The recent explosion of tools like DALL-E, ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing, have made one thing clear – artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have a wide range of applications and are primed to transform all of our jobs in the coming years. AI is rapidly transforming the way we work, making tasks faster, more efficient, and less labor-intensive, whether you’re a software engineer or behind the counter in retail.
There are two staggering pieces of research that can help us see the big picture:
The World Economic Forum predicts advanced technologies such as AI, robotics and machine learning will replace approximately 85 million jobs by 2025.
McKinsey has projected that by 2030, between 400 million and 800 million workers could be displaced by automation.
Advancements in AI are changing daily and therefore the changes to work are coming faster than many of us can keep up! As such, The HBCU Career Center will keep this page up to date with the latest changes in AI. We hope this page drives home the point that if there was ever a time to increase our digital literacy, stay on top of our industry’s latest news and invest in upskilling, it would be now!
Table of Contents
Meet the Cutting Edge Technology That’s Driving the AI Revolution in Work
Here are some of the latest AI technologies that are impacting work:
Robotic Process Automation (RPA): RPA is a technology that automates repetitive, manual tasks. It uses software robots or "bots" to perform tasks such as data entry, file management, and customer service. RPA can save businesses time and money by reducing the need for manual labor and allowing employees to focus on more complex tasks.
Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP is a branch of AI that deals with the interaction between computers and human languages. NLP technologies can be used to analyze, understand, and generate natural language text. NLP is used in chatbots, virtual assistants, and other conversational interfaces to provide better customer service and automate tasks such as scheduling appointments and answering common questions.
Predictive Analytics (Applicable in EVERY industry): Predictive analytics uses AI algorithms to analyze large datasets and predict future outcomes. It can be used to identify potential problems before they occur, optimize workflows, and make more informed decisions. For example, predictive analytics can be used in healthcare to predict which patients are at risk of developing certain conditions, allowing doctors to intervene early and improve outcomes.
Computer Vision: Computer vision is a branch of AI that allows computers to interpret and analyze visual information. It can be used for tasks such as image recognition, object detection, and facial recognition. Computer vision is used in industries such as manufacturing and retail to automate quality control, monitor inventory, and improve security.
Autonomous Vehicles: Autonomous vehicles use AI technologies such as machine learning and computer vision to navigate and make decisions. They have the potential to revolutionize transportation and logistics, reducing the need for human drivers and improving efficiency.
What Jobs Are Projected To Be Replaced in the Near Future?
As artificial intelligence technologies continue to advance, there are legitimate concerns that they will replace certain jobs that are currently performed by humans. If you’ve ever checked out of a grocery store using a kiosk rather than a cashier, or spoken to a robot on the phone, you’ve already experienced the beginnings of this shift.
Here are some of the jobs that are projected to be replaced by AI or have already been transformed by technology.
While there is still debate among experts about which jobs are most likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence, here are eleven lines of work that are often cited as being most at risk, and are already being replaced by AI:
Delivery Drivers: With the development of autonomous vehicles and drone technology, jobs such as delivery drivers may be replaced by self-driving vehicles.
Bank Tellers: As online banking and mobile payments become more popular, bank teller jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI-powered systems that can handle transactions and customer inquiries.
Insurance Underwriters: AI-powered systems can analyze large amounts of data to assess risk and determine insurance premiums, reducing the need for human underwriters.
Truck Drivers: With the development of autonomous vehicles, jobs such as truck drivers and delivery drivers may be replaced by self-driving vehicles. This could lead to increased safety and efficiency, but also raises concerns about job displacement.
Retail Salespeople: As e-commerce continues to grow, many retail sales jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants.
Telemarketers: With the rise of AI-powered voice assistants, telemarketing jobs are fully at risk of being replaced by automated systems that can handle customer inquiries and sales.
Data Entry Clerks: AI technologies such as robotic process automation (RPA) can automate data entry and file management tasks, reducing the need for human labor.
Cashiers: Self-checkout systems and mobile payments are reducing the need for cashiers in retail and hospitality industries.
Receptionists: AI powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine inquiries and scheduling tasks, reducing the need for human receptionists.
Accountants and Bookkeepers: AI technologies such as predictive analytics and machine learning can automate many accounting tasks such as bookkeeping, auditing, and tax preparation.
