Humans in the Loop: AI...Transforming Jobs and Creating New Opportunities

I am SOOOOO excited by the opportunities that AI may create. I know not everyone shares my point of view. Particularly those I consult to or coach.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving quicker than we can keep up, and many worry about how these technologies will impact their careers. It's natural to feel apprehensive about change, in fact it is our human default position to protect the status quo, eliminate risk to our safety and survival and reject things that scare us.

Instead of fearing job LOSS, we should focus on how AI is transforming work and CREATING NEW opportunities. I see AI reshaping roles, creating exciting opportunities, and I have pulled together some actionable resources to help you navigate and stay curious.

AI: A Catalyst for Change, Not Replacement

AI is a tool that will AUGMENT human capabilities, NOT REPLACE them. While it can automate repetitive tasks, it also empowers professionals to focus on more strategic, creative, and value-driven activities. By taking over mundane tasks, AI allows individuals to apply their unique human skills—such as critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity—in ways that machines cannot. At least...not yet!

Humans in the Loop: The Key to Responsible AI

According to the Google Cloud and Microsoft Azure experience, having humans in the loop is crucial for developing and deploying RESPONSIBLE AI. This means that human oversight is essential at every stage of AI development and implementation to ensure ethical standards are met and that AI systems align with societal values. Humans provide the critical judgment, context, and ethical considerations that AI lacks, ensuring decisions made by AI are fair, transparent, and accountable.

Every Revolution Brings New Opportunities

History shows that every technological revolution has sparked concerns about job displacement, yet each has also created new opportunities. Imagine telling someone 150 years ago that being an airplane pilot or flight attendant would be a common job. The concept of humans flying in a metal tube....was beyond comprehension then, just as an AI future seems today.

During the Industrial Revolution: many feared the rise of machines would lead to widespread unemployment. Instead, it created numerous jobs in new sectors like manufacturing and services. Similarly, the advent of the internet revolutionised communication and commerce, giving rise to roles like web developers, digital marketers, and cybersecurity experts—jobs that didn’t exist a few decades ago.? The trick is for humans to keep up!

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New Roles in the AI Era: "AI Prompt Designer" didn't exist a few years ago

The integration of AI into various industries has led to the emergence of new job roles that require a blend of technical proficiency and soft skills. One such role is that of an AI Prompt Designer. This position involves crafting inputs that elicit desired outputs from AI systems, requiring a deep understanding of both the technology and the end-users' needs.

The Importance of Clear Instructions: A Lesson from Everyday Life

To illustrate the importance of clear and precise instructions—a key skill for a new role, AI prompt designers— here's a fun video. In it, a father asks his kids to write exact instructions on how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (Jam for those outside the US!). The exercise reveals how easily misunderstandings can occur without clear communication. You can watch the video here:

VIDEO: How to Make a PB&J Sandwich (Click Here)

This video is a light-hearted yet powerful reminder that effective communication is crucial, especially when instructing AI to perform specific tasks. Just as the father's misinterpretations of his kids' instructions led to amusing results, unclear prompts can lead to unintended AI outputs. It also shows that people who are excellent Customer/User focused Business Analysts may also excel as Prompt Designers.

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Example of Transferable Skills for AI Prompt Designers:

• Creativity: Crafting engaging and effective prompts.
• Communication: Understanding and translating user needs into precise AI inputs.
• Process Excellence: Ability to create clear and detailed guidance.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with AI capabilities and limitations.
• User Empathy: Designing prompts that meet the users' goals and expectations.
• Analytical Thinking: Evaluating prompt effectiveness and iterating for improvement.
• Problem-Solving: Addressing challenges and optimising prompt performance.
• Attention to Detail: Ensuring accuracy and relevance in prompts.
• Adaptability: Keeping up with advancements in AI technology and methodologies.
• Collaboration: Working with cross-functional teams to align AI prompts with project goals.

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These skills are not limited to AI prompt design. They are equally valuable in roles such as UX/UI Designer, Content Strategist, Product Manager, Instructional Designer, and many more. The versatility of these skills ensures that professionals can transition smoothly across different roles within the AI ecosystem.

Opportunities Abound

The rise of AI has already led to the creation of or improvement of numerous roles across various industries. Here are some examples- (This list was helpfully curated through 3 iterations of prompts using OpenAI ChatGPT):

