Understanding AI’s Impact on Jobs—and How Women Can Prepare for the Future

The impact of AI on jobs is enormous and immediate. It’s transforming the workforce in ways we’ve never seen before. It’s not just about robots taking over tasks—entire industries are being reshaped, creating fresh opportunities for those ready to adapt. 

From automating mundane chores to making smarter decisions, AI is unlocking new potential across all sectors. These changes also bring challenges, such as job displacement and the need for constant upskilling. But what does this all mean for your career?

While some jobs most affected by AI may evolve or disappear, many new roles are emerging, offering exciting prospects for those ready to seize them. In this article, we’ll explore what it means for workers and how you can best prepare for the future.

How AI is transforming the workforce

According to a 2023 report by McKinsey, automation and AI could replace up to 30% of global working hours by 2030. While this presents challenges, it also signals a major shift in how we approach work across various sectors. AI is already being used to enhance productivity, streamline operations, and even revolutionize the decision-making process.

This widespread adoption of AI is reshaping the job market, with some industries witnessing massive transformations—such as manufacturing and customer service—while others, like healthcare and education, remain less impacted—for now. Understanding how AI will affect jobs in the future helps workers adapt and thrive in the changing landscape.

Industries most affected by AI—and those less likely to be impacted

When discussing occupations most affected by AI, we are referring to projections based on data analysis. For example, a 2019 report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) highlights that workers in roles with routine tasks are particularly vulnerable to automation. While the report doesn’t explicitly identify individuals at risk of losing their jobs, it provides valuable insights into the types of occupations most likely to be impacted.

“Data entry clerks, telemarketers, cashiers, and routine manufacturing workers are at very high to high risk of replacement,” says Madeleine F. Wallace, PhD, investor, founder of multiple companies, and author of THRIVE IN THE AI AND DIGITAL AGE: The SEAM 4-Step Career Guide & Workbook. “The nature of these tasks is repetitive and rule-based, making them easily automatable by AI-driven software, chatbots, self-checkout systems, and automated machinery.”

At the same time, roles like chief AI officer (CAIO) are becoming increasingly vital across industries, including healthcare, where AI is enhancing diagnostics, personalizing treatments, and automating administrative tasks. Similarly, in education, AI is optimizing learning and streamlining administrative duties. While some jobs may fade, there’s hope—AI is also creating opportunities for us to work alongside it, not just for it.

AI impact on jobs: New roles, new skills

According to McKinsey research, jobs related to the development and implementation of new technologies are expected to grow as well. This growth is likely to create opportunities in areas such as AI development, data science, and cybersecurity , among others. Key areas of new opportunities include:

• AI development: Growing demand for specialists to create, manage, and optimize AI systems

• Machine learning: Increased demand for professionals skilled in building and improving algorithms that enable systems to learn from data

• Data science: The rise of big data is driving the need for data analysts and scientists to extract insights from vast amounts of information

• Cybersecurity: As AI advances, there is an increasing need for professionals to safeguard AI systems from cyber threats

Alongside this, AI is driving a shift in the types of skills that will be in demand. To thrive in this evolving landscape, workers must embrace continuous learning and focus on developing and honing uniquely human skills, such as creativity, problem-solving, strategic thinking, and emotional intelligence—skills that AI cannot replicate. 

Ethic considerations

It's not just about technological expertise anymore; there's a growing focus on ensuring AI systems are developed responsibly. As AI continues to reshape industries, its ethical implications, especially in detecting and preventing bias, are demanding more attention. This is particularly important for women, who are often affected by algorithmic bias, such as in AI-powered recruitment tools.

“AI integration must support a fair and inclusive workplace, focusing on creativity and maintaining human agency,” Wallace says. “Companies must carefully determine how much and how quickly to integrate AI technologies, ensuring that the deployment aligns with their core ethical standards and organizational values.” 

To encourage collaboration and maintain human control, companies must set clear guidelines on how employees should use AI systems. Ethical practices, such as transparency and continuous oversight, should be a priority to make sure AI benefits everyone fairly and equally.

How women can thrive in an AI-driven world

As AI reshapes the workforce, women must adapt to thrive within this changing landscape. 

Women’s input is essential to ensure AI tools are inclusive, representative, and relevant to diverse experiences. “There’s an urgent need for women to have a say in the data being contributed to both specialized small language models and large, widely-used ones,” Dawelbeit says. Getting involved in this emerging technology won’t just benefit your career, it will help shape how this technology develops, to the benefit of all women. 

To succeed in this AI-driven world, women must focus on upskilling, staying informed, and leveraging their unique strengths. Here are some key tips for preparing for the AI revolution:

• Learn new skills. Focus on upskilling in areas like data science, machine learning, or AI ethics. Online courses, certifications, and boot camps can help women acquire these essential skills.

• Stay updated. Keep an eye on industry trends and AI advancements. Read articles, attend webinars, and network with professionals in the AI field to stay informed.

• Leverage your strengths. Women possess unique strengths, such as emotional intelligence and creativity, that AI cannot replicate. Focus on roles that require these human qualities, such as leadership, strategy, and customer relations.

• Network strategically. Build connections within the AI community to access opportunities and insights. Networking with professionals in AI-related fields can open doors to mentorship, collaboration, and career growth.

• Gain practical experience. Seek opportunities to work directly with AI technologies or projects. Hands-on experience is invaluable in understanding how AI works and how to navigate its impact on various industries.

The future of work: A call to action

The rise of AI is an incredible opportunity for workers to redefine the future of work. As AI continues to evolve, so do the opportunities to create meaningful, impactful careers. Women who embrace this transformation and develop the skills needed for the future will not only survive but thrive in the workforce. The key to success is adaptability—staying flexible and continuously learning. 

FAQs

What types of jobs will AI affect the most?

AI is likely to have the greatest impact on jobs that involve routine, repetitive tasks, such as those performed by cashiers, data entry clerks, and file clerks. These roles are at higher risk of automation due to their rule-based nature. The U.S. Government Accountability Office suggests that anywhere from 9% to 47% of jobs could be automated in the future, with the extent of automation varying by industry.

Which sectors are creating the most opportunities due to AI?

As AI transforms industries, sectors like AI development, data science, machine learning, and cybersecurity are expected to see significant growth. The increasing demand for AI systems is likely to create opportunities for professionals to manage and optimize these technologies. Additionally, the rise of big data is driving a need for data analysts, while cybersecurity will be crucial for protecting AI systems. Fields like AI ethics and digital transformation are also emerging as key areas for those shaping responsible AI development.

How can I future-proof my career against AI automation?

Stay ahead by upskilling in AI-related fields like machine learning and data science. At the same time, nurture your creativity, emotional intelligence, and leadership—qualities AI can’t replicate. Embrace networking, mentorship, and professional development to stay flexible and empowered as you navigate the evolving job market.

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