Assembly Line Workers: Manufacturing jobs such as assembly line workers and machine operators are at risk of being replaced by robots and other automated systems.
How Will Jobs Change Because of Emerging Technologies and Automation?
While there are concerns that artificial intelligence may replace certain jobs, there are also many jobs that are expected to be impacted by AI but not replaced entirely.
AI won’t just end certain jobs, it could radically impact significant portions of other jobs across the board. For example, McKinsey studies show that almost 20% of a CEO’s daily duties can be automated (Source).
In many roles, workers will have to adapt and learn how to use new technologies in their field to stay competitive.
Here are some examples of jobs that are likely to be impacted by AI but still require a human touch; for now and in the foreseeable future at least:
Doctors and Healthcare Professionals: AI can be used to analyze medical data and assist with diagnosis and treatment recommendations, but human doctors and healthcare professionals are still needed to provide care and make decisions based on individual patient needs.
Medical Scientists and Researchers: While AI may assist with certain aspects of medical research such as data analysis and pattern recognition, medical scientists and researchers require strong analytical skills, scientific knowledge, and an ability to design and execute experiments, making them less likely to be replaced by AI.
Lawyers: While AI can assist with tasks such as document review and legal research, lawyers still require human judgment, communication skills, and strategic thinking to provide legal advice and representation.
Teachers and Education Professionals: AI can be used to personalize learning and provide feedback to students, but teachers and education professionals are still needed to provide support and guidance to students. These jobs require human creativity, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.
Engineers: While AI can assist with tasks such as simulation and optimization, engineers still require human creativity and problem-solving skills to design and develop new products and systems.
Social Workers: While AI can assist with tasks such as data analysis and resource allocation, social workers still require human empathy, compassion, and interpersonal skills to provide support to vulnerable populations.
Journalists: While AI can assist with tasks such as data analysis, fact-checking and even writing, journalists still require human creativity and intuition to tell compelling stories and uncover important information.
Customer Service Representatives: AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle routine inquiries, but customer service representatives are still needed to provide personalized support and handle complex issues.
Artists and Creatives: While AI can assist with tasks such as music composition and graphic design, artists and creatives still require human creativity and vision to produce original works.
Human Resources Professionals: AI can assist with tasks such as resume screening and performance evaluation, but human resources professionals are still needed to provide guidance and support to employees and ensure a positive work environment.
Sales Representatives: AI can assist with tasks such as customer data analysis and lead generation, but sales representatives still require human communication skills and the ability to build relationships with customers.
Sales: While AI can be used to analyze customer data and provide insights, sales jobs still require human communication skills and the ability to build relationships with customers. Sales jobs require the ability to understand customer needs and preferences and tailor solutions to meet those needs.
Customer Service Managers: While AI may assist with routine customer service tasks, customer service managers require strong communication skills and strategic thinking abilities, making them less likely to be replaced by AI.
Architects: While AI may assist with certain aspects of design and planning, architects require creativity, critical thinking skills, and an understanding of both the technical and aesthetic aspects of their work, making them less likely to be replaced by AI.
Marketing Managers: While AI may assist with certain aspects of marketing such as data analysis and targeting, marketing managers require strong creativity, communication skills, and strategic thinking abilities, making them less likely to be replaced by AI.
Financial Advisors: While AI may assist with certain aspects of financial planning and investment analysis, financial advisors require strong interpersonal skills, critical thinking abilities, and an understanding of the unique needs and goals of their clients, making them less likely to be replaced by AI.
Software Engineer: As AI technology advances, it will likely automate some aspects of software engineering, such as testing and debugging. However, it will also create new opportunities for software engineers to develop and maintain AI systems.
How to Start Preparing For an Era Of Massive Work Transformation
As artificial intelligence continues to advance, it's natural to be concerned about how it will impact job opportunities and the labor market.
In recent times, expert voices in tech have been sounding the alarm about how AI will impact work and the world at large. For example, researcher and computer scientist Geoffrey Hinton, also known as “The Godfather of AI”, went as far as quitting his executive role at Google so that he could share his concerns about the rapid evolution of AI and its potential to negatively impact the world ( The Guardian).
