AI-proof your career: Thrive in the age of AI

If there’s one thing that is truly reshaping industries and redefining the way we work right now, it’s artificial intelligence (AI). Given its incredible potential and how generative intelligence is already transforming some jobs, it’s natural to have concerns about the future of your career.

You may be wondering, ‘what jobs will AI replace?’, but the rise of AI doesn’t necessarily translate to job insecurity. In fact, there are many jobs and industries where AI simply won’t play a central role for long into the foreseeable future, and others where it may even lead to job creation. 

Understanding AI and its implications

AI is the ability of a computer system to do tasks that normally only humans can do that require intelligence, logic and reasoning, and decisions-making skills. AI examples include: 

• machine learning (computers to learn from data); 
• computer vision (interpreting visual information); and 
• natural language processing (understanding and recreating human language).

This means that AI has the potential to revolutionise a wide range of industries, including retail, manufacturing, marketing and advertising, healthcare, and finance. While retailers are using AI to create a more personalised customer experience, manufacturers are using AI to optimise their production processes. In the healthcare sector, AI can help improve diagnostics, and the finance sector is relying on AI for data analytics to detect fraud and assess risks. The marketing and advertising sector is also using the power of AI for content creation and audience targeting. 

AI can help improve efficiency, while cutting costs. According to PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer, AI is already making workers much more productive. Sectors where AI is prominent – for example, IT – there is nearly five times growth in labour productivity. Increasing productivity goes beyond doing things faster – it also involves finding innovative, AI-powered solutions to create more value. This can lead to better economic growth and improved living standards.

Addressing common misconceptions and fears

The buzz around AI often fuels fears of job loss and technological unemployment. However, it’s essential to separate fact from fiction. While some tasks may become automated, the unique qualities that humans possess, like creativity, emotional intelligence and critical thinking, will remain irreplaceable in many roles.

AI as a tool, not a replacement for human skills

AI has become an integral part of our daily lives, enhancing various aspects of work and personal activities. However, it's good to keep in mind that AI is designed to be a tool that complements human skills, not replaces them. It can handle repetitive tasks, analyse vast amounts of data quickly, and provide insights that might take humans much longer to uncover. This allows professionals to focus on more complex, creative, and strategic aspects of their work, and flex their unique human intelligence.

By taking over mundane and repetitive tasks, AI can ease up worker’s cognitive load, giving them more mental capacity to be creative and thoughtful in how they approach their work. 

This shift not only boosts individual productivity but also contributes to economic growth by addressing labour shortages in various sectors. For instance, industries facing a scarcity of skilled workers can benefit from AI's ability to fill gaps, ensuring that essential services continue to operate smoothly. For example, there is a global aged care labour shortage, which is particularly concerning for Australia’s aging population. According to research being conducted by Monash University, AI can potentially help address wellbeing and care needs of the elderly, whether it’s technology to help prevent falls or robopets to tackle loneliness.

Additionally, AI's role in improving efficiency and reducing workload can significantly enhance the quality of life for workers. It promotes a better work-life balance, allowing individuals to spend more time on personal pursuits and family, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilled workforce.

Potential for job enhancement and creation

Contrary to the idea of job displacement, AI has the potential to enhance existing roles and even create new ones. For instance, the demand for professionals who can develop, maintain and fine-tune the AI systems themselves is on the rise. As AI technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace, positions like AI ethicists, data scientists and machine learning engineers will become increasingly valuable.

At the same time there are some employers who have replaced their workforce with AI. However, instead of making  staff redundant, they have upskilled their workers in other areas of their business. For example, IKEA have trained their call centre workers to become interior design specialists, as the furniture company shifts focus to offering more home improvement services by handing frequent customer queries to an AI bot named Billie. 

Learn more: Use these AI prompts to polish your resume and land your dream role.

