Transformation of jobs through AI – forecasts on at-risk and safe professions
The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is leading to a fundamental change in the world of work. What was considered science fiction just a few decades ago is now reality: machines and algorithms are increasingly taking on tasks that were previously the preserve of humans. The advancement of AI technology enables companies to automate work processes, reduce costs and increase productivity. But this change does not only bring advantages. Studies predict that many jobs could be at risk from AI in the coming years. At the same time, new career fields and opportunities are emerging for people who adapt to the new requirements. In this article, we look at which jobs are particularly at risk, which are considered future-proof and which new opportunities are opened up by AI.
Review and current situation: How AI has already changed the world of work
The world of work has already experienced major changes due to AI in recent years. AI plays a crucial role, especially in the automation of routine tasks. Many companies now use AI-supported systems to make standardized activities more efficient - from data entry and analysis to customer service and accounting. This development is particularly evident in areas such as accounting, where specialized software solutions take over simple accounting processes and thus reduce the need for human labor in this area. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), around 85 million jobs worldwide could be lost due to automation and AI by 2025, but at the same time 97 million new jobs could be created.
Automation is also playing an increasingly important role in the manufacturing industry. Industrial robots are increasingly replacing manual tasks in production and assembly, which significantly increases productivity but also puts many traditional jobs at risk. These developments show that the AI revolution is not just a vision of the future, but is already shaping the world of work to a great extent today.
The AI revolution: Which professions are most at risk?
Automation and the use of AI technologies pose a particular threat to jobs that are characterized by repetitive, clearly structured tasks. According to a study by the University of Oxford, around 47% of jobs in the USA have a high potential for automation, and similar trends can be seen in Europe. Jobs that are based on standardized processes and require little flexibility or creative problem-solving are particularly at risk.
One example is the job of cashier, which is increasingly being replaced by self-service checkouts and mobile payment systems. In data processing and analysis, too, automated systems are increasingly taking over tasks that were previously carried out by human employees. Jobs such as assembly line workers, data processors and call center employees are therefore among those most at risk. According to a McKinsey forecast, around 375 million jobs worldwide could be lost due to automation by 2030. The sectors most at risk are logistics, customer service, simple administrative tasks and production.
Future-proof professions: Where people remain irreplaceable
Despite the threat of automation, there are jobs that are considered future-proof even in the era of AI. These jobs require skills that machines will find difficult to replace, such as empathy, social intelligence and complex problem-solving thinking. Jobs in healthcare, education and IT security in particular are among those that will continue to be in high demand in the future.
Examples of future-proof professions include doctors, nurses and psychologists, whose daily work is characterized by human interaction and empathy. In education, the ability to adapt knowledge to individual needs and build personal relationships with students is indispensable. Humans also remain irreplaceable in IT security, where creative problem-solving and the ability to quickly adapt to new threats are required. A study by ING Bank shows that professions such as surgeons, psychologists and engineers are among the "safest professions" because they require skills that machines cannot currently imitate.
New professional fields through AI: opportunities and possibilities
However, the rapid development of AI not only creates threats, but also new opportunities. As AI technologies advance, new professional fields and career paths emerge that would have been unthinkable before. Jobs in the field of AI development and implementation as well as data management are particularly in demand. AI engineers who develop and improve algorithms, as well as data analysts who analyze large amounts of data and make them usable for machine learning, are in demand in the modern working world.
In addition, the increasing use of AI also requires professionals who deal with ethical issues. AI ethics consultants monitor the responsible use of AI systems and work to prevent discrimination and misuse. Digital transformation consultants are also increasingly needed to help companies transition to AI-supported processes. According to LinkedIn, jobs in the field of AI and data science are among the fastest growing career fields.
Flexibility and lifelong learning: success factors for the future
In a constantly changing world of work, flexibility and the willingness to learn throughout life are crucial success factors. Technological developments require employees to continuously adapt and expand their skills in order to survive in an increasingly digitalized world. Digital skills, a deep understanding of AI technologies and strong problem-solving skills are in demand in almost all industries.
Many companies have already responded and are offering their employees training programs to promote digital and technological skills. For example, IBM has launched the "New Collar" program, which prepares employees without formal qualifications for technical tasks and gives them access to new professional fields. A study by PwC shows that around 74% of employees believe that continuous training is crucial for their careers. Companies such as Amazon and Google offer special training programs to prepare their employees to work with AI and strengthen digital skills.
Conclusion: What the AI revolution means for employees
The AI revolution brings with it numerous challenges, but also a multitude of new opportunities. While AI threatens certain jobs, it also opens up new career fields and increases efficiency in many areas. Employees who are willing to continuously train themselves and respond flexibly to changes can take advantage of the AI revolution and actively shape their careers.
The future of work will be characterized by close cooperation between humans and machines. Machines can take on repetitive and standardized tasks, but humans remain irreplaceable in jobs that rely on creativity, empathy and complex problem solving. By developing our individual strengths and being willing to acquire new skills, we can make the most of the opportunities presented by the AI revolution and successfully look to the working world of the future.
