For many, high school has just ended. Or you’re not in school, gearing up for summer fun, but still thinking about career moves. This is a great time to start thinking about your future and what schooling you may need for future job opportunities. Many people are afraid AI will be taking over the job market, but there are still some jobs that are currently beyond the reach of AI.
While AI has the potential to automate and augment many tasks and job roles, there are certain jobs that rely on uniquely human qualities. These are currently, and very likely will remain, beyond the reach of AI. As you plan out your future or help guide your child towards their occupational goals, keep these job areas in mind.
Jobs That Are Currently Beyond The Reach of AI:
Creative jobs
Artists have a unique point of view. Occupations that require originality, imagination, and artistic expression heavily rely on human creativity. Writers, poets, musicians, and visual artists work are not easily replicable by AI. This is because AI can certainly copy and learn, but it does not have the capacity yet for human “uniqueness” and inspiration.
For example: A writer’s point of view is their own. While AI is capable of writing a story, it does not have your voice, your experiences, or your level of personal creativity that enhances and makes the story special.
Emotional and mental health professions
Jobs that involve providing emotional support, therapy, counseling, or mental health diagnoses still need a human touch. These professional require empathy, compassion, and the ability to understand complex human emotions and experiences. All qualities that AI currently lacks.
Even support roles within healthcare require the compassion, knowledge and experience of a real person. Anyone who runs a dental practice would rather hire a virtual dental assistant than rely on AI to do important jobs such as handling patient calls. It’s essential to have that human touch, not just because the medical field requires empathy but also because medical situations can be complicated and nuanced. An experienced medical assistant is able to understand the complexities of an individual’s circumstances, whereas AI technology could struggle to analyze important information and find the correct solutions.
Social work and community outreach
Roles that involve building relationships or advocating for individuals or communities require intimate knowledge of individuals and groups. They also require the ability to read cues, relate to the audience, and empathize with issues.
Providing social support relies on human empathy, cultural understanding, and the ability to navigate complex social dynamics. This skill set still separates us from AI.
Leadership and strategic decision-making
Leadership positions that require setting long-term goals, strategic planning, and making complex judgment calls are better suited for humans. These types of decisions are based on a wide range of factors benefit from human intuition, experience, and the ability to navigate ambiguity. They require more than simple interpretation of data and logical thinking. AI lacs human intuition and emotional intelligence.
Teaching and mentoring
Educators play a critical role in guiding and inspiring students, tailoring instruction to individual needs. They foster a supportive and nurturing learning environment. Effective teaching involves empathy, adaptability, and interpersonal skills that are challenging for AI to replicate.
Legal and judicial roles
The legal field requires nuanced interpretation of laws, application of ethical principles, and the ability to argue and reason based on complex legal frameworks. As we all well know, there are not hard-fast rules that apply to every situation.
Legal professionals also rely on empathy, critical thinking, and judgment, which are areas where AI falls short.
Skilled trades and craftsmanship
Jobs that involve manual dexterity, intricate craftsmanship, and expertise in skilled trades like woodworking, plumbing, or welding often require human hands-on abilities and adaptability to varying situations.
AI functions well in a factory setting, but outside this realm, such as within the housing market, humans are still best suited for repair and installation work. Machines can also certainly create furniture (as many already do,) but it requires an artisan touch to create something truly unique.
Medical professions involving complex decision-making
While AI can assist in medical diagnosis and analysis, healthcare professions that involve complex decision-making. Delicate surgeries, patient counseling, and bedside manner all rely on human expertise, empathy, and ethical considerations.
Research and scientific discovery
AI can aid in data analysis and pattern recognition. However, scientific research often requires creativity, hypothesis generation, experimental design, and the ability to think critically and adapt methodologies. While AI may begin to dominate some of these fields or advance research in ways that we cannot fathom, it will still be humans interacting with AI to propose and test theories.
Entrepreneurship and innovation
Founding and running a business require entrepreneurial skills. You also need skills sets that include risk-taking, adaptability, networking, and strategic decision-making. These are all driven by human creativity, intuition, and the ability to navigate complex business environments.
It’s obviously important to note that AI may augment and enhance these professions in various ways, but the core elements that make them uniquely human remain essential. Another good idea for future occupational choices is to learn to work with AI within your field. Those who can master working with the technology available will be invaluable, too!
