The consensus among many experts is that a number of professions will be totally automated in the next five to ten years. Below are a few roles that are at risk of being taken over by AI in the near future.
Key Takeaways
- AI is expected to replace 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025 according to the World Economic Forum.
- Telemarketing is highly likely to be replaced by AI, with a 99% likelihood according to studies.
- Many roles in administrative and clerical work, such as bookkeeping clerks and receptionists, are at high risk of automation.
- Creative and empathic jobs are less likely to be replaced by AI.
- While AI will replace many jobs, it is also expected to create new opportunities in various fields.
Telemarketing
AI is poised to revolutionize the telemarketing industry. Millions of jobs could be replaced or eliminated by AI by 2030. According to a report from the McKinsey Global Institute, AI is expected to replace 2.4 million jobs in the U.S. by 2030. This shift is largely due to the repetitive and predictable nature of telemarketing tasks, which can be easily automated.
The Future of Telemarketing
- AI services can handle the work of an entire call center.
- Automated systems can dial hundreds, if not thousands, of numbers.
- AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants can efficiently manage customer interactions.
Impact on Employment
The career growth in the telemarketing space is expected to decline by 18.2% by 2031. This decline is driven by the increasing capabilities of AI to perform tasks that were traditionally done by humans.
While AI can handle many aspects of telemarketing, human involvement will remain crucial in roles requiring social perceptiveness and emotional awareness.
Bookkeeping Clerks
The role of bookkeeping clerks is increasingly at risk due to advancements in AI and automation. Most bookkeeping tasks are becoming automated if they haven’t been already. Software like QuickBooks, FreshBooks, and Microsoft Office offer solutions that handle bookkeeping efficiently, reducing the need for human intervention.
The likelihood of AI replacing bookkeeping clerks is extremely high. According to various studies, the probability of this job being automated is nearly 100%. This shift is expected to lead to a decline of 4.5% in job opportunities for bookkeeping clerks by 2031.
- QuickBooks
- FreshBooks
- Microsoft Office
The future of bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks is set to be revolutionized by AI and robotics. The potential future of these professions lies in automation, making many traditional tasks obsolete.
Compensation and Benefits Managers
The role of Compensation and Benefits Managers is increasingly at risk of being replaced by AI. Automated benefits systems are becoming more prevalent, especially as companies expand across multinational markets. Traditional human and paper-based systems can introduce numerous hurdles, time delays, and costs. Automated solutions, such as those offered by Ultipro and Workday, streamline the process, saving both time and effort in managing benefits for large employee bases.
The likelihood of AI replacing this role is significant. According to the Future of Employment Study, there is a 96% chance that Compensation and Benefits Managers will be replaced by robots. This shift is driven by the efficiency and accuracy that AI systems bring to the table, reducing the need for human intervention in routine tasks.
While AI won’t replace managers entirely, it can certainly make the job better by handling repetitive and time-consuming tasks, allowing human managers to focus on more strategic and complex responsibilities.
Receptionists
The role of a receptionist is increasingly being taken over by AI platforms. Rather than needing to bother or distract a human, visitors can simply check in on a display screen. This allows for quick registration of visitor badges or meeting confirmations, enabling everyone to proceed with their day more efficiently.
Future Likelihood
- Future of Employment Study Likelihood: 96%
- Will Robots Take My Job? Likelihood: 93%
Advantages of AI Receptionists
- Automated phone and scheduling systems can handle many traditional receptionist tasks.
- AI can manage visitor check-ins and appointments seamlessly.
- Reduces the need for office-wide phone systems, especially in modern tech companies.
While AI can handle many tasks, receptionists develop relationships in the office that give them a unique advantage in providing customized support compared to an algorithmic system.
Couriers
The role of couriers is rapidly being transformed by advancements in technology. Companies like Starship Technology have already replaced human couriers with autonomous robots. These AI-powered systems can scan a list of destinations, calculate the most efficient route, and ensure timely deliveries without human intervention. This not only increases efficiency but also reduces the likelihood of missed deliveries.
The future of courier services is likely to be dominated by automation. With a 94% likelihood of replacement, according to the Future of Employment Study, it’s clear that the days of human couriers are numbered. Autonomous vehicles and drones are already being tested and deployed, making it only a matter of time before they become the norm.
The shift towards automation in courier services is inevitable, driven by the need for efficiency and cost-effectiveness. As technology continues to advance, the reliance on human couriers will diminish, paving the way for a new era of delivery services.
Proofreaders
The likelihood of AI replacing proofreaders is extremely high, with studies suggesting a 100% chance. This is largely due to the widespread availability of proofreading software, from basic tools like Microsoft Word’s spelling and grammar check to more advanced applications like Grammarly and Hemingway App.
Why AI is Taking Over
- Efficiency: AI can process and check documents much faster than a human can.
- Consistency: Unlike humans, AI doesn’t get tired or make mistakes due to fatigue.
- Cost-Effective: Using AI for proofreading can be more economical for businesses.
The Human Touch
However, there are aspects that AI cannot fully replicate. The relationship a proofreader develops with a client provides an understanding of the intention behind a writer’s work and the contextual knowledge needed to successfully complete a project.
While AI can handle the bulk of proofreading tasks, the final review for clarity, accuracy, and comprehensiveness often still requires a human touch.
