AI Is Replacing Jobs Done By Human Workers
Using AI-powered software and tools allows 15% of all worker tasks in the U.S. to be completed much faster. And AI could augment between 47% and 56% of all job tasks. (1)
If your career falls into a category that future work environments will likely replace, consider upskilling! The crucial role of upskilling can help you adapt to an AI-driven future. As some careers undergo significant transformations, acquiring new skills and embracing lifelong learning will be essential for staying relevant in the job market.
So next, let's check out jobs likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence and see what you can do to adapt to a new career!
1- Data Entry Clerk
With AI's ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data, the need for manual data entry is diminishing. The potential replacement of data entry clerks by AI is often discussed due to the increasing capabilities of automation and machine learning technologies.
AI systems can be programmed to accurately extract and analyze data from various sources, reducing the need for manual data entry. This has the potential to streamline workflows, minimize human error, and improve overall efficiency in data-related tasks.
According to an analytics magazine in India,
"In one case, a computer programmer with the username Etherable got hired by a company and found the work was very boring and based on data entry. This employee has a work-from-home job and was able to automate the whole workload after about a year.
The person inserts a few mistakes into the output to make it seem more realistic and not algorithm-driven. Even though the individual earns a full-time wage, they can reportedly handle their duties by spending only an hour or two on the job weekly."
Projected job growth for data entry clerks is -4% from 2018-2028. (1)
However, workers in this role may transition to data science analysis or become data management specialists, focusing on interpreting and deriving insights from complex data sets.
While time-consuming and repetitive tasks may phase out, data scientists are in high demand. And learning to analyze data is only a matter of skill investment that will likely pay off.
Check out these courses to work on upskilling into a new and more exciting position:
- Intro to Data Science for Leadership - ONLINE
- Excel Intermediate for Data Analysts
- Excel Expert for Data Analysts
2- Telemarketer
CBS News states, "Telemarketers topped the list of the 20 most exposed occupations to language modeling AI tools." In fact, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can handle customer interactions and address queries more efficiently.
Telemarketers can explore opportunities in customer relationship management, sales strategy development, or personalized customer service roles. Human involvement will remain crucial in many roles going into the foreseeable future.
Consider these courses to move into a more stable career path:
- Create and Manage Remote Teams
- Delivering Great Web Presentations
- Digital Marketing Data & Analytics
- Creating Great Teamwork
- Leading Effective Virtual Meetings
3- Factory Worker
Automation and robotics have already made significant strides in manufacturing, reducing the reliance on manual labor.
Factory workers can shift towards roles in robotics maintenance and programming, quality control, or logistics management. For changing your career in the near future, consider courses that build on your knowledge of factory work, such as:
- Introduction to Mechatronics
- Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance - Level II
- Mechatronics for Equipment Maintenance Level II - Virtual Lab
Grow your career as a mechatronics engineer with ample job opportunities and projected industry growth. Mechatronics engineers are often in high demand, which can lead to higher salaries and job security. Explore diverse career paths in mechatronics - robotics, aerospace, automotive, and more.
4- Cashier
Self-checkout systems and mobile payment solutions are becoming increasingly prevalent, reducing the need for traditional cashiers. According to Design News,
"AiFi, an AI technology company based out of Santa Clara, Calif., has launched a system... that can fully automate stores of any size from pop-ups and kiosks all the way to big-name retail stores. Combining an array of off-the-shelf RGB cameras with the company's own computer vision system... allows stores to track customers and the items they pick up – giving consumers a streamlined, automated shopping experience while also letting stores track inventory and sales analytics."
Human counterparts will always be needed, however. So increase your soft skills (those general talents and skills you've learned over the years by working with others). And use those learned skills to offer the human touch in a similar role.
Cashiers can transition to customer service and sales associate roles or explore opportunities for inventory management and supply chain operations.
- Business & Professional Communication
- Work Successfully from Home
- Applied Business Foundations
- DISC Communication ToolKit
5- Driver
Autonomous vehicles are poised to disrupt the transportation industry, potentially replacing human drivers. According to Fox Business, quoting AI expert Kai Fu Lee who has worked for Apple and Google,
"AI will increasingly replace repetitive jobs... Chauffeurs, truck drivers, anyone who does driving for a living — their jobs will be disrupted more in the 15 to 25-year time frame."
Former drivers can explore fleet management and logistics coordination careers or focus on developing and maintaining autonomous vehicle technologies. Consider these courses to up your game and prepare for a future AI programs-powered world.
- Unmanned Vehicle Systems - Ground Flight School (FAA Part 107 Prep Course)
- Introduction to Digital Media Editing for Unmanned Aerial Systems (Drones)
- Commercial Drone Pilot - Part 107 Made Easy
6- Travel Agent
Online travel platforms and AI algorithms now provide personalized trip planning and booking services. According to Forbes,
"Flight booking sites like Google Flights use predictive tools to estimate if flight prices are more likely to increase or decrease and recommend the best time to buy.
As the technology improves, it’s likely that customers can chat with an AI-powered travel agent and have an in-depth dialogue that can help compare flight, hotel, car rental, and travel experience options."
Eventually, as AI research replaces the everyday life of travel agents, they can pivot to roles in destination marketing and tourism consulting or specialize in niche travel experiences. Real estate may also be a good transition for you. Writing content about travel destinations could help you transition into a new career.
- Applied Marketing Foundations
- Real Estate Principles and Practice
- Marketing Management
- Content Marketing & SEO
- Social Media Marketing
- Certified Technical Writer
7- Bank Teller
With the rise of online banking and mobile payment solutions, AI-powered tools are automating traditional bank teller roles.
Look for positions that require the human interaction skills you've likely already mastered. Find jobs in financial advising and relationship management. Consider coaching or helping others with financial endeavors.
Or explore opportunities in digital banking solutions and cybersecurity.
- CompTIA Security+ Certification Training
- EC Council-Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
- EC Council-Hacking Forensics Investigator
- EC-Council Certified Incident Handler (ECIH)
- EC Council-Cert Chief Information Security Officer
While considering a new career, realize that some skills will never fade. A human being with human emotions possesses social or emotional intelligence that can handle complex situations in ways AI may never come close to.
For example, there will always be interpersonal conflict and a need for those who can help others work together. Job roles such as business or marketing managers, public relations managers, or other job roles requiring a deep understanding of the human brain will never face replacement by AI technology.
Jobs Likely to Be Transformed Using Artificial Intelligence
OpenAI, the company that created ChatGPT, explored the potential impact of advanced language models and AI-generated content on the U.S. job market.
They found that approximately 80% of the U.S. workforce could witness at least a 10% influence on their work tasks. Furthermore, around 19% of workers may experience a significant impact, with at least 50% of their tasks being affected. (1)
According to CNBC, A study released by MIT researchers in March showed that workers were 37% more efficient using ChatGPT.
And later, CNBC quotes Aidan Gomez, CEO of generative AI startup Cohere, as saying about the MIT study,
“The results are amazing... Industrial Revolution-level large. What the steam engine did for mechanical work, mechanical labor, this technology is going to do for intellectual labor.”
Many white-collar positions involving human creativity may change. AI could have far-reaching effects on the economy, society, and policy decisions. It is essential to acknowledge and prepare for the potential consequences that these and other technological advancements may bring.