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• Data Scientists and Analysts: Leveraging AI to derive insights from vast amounts of data across industries.
• Technical Writers: Developing clear and concise documentation for AI systems and processes.
• Marketing Specialists: Crafting AI-driven marketing strategies to better understand and engage with audiences.
• Game Designers: Creating immersive and interactive gaming experiences using AI technologies.
• Ethics Consultants: Ensuring AI systems are designed and implemented ethically, addressing concerns around bias and privacy.
• Healthcare Innovators: Using AI to develop personalised treatment plans, medical diagnostics, and telemedicine solutions.
• Accessibility Engineers: Designing AI-driven solutions to assist people with disabilities, such as speech recognition, visual aids, and mobility assistance devices.
• Social Impact Analysts: Utilising AI to analyse data and develop strategies for addressing social inequalities, promoting inclusion, and supporting marginalised communities.
• Education Technologists: Integrating AI into educational tools and platforms to personalise learning experiences and support diverse learning needs.
• Customer Experience Managers: Implementing AI-powered systems to enhance customer support accessibility, responsiveness, and inclusivity.
• Environmental Scientists: Using AI for predictive modelling, data analysis, and monitoring environmental impacts to promote sustainability.
• Urban Planners: Employing AI to optimise city infrastructure, transportation systems, and public services for inclusivity, accessibility, and efficiency.
• Human Rights Advocates: Leveraging AI for data analysis and monitoring to address human rights violations, support advocacy efforts, and promote social justice.
• Legal Tech Specialists: Developing AI tools for legal research, contract analysis, and access to justice initiatives.
• Robotics Engineers: Designing AI-powered robots and automation systems to assist individuals with disabilities in daily tasks and improve quality of life.
• Financial Analysts: Using AI for predictive analytics, risk management, and personalised financial planning to enhance economic inclusion and accessibility.
• Cognitive Scientists: Studying human cognition and behaviour with AI to improve mental health diagnostics, therapies, and accessibility solutions.
• Disaster Response Specialists: Using AI for real-time data analysis, prediction modelling, and coordination in disaster management to support vulnerable populations.
• Agricultural Technologists: Implementing AI in agriculture for precision farming, sustainable practices, and food security initiatives to benefit underserved communities.
• Sports Analysts: Utilising AI for performance analysis, injury prevention, and accessibility in sports training and adaptive sports technologies.

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Continuous Learning and Adaptation

?One of the keys to thriving in the AI-driven job market will be a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. Upskilling and reskilling are essential to staying relevant. Online courses, workshops, and certifications in AI and related fields are more accessible than ever, providing opportunities for professionals to expand their knowledge and expertise.

1. Online Courses and Certifications:

• Coursera : Offers courses like [AI for Everyone] by Andrew Ng, and specialisations in AI, data science, and machine learning.
• edX : Provides courses such as [AI: Principles and Techniques] by Columbia University and various AI-related professional certificates.
• Udacity : Offers a [Machine Learning Engineer Nanodegree] and other AI-focused programs.

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2. Books and Reading Materials:

• "Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans" by Melanie Mitchell: A comprehensive introduction to AI concepts and their implications.
• "Human + Machine: Reimagining Work in the Age of AI" by Paul R. Daugherty and H. James Wilson: Explores how AI is transforming business and creating new opportunities.

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3. Webinars and Online Events:

• AI Expos: Regular virtual events featuring industry experts discussing the latest trends and applications in AI.
• MIT Sloan School of Management: Hosts webinars and online events on AI and its impact on various industries.

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4. Professional Communities and Forums:

• AI Alignment Forum: A community for discussing AI alignment and safety research.
• Kaggle: An online community of data scientists and machine learning practitioners where you can participate in competitions and learn from others.

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5. Hands-on Practice Platforms:

• Kaggle: Offers datasets and competitions to practice data science and machine learning skills.
• Google Colab: Provides a platform to run AI and machine learning code in a web-based notebook environment.

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6. Networking and Mentorship:

• LinkedIn Groups: Join AI-focused groups such as “Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning” and “AI & Deep Learning”.
• Meetup: Find local AI and machine learning meetups to connect with professionals in your area.?

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Collaboration is Key

AI’s potential is maximised when it COMPLEMENTS human abilities through collaboration. Professionals from diverse fields—such as software development, marketing, healthcare, and education—are working together to integrate AI solutions that enhance productivity and innovation. This collaborative approach ensures that AI development and implementation are grounded in real-world needs and ethical considerations.

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Conclusion: Don't be Scared. Be Curious. And Learn.

AI should not be a threat but an enabler of progress. By embracing the changes AI brings, we can unlock new opportunities, enhance our careers, and contribute to a more innovative and efficient world. As we navigate this transformation, it's crucial to focus on the unique skills and perspectives that humans bring to the table—skills that AI cannot replicate. So double down on those.

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I plan to embrace AI as my work buddy and colleague... and I'll advocate to #KeepHumansInTheLoop.

Don't be scared. Instead, Be Curious, and Learn.

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About the Author

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Angela Bradley is a Consultant at Sherwood Consulting, specialising in new strategy developments, complex change, and delivering sustainable transformations. With a passion for community, technology, innovation, and sustainability, Angela is dedicated to helping professionals navigate opportunities for improvement in their organisations or professionally and while certainly NOT an expert in AI, is continually learning and is excited by its unending opportunities for humans, businesses and our planet to transform in collaboration and partnership with technology.

*As an aside, any links included in this article are just ones from my research, I receive no commission or benefit from any of them.

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