, issues abound when it comes to AI, which means increased demand for those who know how to implement and use it responsibly and ethically. The University of Helsinki offers a free online Ethics of AI course for beginners.  

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Additional tips for staying ahead of the AI curve

Aside from taking courses, here are some tips from Harvard Business Review and Fast Company for growing with AI:

• Integrate AI tools into your day-to-day workflow, setting aside time every day to practise.  

• Hone all the soft skills that computers try to emulate, like communications, creativity and empathy.

• Build strong human relationships: Keep growing and maintaining your professional network by meeting in person, focus on real-world research rather than always turning to ChatGPT for input, and seek career advice and mentorship from humans rather than asking AI.

• Aim for originality and unpredictability. Instead of turning to AI like everyone else, write and research your own content that shows your personality, so you can show up with authenticity.  

Looking for your next great role? Be sure to check out our job portal and come back often—we post new roles daily.

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