Artificial intelligence (AI) is impacting ever more parts of our lives. From smart assistants in our homes to advertising, customer service, security, and surveillance. For years now, there have been widespread fears that AI will steal our jobs, creating sweeping redundancies. But as AI is adopted by an increasing number of businesses, Arran Rice, founder of AltFutures, has a little bit of reassurance – at least for some – with a list of the top seven roles that can only be performed effectively by a person.

Job fears

Concern about AI and employment is nothing new. In fact,  Alan Turing raised the possibility of creating machines that can think for themselves back in 1950. And according to research by Goldman Sachs, AI is likely to evolve to such a level that it carries the potential to replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time positions. Which not only poses the threat of reduced employment prospects in a swathe of sectors. But may lead to employers cutting wages in roles that continue to exist, in response to the greater competition for places. Job sharing may also become more common. 

And the scope for disruption is great. With no doubt that AI can fulfil many of the tasks that humans currently do, often more cheaply and efficiently, and evolving technology making more and more things possible –driverless cars, virtual shopping assistants, and even robot lawyers capable of researching complex legal cases in just a matter of seconds.

Seven jobs that can only be people-powered

1)   Nursing – Patients will always need to be cared for by compassionate people who understand their needs

2)   Teaching – To learn effectively, students require interaction with a person who can explain subjects clearly to them and answer their questions

3)   Psychiatry – Because a robot has never been human, it can’t understand their emotions and feelings as a person does

4)   Physical therapy – Patients need to be treated by a human, who can feel what and where their problem is and address it accordingly

5)   Trade – These specialist jobs require human precision to be completed properly

6)   Priests – Priests need to provide their parish and congregation with faith, compassion and empathy – something that a robot can never do

7)   And, of course… AI engineers and scientists – There would be no machines without the people that make them work

So, that may be only seven jobs, but at least it’s a start! And rather than fighting advances in technology, Rice sees a future where AI and Web 3.0 can both support and complement job creation. 

AI-proof roles

While there’s no denying that AI does pose a threat to certain areas of employment, there are still plenty of essential roles that AI can’t do.  From critical key worker jobs, such as doctors and nurses to more niche roles like musicians and actors.

“AI, when used effectively, has the potential to transform business and society as a whole,” said Arran Rice, founder of AltFutures. “But there are many other vital jobs that require a human to do them.

“So if you’re looking to start your career or thinking about a career change, you need to choose a job that can only be performed effectively by a person, where you won’t be replaced by a robot in a few years’ time.”

There are a host of factors people need to take into account when considering the impact AI may have on their job or future career. But there is a real likelihood that roles that repetitive manual tasks will soon become the remit of machines. 

Undoubtedly, AI will transform the future of work. But if we’re equipped with the right skills to do the jobs that don’t use it or can do those roles that enable its development, it puts the workforce in a much stronger position moving forward.