The rise of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) — technology capable of producing new content, automating repetitive tasks, and enhancing decision-making processes — is poised to revolutionize work in every sector. With the rapid rise in AI, the future workplace is bound to look drastically different than what it looks like today. According to an article by Joseph Fuller and colleagues from “Harvard Business Review,” about 50 million jobs in the U.S. are expected to be affected by AI within the next few years. Therefore, the question arises: will AI make our jobs easier, or will it replace the roles we aspire to fill? Like most major changes, there will likely be both drawbacks and benefits.
Typically, experience has been the primary way to gain expertise; new employees start with basic tasks and gradually take on more complex responsibilities, building knowledge over time. AI challenges this model by taking over the responsibility of many entry-level tasks which will limit opportunities for younger workers looking to gain hands-on experience. For example, in professions like credit analysis or project management, AI has begun to perform tasks which were once assigned to junior staff, such as gathering data or making preliminary assessments. As a result, the need for human labor in basic tasks decreases, taking away chances for prospective workers.
On the other hand, candidates who can demonstrate advanced knowledge or specialized skills may find themselves more in demand, as companies will rely more on experienced professionals who can leverage AI tools to enhance their productivity. Many of today’s high-paying roles, such as those in data analysis, programming, and design, require years of study and practice. However, generative AI can help make these areas more accessible to those without specialized education. Students may find that, with the right AI tools, they can learn complex skills faster and break into high-demand industries with less formal training. For example, students looking for jobs in graphic design or web development could use AI tools to automate the more technical aspects of these fields. According to an article by Natalia Persin, AI is already being used in the graphic design field to efficiently complete time-consuming processes such as “image editing, font matching, layout optimization, data visualization, and color palette generation.” Without having to do these tasks, designers can work on more projects, allowing them to build their skills and expertise further. As AI reduces the need for deep expertise in certain areas, the traditional barriers to these professions could begin disappearing.
For students entering the job market, this means that preparing for the workforce will require a new mindset. Instead of simply learning specific skills, we will need to embrace a mindset of adaptability, critical thinking, and lifelong learning – all skills we are meant to learn here at Andover. Educational institutions might need to add to their current curriculum to adjust to the new set of skills that jobs will require. Students may have to shift their focus to developing our ability to work alongside AI, using these tools to enhance our productivity and creativity. This might mean gaining experience with AI technologies or learning how to integrate them into various industries. Additionally, understanding how AI impacts different fields can help us make more informed career choices. For example, while AI may disrupt roles in customer service or data entry, it could open up new opportunities in AI development, data science, and roles that require complex problem-solving or creativity alongside human interaction.
I encourage the Andover community to embrace the evolving landscape of AI by staying informed and proactive. This can be achieved through the introduction of more courses focused on AI skills, as well as the integration of AI tools into the curriculum by educators. Additionally, students should engage in thoughtful conversations about AI, exploring its potential impact on our future. Rather than fearing the challenges AI presents, we should prepare ourselves to navigate the transformations it will bring, ensuring we are equipped to lead and adapt in this rapidly changing world.
