AI-powered professions: The future of work has arrived

By John Roese, Global Chief Technology Officer and Chief AI Officer, Dell Technologies

The most popular question I’m asked about AI – right after “Will the machines take over?” (spoiler: no) – is “Will AI take my job?” This answer is also almost always no, with one caveat: the way you do your job and your skills will evolve. You will need to know how to use AI regardless of your profession or industry. And AI will also inevitably create entirely new jobs. Let’s explore the skills needed in the AI era and forecast some emerging careers.

Jobs: An ongoing journey of change

Many are surprised to learn that AI is as much about creating jobs as eliminating them. The World Economic Forum anticipates AI could create 97 million roles by 2025, spanning various sectors and necessitating AI proficiency much like the digital revolution did with computer literacy*.

Just like when the steam engine, tractors, spreadsheets and PCs were invented, jobs evolve, and new ones arise. As part of that process, humans move toward higher-order problems and activities. For instance, when the tractor emerged, farmers shifted from the manual labor of powering the plow, to controlling the machine that did the work. Those who adapt best to using these tools end up doing very well.

At its core, AI technology automates routine tasks, freeing up human workers to take on more complex and creative roles. AI’s ability to handle data-driven tasks means professionals can focus on strategic and innovative work. This presents an exciting opportunity to rethink and reinvent how we approach our work, making it more fulfilling and efficient.

AI: A technical extension of human skills

Thriving in an AI-driven environment requires identifying where human qualities such as critical thinking, reasoning, communication and decision-making offer indispensable value. Emerging roles such as AI trainers, AI linguists, data scientists, and AI strategists require expertise in AI technologies combined with critical thinking and ethical considerations. These human insight roles, extended with AI, represent the sweet spot of future job opportunities.

Additionally, understanding industry-specific applications of AI -- whether healthcare diagnostics or fraud detection in finance – is crucial for aligning your skill set with emerging demands.

For example, as basic coding tasks become automated, mastering a deeper understanding of technology’s foundational architecture becomes vital. A programmer’s role in cybersecurity might evolve from traditional coding to analyzing threats, understanding their execution and developing comprehensive defense strategies.

This evaluation of existing and emerging roles is where a strong understanding of AI’s capabilities pays off.

In addition to roles that benefit from deep technical understanding of AI, many roles that have significant learning curves will become easier to master. For example, we believe that with the use of AI coding assistants, there will be no such thing as an “entry level programmer.” Even a new programmer will code at a much higher level because of these AI assistants.

AI can invisibly elevate the skills in a wide range of jobs. Imagine tech support teams who now have easy access to the combined support intelligence of the entire company. Imagine doctors who can interpret data assisted by trained models that reflect the expertise of the entire medical community. Imagine a factory worker receiving real time recommendations on how to optimize a production system based on how that type of machine has operated across the world for its entire history.

These examples don’t require deep AI expertise, but they do require that we embrace these new AI tools and operating models.

A whole new category of jobs

AI is not only transforming existing jobs; it's creating entirely new professions such as AI trainers and AI ethicists.

Innovative roles like AI interaction designers are crafting engaging customer experiences through AI, requiring a deep understanding of user behavior and interface design. These professionals blend technology and creativity to design and optimize AI chatbots and virtual assistants to deliver seamless customer interactions. These roles represent the remarkable synergy between AI and human interaction, marrying technology with interpersonal skills.

Here are five new technical job categories we might expect in the very near future:

1. Thermal plumbing: This goes beyond traditional systems by focusing on optimizing heat and power in AI data centers. Specialists can significantly boost overall performance through advanced thermal management.
2. AI agent conductors: These developers of AI Agents, chatbots and other GenAI solutions create integrated teams of humans and AI agents working together to increase productivity and efficiency.
3. Data engineering: Data fuels AI and is always being created and consumed. Managing its complex and messy nature is critical. Data engineers shape how technical systems interact with current and future enterprise data, playing a vital and ongoing role.
4. AI policy makers: As AI systems operate without inherent boundaries, humans are needed to define them. Developing and deploying AI policy frameworks will be pivotal in shaping AI’s societal and business impact.
5. AI system support: As AI technologies scale, specialists in AI system support will become essential to configure, monitor, and repair them when they fail – much like auto mechanics followed the creation of cars, site reliability engineers (SRE) emerged once data centers were automated, and many of us became robot keepers when we adopted robotic vacuums.

These examples highlight the importance of understanding AI’s impact on specific roles, identifying emerging needs and finding solutions. As AI continues its rapid evolvement, new categories will continue to emerge, offering exciting opportunities for integrating technology and human skills.

Preparing for an AI-driven future

Preparing for the future of work with AI involves a proactive approach to culture and skill development, as well as career planning. My advice?...

As a manager or executive:

·?????? Invest in AI fundamentals. At Dell, we have trained nearly our entire workforce on the AI basics (regardless of role) launching everyone on their AI journey. We also provide training and education to our communities, partners and customers.

·?????? Encourage a culture of flexibility and adaptability. You can’t predict exactly how and when AI will change your industry, but it’s inevitable. Create a culture that values and embraces change now.

·?????? Take a hard look at your organization and its processes. The value of AI is greatest when you apply it where it can have the biggest impact. At Dell we started with our core differentiators (our global supply chain, our global sales force, our large scale R&D capability and our global services team). Making these areas better means real impact and return on our investment that our team members and customers can see and feel.

·?????? Evaluate where AI will enhance the work being done at your company today. Knowing what will decrease, change or emerge in terms of jobs is critical in understanding the impact of AI.

·?????? Keep ethics at the forefront of your AI journey to contribute to the development of responsible AI systems and protect your core beliefs and company identity. At Dell, we believe in technology that advances human progress. AI will not change our culture if we chose the right AI systems and use them correctly. That should be true for you too.

As an employee or job-seeker:

·?????? Identify the AI skills relevant to your industry and profession and invest in continuous learning to keep up with this rapidly changing technology.

·?????? Stay adaptable and open to new opportunities as the AI landscape evolves.

·?????? Engage with the AI community and build a network of professionals who can support your growth.

The future of work is AI-driven, and understanding its implications is crucial for career and company success. By focusing on job creation, identifying opportunities, and developing essential skills, you can thrive in the AI job market. Stay informed, build practical experience, and engage with the AI community to stay ahead of the curve. Most of all, enjoy exploring a new frontier of technology and the opportunities it brings.

John Roese is the global chief technology officer and chief AI officer at Dell Technologies. He is responsible for establishing the company’s future-looking technology strategy and accelerating AI adoption for Dell and its customers. He fosters a culture of innovation keeping Dell at the forefront of the industry while anticipating customers’ technology needs before they arise. From multicloud to AI, 5G, edge, data management and security, John and his CTO team are responsible for navigating the latest technology inflection points. As Chief AI Officer, John is focused on accelerating AI-driven outcomes and scaling generative AI initiatives that lead to human progress.

*World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs 2020” report