Resilient industries: 7 jobs unlikely to be replaced by AI

While there will always be concerns about technology disrupting job security, there are many industries and roles that will remain human-centric due to their need for empathy, creative thinking and an ethical compass. A few examples are:

1. Teachers and educators: The world of education relies on human interaction and personalised communication. The role of a teacher – from early learning right through to higher education – be it vocational, graduate or postgraduate – extends far beyond the task of sharing knowledge. Instead, it requires people who truly understand students on a deeply human level and can foster their curiosity and nurture their growth – all of which are attributes that AI can’t replicate. According to the Insight Report 2024 from the World Economic Forum, AI will assist teachers rather than replace them.
2. Doctors and healthcare professionals: In healthcare, the ability to make complex decisions and provide compassionate care to patients on a personal level is paramount. Doctors, nurses, specialists and therapists all rely on their empathy and expertise to offer emotional support and guidance to patients. So, even though AI enhances medical diagnostics to enable timely prevention and pre-emptive care, it is the human touch that patients rely on during a stressful time in their lives.
3. HR managers: Human resources, as the name suggests, revolves around people. From conflict resolution to fostering a positive workplace culture, HR managers need skills that AI simply cannot mimic, like adaptable communication skills and a deep understanding of human dynamics.
4. Leadership roles: Senior leadership positions, including directors and CEO roles, demand strategic vision and critical thinking. The combination of emotional intelligence and industry knowledge required in these positions will remain uniquely human.
5. Judges and senior lawyers: The legal system hinges on nuanced interpretation of the law, ethical judgment and a comprehensive understanding of the human condition. While AI can be a huge source of help with things like legal research, the act of decision-making and contextual understanding of experienced legal professionals can’t be replicated.
6. Psychologists and therapists: These roles rely on empathy and trust. Therapy providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, behavioural health providers, counsellors, and social workers pick up on social cues as well as verbal communication to offer people the care they need. These roles require nuance and understanding that machines can’t offer. Like many roles in this list, AI can be of assistance in speeding up diagnosis and helping offer timely interventions, but it can’t replace people power.
7. Performing arts-related roles: Whether it’s standup comedy, plays and other theatre performances, or live music and dance shows – the performing arts is an undeniably human experience. While we are all in awe of what machines can achieve, we are equally in awe of human ingenuity and creativity. In the face of AI fatigue, people are more likely to turn to the comfort and familiarity of performing arts to recharge their batteries, outside of work.

Learn more: 5 industries with the best paying jobs in Australia

Fields affected by AI advancements

Many are concerned about the jobs AI will replace. While some jobs will remain secure, there are fields more susceptible to AI disruptions. Routine-based tasks, such as data entry, assembly line work and basic customer service have been vulnerable to automation for years, including fast food drive-through workers. Indeed, chatbots are becoming more and more common across all industries.

Sectors that rely on data analysis, like finance and marketing, are also evolving to include AI-powered tools for enhanced insights. Even software programming and computer coding can be automated.

However, by staying adaptable to these changes and continuing to upgrade your professional skills, your career can still thrive.

Strategies to AI-proof your career 

Here are five things you can do to prepare for an ever-evolving AI-driven job market:

1. Upskilling and reskilling: Upskilling can help you gain new capabilities in your current role, whereas reskilling can help you learn new skills to transition into a different field or change your career path. Stay ahead by continuously updating your skills and knowledge. Enrol in courses, attend workshops, and seek certifications in emerging technologies and relevant fields. This will help you remain competitive and adaptable to new job requirements.
2. Embrace lifelong learning: Cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning. Be curious and open to exploring new areas, whether it's learning a new language, understanding AI basics, or developing soft skills in communication and leadership. There are many free resources available to keep your finger on the pulse, whether its YouTube videos or free courses from various reputable online academies.
3. Develop technical proficiency: Gain a solid understanding of AI and related technologies. Familiarise yourself with basic programming, data analysis, and machine learning concepts. This technical proficiency can make you more versatile and attractive to employers.
4. Enhance soft skills: Focus on developing soft skills that AI cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. These skills are essential for roles that require human interaction and complex decision-making.
5. Network and collaborate: Build a strong professional network and seek opportunities for collaboration. Engage with industry professionals, join relevant online communities, and participate in conferences and events. Networking can provide great insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.

Learn more: Short courses to future-proof your career

Remember that analytical thinking, problem-solving, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are all transferable skills that are in high demand across many industries. You may also want to keep an eye on emerging roles that straddle the line between AI and human expertise, such as AI trainers, interpreters and creative consultants who collaborate with AI systems to develop more innovative solutions.

An ever-changing world 

There will always be uncertainties that arise with any major changes to the way we live and work, but AI also gives us exciting opportunities to live our best lives. If you plan on making a career change, ensure that your life insurance policy still meets your needs. Or if you don’t have insurance, consider whether Guardian Life Insurance or Guardian Income Protection Insurance may be suitable for you.