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June 16, 2023
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation technologies are gaining traction in a wide range of industries, revolutionizing the way businesses operate. They increase efficiency and reduce costs, leading to significant changes in the job market.
As these technologies continue to grow, some jobs will be phased out while new ones will be created.
While AI and automation have advantages, they cannot replace uniquely human skills and expertise essential for certain careers. Now, we'll explore the rise of AI and automation, their advantages and limitations, and the importance of human expertise in complex decision making.
AI has been a hot topic for a while, but advances in automation technologies, such as Machine Learning, Robotic Process Automation (RPA), and Cognitive Computing, have made significant progress in recent years.
Automation and AI technologies are rapidly being adopted in nearly every sector, including healthcare, manufacturing, finance, and retail. These technologies are a double-edged sword. On the one hand, many routine and repetitive tasks can be automated, leading to significant efficiency gains and cost reductions. On the other hand, the automation of these tasks forces workers to develop new skills or switch careers altogether.
Moreover, the rise of AI and automation has also raised concerns about job displacement and the potential for machines to replace human workers. While some experts argue that automation will create new job opportunities, others predict that it will lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality.
As AI and automation continue to evolve, it is important for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to consider the potential impacts and develop strategies to ensure that the benefits are shared equitably and that workers are not left behind.
The utilization of automation and AI leads to efficiencies that could not be achieved through human labor alone.
One example includes the automation of data entry. A machine can scan and input data from thousands of documents within a fraction of the time taken by humans, ultimately saving time and reducing labor costs massively.
The automation of tasks such as complex analysis also reduces the likelihood of human error: a critical advantage in certain industries. Wholesale adoption of these technologies has a downside, however, with an increase in productivity and reduction in employee overheads leading to the displacement of several low and mid-skilled workers.
While automation can handle routine tasks delivered in mass quantities, machines do not replicate the intuition, emotional intelligence and creativity of humans.
The emotional nuanced analysis that humans bring to solving complex problems, especially those that need empathy, through excellent decision-making processes remains essential in various careers.
For instance, we still depend on teachers to mentor young ones because a significant part of their job includes providing psychological support to mould future human beings.
Despite the undeniable efficiency gains brought by automation, some tasks require unique human skills.
Machines aren't capable of nuanced analysis that comes with experience. For instance, a financial advisor's job requires years of experience as a machine would not understand market turbulence and has no intuition of what course of action to take.
Several skills that machines cannot replicate effectively include creativity and emotional intelligence.
Jobs that demand a lot of creativity are safe from AI disruption. Engineers, architects, designers, and artists benefit from human creativity in their respective fields.
Job roles dealing with complex and emotional societal problems, including social workers, psychologists, educators and health workers, require specific mastery of social learning, communication and social skills marked by emotional intelligence.
Automation and AI are going to change the job market significantly in the future. According to the World Economic Forum, by 2025, machines are estimated to replace around 85 million jobs.
However, they will also create around 97 million new roles, mostly around innovation, engineering, sustainability and data analysis. This means that workers who have mastered skills that machines can never replace are vital to the job market now more than ever.
The most "human-centric" jobs are safe from automation and robotization.
Healthcare, hospitality, education, and social services are safe from significant disruptions. These are fields that require an individual's direct interaction and social abilities, which machines cannot substitute.
While automation can assist in these fields, human actively input remains crucial in delivering operations that meet the needs of those seeking services.
The ability to thrive in an AI-dominated job market requires mastering human skills that no machine can replicate effectively.
These skills include creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, leadership, people skills, emotional intelligence, judgment and decision-making.
Lifelong learning and skills development to prepare for future job demand and security is the way to secure your place in the job market of the future.
The rise of AI and automation is not a zero-sum game where humans will be replaced by machines. Instead, humans and machines will collaborate effectively to reap maximum benefits.
A successful relationship between humans and machines will require the integration of technology with human intuition, reasoning, and ethical decision-making processes. This forms the premise of work henceforth making human expertise, technology, innovation and business skills a critical skillset to remain ahead.
In conclusion, the rise of automation and AI is disruptive to several careers that require the repetition of routine tasks. At the same time, AI cannot replace human expertise that is essential in solving complex problems requiring emotional nuance, creativity, and empathy. While machines may be more efficient in handling repetitive tasks, human skills such as creativity, leadership, people skills, judgment, and decision-making are required to ensure maximum benefits.
Understanding how AI will affect your career choices can help you actively invest in developing your human skills, securing your place in the job market of the future.
