Artificial Intelligence: the professions of the future

Will robots conquer the world of work? Will digitalization free workers from low value-added activities?

Artificial Intelligence: the professions of the future

Will robots conquer the world of work? Will digitalization free workers from low value-added activities?

"Will robots conquer the world of work or will digitization free workers from low value-added activities?" we had already asked this question in an article some time ago.

Certainly the affirmation of Artificial Intelligence and the introduction of advanced automation is, and will increasingly be, a harbinger of a revolution also in terms of professional skills

A LinkedIn study allows us to better understand the current situation to build a better future.

The emerging jobs

It is expected that 65% of children who begin their schooling today will be employed in a job that does not yet exist at the end of their university studies. However, attention often does not focus so much on the professions of the future, but on those that will "disappear". Current data can show us what professions new technologies are already creating.

The 2015 World Economic Forum report (which we have already illustrated in this article) has identified the 10 roles that are experiencing a more significant global growth.

Certainly among the "technological" roles, such as software engineers, there are the main emerging professions in the main sectors; in addition, there is also an increase in hiring in other roles, such as marketing and human resources.

From a LinkedIn report of 2014 on the professions emerging (already discussed in this article) it emerged that 6 out of 15 emerging professions have something to do with artificial intelligence. The scenario that emerges sees the evolution of the technology of the positive aspects, but we must keep in mind that the job will require soft and hard skills different from those of today. The companies and candidates of the future will be those ready for this change.

Skills for emerging professions

As mentioned, one must be aware and ready about the change of skills (both hard and soft) needed in the workplace. The new professions show that there is not a single "difference" of skills but a wide range of factors that influence new ways of working. Although technological skills are the central promoters of the future, some soft skills such as oral communication, leadership and time management will also be enhanced in the coming years in Europe and the United States.

The gender gap and Artificial Intelligence

The intelligent robots we have in the collective imagination have not yet been created, but Artificial Intelligence is increasingly adopted in different aspects of our lives.

However, artificial intelligence could increase inequality in some situations as its algorithms often reflect the implicit biases of those who create them: 3 out of 4 professionals who are dedicated to AI development are men, as the Global Gender Gap Report 2018 shows. And even for those who act with the best of intentions, unwitting prejudices can get into action and also influence the way in which the tools of artificial intelligence are built, tested, maintained and implemented.

The goal of progress is to obtain a fairer technological workforce, especially in fast-moving sectors such as AI, trying to make the most of skills such as creativity and innovation. In addition to this, we must take action to ensure diversity in all aspects (not just gender) when creating tools with this technology.


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