Much has been said about how artificial intelligence is reshaping our world, and the impact of this technology is unlikely to fade away anytime soon. Gen Zers are working to AI-proof their careers, but there are limited avenues for them to secure a future without a hitch. Career resilience in the face of AI is a hard task, especially when there are daily reports on AI-powered layoffs and predictions of businesses replacing a large chunk of workers with AI tools in the coming years.
In an era where AI can draft your emails, write your code, and conduct customer service tasks, it is hard not to become overly dependent on the technology. While individual AI use is growing parallelly, adapting careers to match AI’s growth is a task that cannot go ignored. Facing the stress of future-proofing careers head-on, Gen Z workers are busy exploring ways to enter the job market despite the barriers that are being set in place.
Gen Z is working hard to AI-proof their careers by exploring AI-resilient industries and blue-collar jobs, but the task is not an easy one. (Image: Pexels)
AI-Proofing Careers In an AI-Obsessed World is A Challenge That Gen Z Is Facing Head-On
Gen Zers have been called the most pragmatic generation, and considering their response to the arrival of AI, there appears to be some truth to the claim. Instead of panicking, Gen Z is pivoting. Healthcare has been identified as one of the industries that may not be entirely crippled by the arrival of AI. Despite the increasing use of technology in the industry as well, an empathetic, involved approach is not something that AI has been able to master.
Job opportunities like surgical equipment sterilizers are relatively unheard of, but Fortune found that it is a role that requires minimal qualifications and yet guarantees good pay. A $1,500 certification degree and 400 hours of internship work are sufficient to secure $50,000-$70,000 annually. Such roles are gaining popularity among Gen Z workers who are on the hunt for work that they can perform with relative security for years to come.
On the flip side, work in the healthcare industry is also seen as showcasing the highest degree of dissatisfaction among workers, and there are only so many positions available to fill. This requires Gen Zers to look further at other industries as well.
Jobs in hospitality are also being considered as alternatives for career resilience despite AI growth, where their daily in-person presence cannot be replaced by AI just yet. In most cases, these positions do not guarantee high pay, but the work is there for those who want to AI-proof their careers.
The Rise of Trade Work as a Way for Gen Z to Secure Their Careers
Adapting careers to combat AI is no easy task, and many Gen Z workers have come to realize that college degrees are no longer enough to build a career. With entry-level jobs being replaced by AI, the opportunities to enter the job market are shrinking as we speak. As a result, a growing number of Gen Z workers are also looking at trade jobs to make a living.
The threat of AI-supported automation looms over these positions to a degree as well, but young tradesfolk are already making a quick buck by increasing their skills to fit into these positions. Can all Gen Z workers migrate to blue-collar roles? It is unlikely, as the demand for workers here is extensive but also limited.
At this juncture, the rise of “new-collar” work must also be acknowledged. To AI-proof careers, Gen Zers are on a mission to master AI while also taking non-traditional paths to corporate positions. There are new roles being created to support the work being done by AI, and workers are uncovering room for employment in this segment as well.
The Uncertainty Surrounding AI Has Complicated Matters for Everyone
Gen Z’s mission to identify AI-proof careers is still an ongoing one, as there is considerable uncertainty about what comes next. Businesses appear confident that they will be able to successfully replace a significant number of workers with AI in the next two years, despite data suggesting that 95% of AI pilots have failed recently.
Gartner’s latest report also suggests that businesses that have overcommitted to AI will soon drop their plans to replace workers in the service industry over the next few years. The data suggests a total reliance on AI isn’t likely for years to come, but many CEOs have been vocal about their desire to try.
It is also true that Gen Zers make up the future of every industry. Over time, organizations that want to hire new talent will find themselves unable to do so, having convinced the young workers that there is no work to be found. Those who do enter the industry will be unequipped to do so because of the lack of opportunities to gain any experience.
The Gen Z Tool Kit Is Expanding, but It’s Time for HR to Step Up
Gen Z’s move to AI-proof their careers represents a seismic shift in their approach, from AI anxiety to empowered adaptation. As HR leaders, it is time to foster this resilience and use their drive to help them fit into organizations with greater ease. While many Gen Z job seekers will have left for other industries or settled into side gigs and job opportunities of their own, there will be a great number of workers prepared to adapt to any technological challenges placed in front of them.
Upskilling and reskilling workers to keep up with industry trends is part of the mission. There is also an urgency to better understand that AI isn’t going to replace all jobs, but instead replace tasks that it can perform better. There will always be a need for human involvement and supervision, and preparing the workforce for the changes to come can be the best way to prepare the business as well.
Do you think it’s possible for Gen Z to AI-proof their careers, or will they be collectively overtaken by AI? Share your thoughts with us. Subscribe to The HR Digest for more insights on workplace trends, layoffs, and what to expect with the advent of AI.