As artificial intelligence (AI) technology continues to advance and is widely adopted, there is growing concern globally about its potential impact on careers.

The rapid development of AI and automation has sparked discussions about the future of work, with many wondering how these technologies will reshape the job market.

According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, professionals in various countries expect that many jobs currently performed by humans will be replaced by computers within the next few decades.

The anticipated effects of AI and automation on employment have generated widespread concern, leading to debates about the future of work and the skills needed to remain employable.

Predictions regarding the extent to which jobs will be replaced by automation vary significantly, with estimates ranging from 9% to 47%. For example, McKinsey forecasts that by 2030, up to 800 million jobs could be automated worldwide.

Some roles may undergo significant transformations, while others may disappear entirely. This scenario raises a critical question: how can individuals secure their jobs in the face of such an automation wave?

Joseph Aoun, president of Northeastern University in the United States, offers valuable insights on this issue. He suggests that the key to avoiding replacement by robots is not to rely on a specific job but rather to continuously update one’s skills.

In his book, Robot-Proof: Higher Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, Aoun argues that education systems must undergo significant reforms to adapt to the evolving environment. He proposes a framework known as “humanists,” which emphasizes the development of three core competencies.

The first of these competencies is the enhancement of technical skills. As AI and robotics become increasingly prevalent, understanding how machines operate and how to interact with them will become essential. In the future, machines will play a role in nearly every aspect of human work.

While some employees may be replaced by machines, others will need to collaborate with them to enhance productivity through automation. Consequently, individuals who possess foundational knowledge in programming and engineering will likely be more competitive in the emerging job market.

The second competency is data literacy. In an era characterized by the generation of vast amounts of data, the ability to analyze and utilize this information will become a critical skill.

Whether in business decision-making, stock market investments, or everyday consumer choices, data plays an increasingly central role. Those who can interpret and leverage data effectively will be better positioned to succeed in the workplace.

Finally, there are the unique human attributes that machines cannot replicate—creativity, flexibility, and empathy. These soft skills are expected to be crucial in the future job market, as they represent areas where humans have a distinct advantage over machines.

Aoun emphasizes that education should shift its focus from mere knowledge transfer to experiential learning that fosters these human traits. In a rapidly changing world, developing these soft skills will enable individuals to navigate complex and evolving professional landscapes more effectively.

The World Economic Forum has identified several white-collar occupations, such as accounting, as being at risk of automation.

However, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) argues that low-skilled jobs are even more vulnerable to being automated and that there is a strong correlation between education levels and income.

Regardless of which jobs are most affected, one thing is clear: the pace at which skills need to be updated has accelerated dramatically.

Indranil Roy, head of the Future of Work Center of Excellence at Deloitte, highlights this rapid change. He notes that the life cycle of a skill used to be around 26 years, but it has now shortened to just 4.5 years, with no signs of slowing down.

While this rapid evolution can be challenging, it also presents opportunities for individuals to continuously learn and adapt, thereby maintaining their competitiveness in the job market.

In the face of the AI and automation wave, the sustainability of one’s career hinges on the ability to continue learning and effectively collaborate with technology.

Future education systems must go beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; they should also focus on cultivating students’ adaptability to change, ensuring they remain competitive in a world that is evolving at an unprecedented pace.

By doing so, individuals can better prepare themselves to thrive in the rapidly changing professional environment brought about by advancements in AI and automation.