Which Jobs Are AI-Proof?

Thoughtful Provocation: Which Jobs Are AI-Proof?

The question of which careers are future-proof frequently arises in my discussions about AI. Whether I’m speaking to a classroom full of senior high school students or professionals at companies, the topic is on everyone’s mind. This isn’t new. For decades, we’ve speculated about jobs that might disappear due to technological advancements—first with computers, then the internet, and now AI and automation.

My wife, for example, has been waiting for years for a robot that can do laundry and ironing at home. Recently, I saw a video of a robot neatly folding clothes—maybe her dream will come true. My eldest son, however, isn’t as enthusiastic. He fears catastrophic scenarios (too many sci-fi movies) where robots develop consciousness.

Back to jobs. With the rise of generative AI, many professions—perhaps even all—that involve writing or numbers are under pressure. In my family, there are interpreters and translators, and they are already struggling to find work. Where they once earned 25 cents per word, rates have now dropped to just 3 to 5 cents—if they can find work at all.

Recent research shows that generative AI is directly impacting employment in ‘automation-prone’ industries. The number of assignments for online freelancers working in writing and programming dropped by 30% after the introduction of ChatGPT, while graphic designers experienced a 17% decline due to AI image-generation tools like DALL-E and Midjourney.

Commonly cited at-risk professions include marketers, content creators, copywriters, journalists, accountants, minute-takers, policy advisors, communication specialists, and HR professionals who draft job profiles and vacancies. Additionally, designers (logos, invitations, advertisements), music composers (for radio ads, for example), voice actors, and authors are also affected. Platforms like Amazon and Bol.com are filled with AI-generated books, often riddled with errors.

Even traditional trades, such as bricklaying, are feeling the impact of technology. With bricklaying robots, one worker can now do the job of ten. AI and robotics are also being used in agriculture, such as in apple farming.

The discussion becomes more complex when considering professions where human interaction is expected. Some young people are already talking to AI psychologists, which raises ethical concerns. However, the demand is evident, given the long waiting lists for mental health treatment. A doctor recently told me that radiologists might soon become obsolete because AI can detect tumors with high accuracy.

While AI is increasingly taking over tasks, this doesn’t mean that all jobs will disappear. AI can complement human skills and create new professions that we can’t yet imagine. It can also lead to improvements in various processes.

Some jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI anytime soon. These typically involve complex manual skills, personal interaction, or specialized knowledge and creativity that technology struggles to replicate. Examples include plumbers, nurses, electricians, carpenters, physiotherapists, and cybersecurity specialists.

Education must critically examine the future viability of its programs. Are we still teaching the right skills? Will students have job opportunities after graduation? And when will we finally start focusing on soft skills rather than just technical skills? For instance, a Media Design program that teaches front-end design might be condensed into a one-year course focusing on user experience instead of a traditional four-year degree.

This raises essential questions for education and the future of work: Are current study programs still relevant, and do they offer students real career prospects?