Despite the understandable fears around AI, here are strategies we believe you can use to stay competitive in a world where AI is changing work:
Know your transferable skills like the back of your hand - Take some time to assess what we call your V.I.S.A. or Values, Interests, Skills and Abilities. This will help you describe your current skills, and begin to discover other types of work or industries where you may be able to transfer.
Keep on learning new skills: As AI and automation continue to impact the job market, it's essential to develop new skills that will be valuable in your industry. This could involve learning new computer programs, developing expertise in the emerging technologies of your industry, or enhancing soft skills such as communication, collaboration and creativity.
Learn new programs: If you google your industry and the term “AI programs”, you will find the latest programs in your field. Seek to become familiar with them.
Stay informed and do environmental scans: Keeping up to date with the latest technological advancements and industry trends can help you stay ahead of the curve and anticipate changes in the job market. Follow industry news and attend conferences and events to stay informed.
Embrace lifelong learning: In a world where technology is constantly evolving, it's essential to adopt a mindset of lifelong learning. This means being open to new experiences and continually seeking out opportunities to learn and grow.
Build a strong network: Network with other professionals who are influencers, leaders and changemakers in your field. You can learn from others and your network can help you stay informed about job opportunities and emerging trends. Your network provides you with valuable connections and resources that can help you advance your career and make tiny or big pivots as needed.
Develop a growth mindset: A growth mindset involves embracing challenges, persisting in the face of setbacks, and seeking out opportunities for growth and development. By adopting a growth mindset, you can develop resilience and adaptability that will help you succeed in a rapidly changing job market.
Consider college programs carefully: If you are evaluating an academic program to continue your training, ask about how responsive the program has been to advances in AI. How has the coursework evolved to embrace new technology? Is the latest information available? Will faculty and career coaches on campus guide you on what is ahead?
AI Will Build Demand For These 35 Jobs
While there is a lot of talk about the roles AI will replace, we also think it’s important to shine a light on jobs it has and will build a demand for.
The development of AI will need a wide range of skills to make it go round.
AI Developer - An AI Developer designs, builds, and tests artificial intelligence systems and applications, using programming languages such as Python, Java, and C++.
Data Scientist - A Data Scientist uses statistical and machine learning techniques to analyze large datasets and extract insights that can be used to inform business decisions or solve complex problems.
Machine Learning Engineer - A machine learning engineer designs, builds, and deploys machine learning systems and models that can learn from and make predictions on large datasets, using tools such as TensorFlow and PyTorch.
Chatbot Designer - A Chatbot Designer creates conversational interfaces, using natural language processing (NLP) and machine learning techniques to enable users to interact with automated systems in a more human-like way.
AI Ethicist - An AI Ethicist is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and addressing ethical issues related to the design, development, and deployment of AI technologies and systems.
Autonomous Vehicle Engineer - An Autonomous Vehicle Engineer designs and develops software, hardware, and algorithms for self-driving cars, trucks, and other vehicles, to enable safe and efficient navigation on roads and highways.
Cybersecurity Specialist - A Cybersecurity Specialist is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, theft, and damage by identifying vulnerabilities and implementing security measures and protocols.
Content Curator - A Content Curator selects and organizes digital content, such as articles, videos, and images, for a particular topic or theme, using tools such as social media and content management systems.
Personalized Healthcare Specialist - A Personalized Healthcare Specialist uses AI and machine learning to analyze patient data and create customized treatment plans that are tailored to the individual's unique medical history and needs.
Robotics Technician - A Robotics Technician designs, builds, and maintains robotic systems, ensuring that they are functioning properly and performing tasks accurately and efficiently, using programming languages and hardware components.
Augmented Reality (AR) Developer - An AR Developer creates immersive digital experiences that overlay computer-generated graphics onto the real world, using technologies such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and ARKit.
Virtual Reality (VR) Developer - A VR developer creates virtual environments and experiences that simulate real-world interactions and movements, using software such as Unity, Unreal Engine, and Oculus SDK.
Digital Twin Developer - A Digital Twin Developer creates virtual replicas of physical systems or processes, using IoT sensors and data analytics, to simulate and optimize performance, maintenance, and safety.
Smart City Planner - A smart city planner designs and implements urban infrastructure and services that leverage AI, IoT, and data analytics, to optimize energy consumption, transportation, public safety, and quality of life.
