While the rapid growth of artificial intelligence might have stoked fears of job displacement, there's an optimistic side to this technological evolution. Yes, AI may replace certain roles, especially those that involve repetitive tasks such as data entry, record-keeping, or routine customer service. Fields like legal administration, engineering, and healthcare might see a shift. But it’s not just doom and gloom. Here are only a few of the new jobs that will be created as more tasks are delegated for artificial intelligence:
Here's a glimpse into the exciting future roles that will emerge as AI continues to expand its reach:
1. Prompt Engineer:
As we become more reliant on generative AI to fulfil various tasks, we will also need people who will design prompts for these AIs that will train them to deliver the desired results. Prompt engineers will need to have a deep understanding on how these large language models work, especially as prompting different generative AIs may require different techniques (i.e. ChatGPT vs Bard). While you don’t have to be a programmer for this job, you will need to develop skills to interact with the AI in a way that will quickly net you the necessary results.
2. AI Trainers
Before AI can be implemented into the workforce of a company, it will often need to be trained on how to fulfil its tasks, especially in regards to how it will interact with others such as in a customer service context. This may involve assisting and overseeing the AI while it practises providing support to customers on the phone, and training them if they make any errors or to sound more human. The AI may also have some inherent biases, which will also need to be addressed and remedied.
3. AI Ethicists
AI does not intrinsically have the same ethics and morals as we do, and must be trained to ensure that it can only be used in a safe and ethical manner. Because of this, there will be a need for ethics experts to reduce bias and improve equity and fairness in AI algorithms and systems, and ensure that the technology is used responsibly.
4. Machine Managers
Beyond interacting with AI digitally and improving the productivity of computer tasks, there will also be a need for actual machines to work with AI instructions! Machine managers will still be needed to oversee and maintain AI-operated hardwares and systems, which will require a more technical background, such as a computer science or computer engineering degree.
5. AI Influencer Managers: The digital marketing world is seeing a rise in AI influencers. Managing these virtual personalities, planning their social media campaigns, and ensuring their audience engagement will fall under the purview of AI influencer managers.
6. AI Artists:
The intersection of art and AI is a fascinating space. AI artists, with their unique blend of creativity and technical know-how, will produce AI-generated imagery, ranging from lifelike visuals to stunning 3D models.
If you’re not sure what to study now that AI seems to be able to perform numerous jobs, degrees that will familiarise you with AI models and development are still a safe bet, and can help you develop skills that are “future-proof”. Computer science degrees provide you with knowledge and skills necessary to implement AI solutions in the future, but other degrees such as data science, mathematics, and electrical engineering will also cover many essential aspects of AI and prepare you to enter an AI-centred workforce.
But these are not your only options! With the need for prompt engineering and AI ethicists, degrees in linguistics, ethics, neuroscience, and psychology could also be useful! As AI continues to integrate into the workplace, there will be jobs lost, but there will also be many new opportunities that will help improve productivity and performance.