Learn how AI will affect the job market and how to adapt

If you’ve found yourself worriedly searching “what jobs are safe from AI,” you’re not alone. It’s no secret that artificial intelligence (AI) has provoked a lot of anxiety in professionals, some rebuking it for its career-crushing capabilities and others adjusting their goals to avoid the brunt of its power.

Despite what side of the spectrum you fall on, one thing is true: AI is nearly unavoidable. In a recent Michael Page survey, almost half (45%) of respondents shared they believe AI will affect their long-term career plans.

However, even as technology continues to advance, it’s not prepared to replace humans entirely, and here are some reasons why it likely won’t. Keep reading to learn more about how AI will affect the job market and how you can have a thriving career in tandem with thriving technology.

The impact of AI on the job market

The rise of AI has resulted in a lot of speculation about the future of the job landscape. Data from a Goldman Sachs report suggests that it could affect 300 million jobs worldwide and will target two-thirds of US occupations.

Sectors most at risk include:

Finance and banking
Media and marketing
Legal services

Fortunately, AI isn’t all bad. For example, such technology can boost productivity and efficiency for those who utilize it. The following strategies will help you leverage the positive aspects of AI.

Do your research on AI

Knowing the extent of AI’s capabilities will give you a clearer idea of how you can stand out and stay relevant in your field. Consider researching the following:

Which of my tasks can AI automate?
How can I incorporate AI in my day-to-day responsibilities?
What risks or challenges does AI pose to my career?
How does AI fall short?
How can AI benefit my organization?

After learning everything you can about AI and its abilities in relation to your industry, you can then leverage or surpass them, ensuring your role continues to evolve in spite—and because of—such advanced technology.

Use AI to your advantage

If AI has taught us anything, it’s that there’s no stopping technological development; therefore, building your digital skills is paramount, especially when it comes to AI.

We know AI is a great way to automate tasks, so using it to your advantage can streamline your work schedule, freeing up time for you to spend on more complex responsibilities. For example, copywriters may benefit from using ChatGPT prompts to expedite the brainstorming process; accountants can use AI for bookkeeping and data entry purposes. Learning more about what AI capabilities most relevant to your field can do for your short and long-term career goals will help you achieve them faster.

Do you work in engineering and manufacturing? Learn how AI can benefit you.

As organizations begin utilizing more technology, companies are also more likely to hire workers who are familiar with such programs. In fact, a recent survey revealed that 4 out of 5 companies said AI skills will help retain current employees, emphasizing its increased presence in the workplace.

Identify what makes you irreplaceable

One strategy to consider is refining your personal brand. People want to work with real people. Refining your soft skills and emotional intelligence is a great way to get a leg up on AI. For example, practicing empathy, self-awareness, and excellent listening skills with your colleagues can go a long way.

Build your network

If you’re concerned about the implications of AI on your career, take time to grow your network. A large, well-nurtured network can provide more opportunities, recommendations, and a sense of comfort.

You can also connect with successful professionals in your field and ask how they have adapted to the changing landscape. It can be worth it to chat and brainstorm strategies with people who are in similar situations; in such uncertain times, knowing you have others to lean on is more reassuring than going it alone.

AI will inevitably impact the way we work—some roles have already been affected. The key is to shift your mindset and stay adaptable and open to learning. In a tech-dominated world, understanding how you can leverage technology to elevate your career is more important than ever.

For more career tips, browse our advice section. And if you’re a candidate on the search for your next job, check out our open roles.