Predictive Maintenance Analyst - A predictive maintenance analyst uses AI and machine learning to analyze sensor data and predict when industrial equipment or machines are likely to fail, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.
Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist - A Natural Language Processing (NLP) Specialist develops and implements algorithms and models that enable computers to understand and respond to human language, improving chatbots, virtual assistants, and automated customer service.
AI Business Analyst - An AI Business Analyst evaluates and implements AI technologies and systems in business processes, analyzing data and identifying opportunities for automation and optimization of operations, products, and services.
AI Project Manager - An AI project manager leads and oversees the development and deployment of AI projects, coordinating resources, timelines, and budgets, and ensuring that projects are delivered on time and within scope.
AI Product Manager - An AI product manager identifies customer needs and market opportunities for AI-based products and services, defining product features, requirements, and roadmaps, and working with development teams to bring them to market.
AI User Experience (UX) Designer - An AI User Experience (UX) Designer creates intuitive and engaging interfaces and interactions for AI-powered products and services, using user-centered design principles and data-driven insights to optimize user satisfaction and adoption.
AI Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst - An AI Quality Assurance (QA) Analyst tests and validates AI systems and models, verifying their accuracy, reliability, and security, and ensuring that they comply with ethical and legal standards and regulations.
AI Content Writer - An AI Content Writer uses natural language generation (NLG) tools to automate the writing of reports, articles, summaries, and other types of content, saving time and increasing productivity.
Data Driven Marketing Specialist - An AI Marketing Specialist uses data analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling to identify market trends, customer behaviors, and campaign effectiveness, optimizing marketing strategies and increasing customer engagement and conversion.
Salesperson with Specialization in AI Tools - An AI Salesperson uses machine learning and predictive analytics to identify and prioritize leads, personalize sales pitches, and predict customer needs and behaviors, increasing sales and revenue.
AI Trainer - An AI Trainer develops and curates datasets, designs and trains machine learning models, and evaluates their performance, improving their accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability for real-world applications.
AI Consultant - An AI Consultant advises businesses and organizations on AI strategy, implementation, and optimization, analyzing their data and workflows, recommending AI solutions, and guiding their adoption and integration.
AI Process Automation Specialist - An AI Process Automation Specialist automates repetitive, time-consuming, and error-prone tasks using AI-powered tools, improving operational efficiency.
AI Integration Specialist - An AI Integration Specialist designs and implements AI solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing software and systems, ensuring smooth data flow and interoperability, and optimizing performance and scalability.
AI Signal Processing Engineer - An AI Signal Processing Engineer uses mathematical algorithms and models to analyze and interpret signals such as sound or images, allowing machines to understand and respond to them.
AI Data Engineer - An AI data engineer designs, builds and maintains the infrastructure required for processing, storing, and analyzing large and complex data sets to enable AI and machine learning models to be developed and deployed.
AI Software Tester - An AI software tester uses automated testing tools and techniques to verify and validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of artificial intelligence systems and applications.
AI Architect - An AI architect designs and implements artificial intelligence systems like and solutions, integrating AI technologies to develop intelligent systems that meet specific business needs and goals.
AI Human Resources (HR) Specialist - An AI HR specialist uses technology to automate HR processes, analyze data to identify trends, streamline hiring processes, develop training programs, and optimize employee engagement and performance.
AI Network Administrator - An AI network administrator is responsible for managing and maintaining an organization's computer network, including setting up, configuring, and monitoring network hardware and software to ensure optimal performance and security.
AI User Support Specialist - An AI user support specialist helps users troubleshoot issues related to the AI-powered software or systems they are using, often providing guidance and assistance through online or phone communication channels.
Further Resources
Suggested Articles
How to Use AI to do Stuff: An Opinionated Guide
Watch Adapting Work & Life to the Age of A.I.
In this talk, Dr. Marcia F. Robinson shares a framework for adapting to and thriving in the future of work. The presentation covers:
Three things you must do to stay relevant as the future of work evolves.
A framework for thriving in the age of A.I.
Why it's so important to know what tech advancements are happening in your industry and your career.
How to use a PESTEL analysis to research your industry.
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