Future Outlook
In the future, AI systems may evolve to not only suggest or write content but also help check it for mistakes. Once trained on a style guide or content guidelines, an AI editor could quickly scan through articles, documents, and filings to spot any issues, particularly in highly regulated industries like banking, insurance, or healthcare.
Computer Support Specialists
The role of computer support specialists is increasingly at risk due to advancements in AI and automation. Companies are now leveraging bots and automated systems to handle support queries from both employees and customers. This shift is driven by the abundance of online resources, including step-by-step guides and hacks, which make it easier for users to troubleshoot issues on their own.
The likelihood of AI replacing computer support specialists is estimated to be 65% according to the Future of Employment Study, and 52% according to “Will Robots Take My Job?”. Despite the projected 6.2% growth in this field by 2031, the trend towards automation is undeniable.
As AI continues to evolve, the need for human intervention in basic support tasks will diminish, making it crucial for professionals in this field to adapt and upskill.
Market Research Analysts
Market research analysts are responsible for collecting data, identifying trends within that data, and then using what they found to design an effective marketing campaign or decide where to place advertising. AI can automate data collection and analysis in market research, allowing analysts to focus on interpreting insights and developing strategic recommendations.
The Role of AI in Market Research
AI’s ability to conduct market research allows analysts to focus on interpreting insights and developing strategic recommendations. This shift enables a more efficient workflow and better utilization of human expertise.
Specializations in Market Research
Market research analysts can specialize in various fields such as consumer behavior analysis, computing and information sciences, competitive intelligence, or strategic planning. Each of these areas can benefit from AI-driven tools and technologies.
Future Outlook
The likelihood of AI replacing market research analysts is significant. According to studies, the probability of this happening is around 61%. This change is driven by AI’s proficiency in analyzing data and predicting outcomes, making traditional roles increasingly susceptible to automation.
The bottom line is: change or perish. If you are a traditional agency, it’s not too late. A good first step will be to include in your solutions portfolio: social media listening and online communities.
Advertising Salespeople
The shift from traditional media to digital platforms has significantly impacted the role of advertising salespeople. As advertising shifts away from print and TV and towards web and social media landscapes, people simply aren’t needed to manage those sales for marketers who want to buy ad space. Social media platforms make it easy for people to buy space through free application program interfaces (APIs) and self-serve ad marketplaces, removing the salesperson and making it faster and easier.
The Changing Landscape
AI tools are increasingly used to predict user behavior and suggest ideal responses, automating routine tasks like lead scoring, personalization, and forecasting. This automation narrows the role of salespeople in complex deals.
Future Roles
For complex sales, salespeople will still be needed but in an evolved role. They’ll focus on higher-level work like strategy, consulting, and relationship building. Success will require a blend of human skills like emotional intelligence along with digital fluency. While AI may transform sales, people remain essential for trust, empathy, and long-term partnerships.
The world economic forum recently estimated that AI machines will replace 85 million jobs by 2025. The big question is — will this include sales roles? Well, the future of sales is evolving, and while AI will take over many tasks, the human touch will still be irreplaceable in certain areas.
Retail Salespeople
The role of retail salespeople is increasingly under threat from AI advancements. AI isn’t coming to take your sales reps’ jobs entirely, but it will transform them significantly. The recent boost in e-commerce and self-service options reduces the need for salespeople. Customers increasingly prefer self-serve buying, especially for simple or low-cost goods and services. Self-service kiosks and apps give customers more control but squeeze out sales jobs.
Retail salespersons can become experts in product knowledge and customer relationship building or transition to visual merchandising and store management roles. For complex sales, salespeople will still be needed but in an evolved role. They’ll focus on higher-level work like strategy, consulting, and relationship building. Success will require a blend of human skills like emotional intelligence along with digital fluency.
While AI may transform sales, people remain essential for trust, empathy, and long-term partnerships.
Conclusion
As we move further into the age of artificial intelligence, it’s clear that the landscape of employment is set to undergo significant changes. While many jobs are at risk of being replaced by AI, it’s important to remember that this technological evolution also brings opportunities for new roles and industries to emerge. The key for workers will be to stay adaptable, continuously update their skills, and remain open to new possibilities. By doing so, we can navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that AI presents, ensuring a future where technology and human ingenuity go hand in hand.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many jobs will AI replace by 2025?
AI could replace as many as 85 million jobs worldwide by 2025, according to a 2020 World Economic Forum report.
What types of jobs are most at risk of being replaced by AI?
Jobs that are repetitive and involve routine tasks, such as telemarketing, bookkeeping, and data entry, are most at risk of being replaced by AI.
Will AI create new jobs as it replaces old ones?
Yes, while AI is expected to replace 85 million jobs by 2025, it is also expected to create 97 million new jobs in the same timeframe.
Why are telemarketing jobs at high risk of being replaced by AI?
Telemarketing jobs involve repetitive tasks that can be easily automated by AI, making them highly susceptible to replacement.
Are there any jobs that AI is less likely to replace?
Yes, jobs that require creativity, empathy, and complex strategic thinking, such as those in creative fields and empathic professions, are less likely to be replaced by AI.
What should workers do to prepare for the rise of AI in the job market?
Workers should focus on developing skills that are less likely to be automated, such as creative thinking, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, to stay competitive in the job market.
At aiforthewise.com, our mission is to help you navigate this exciting landscape and let AI raise your wisdom. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on the latest developments in the world of artificial intelligence.