Planning careers in the age of artificial intelligence - WFMZ.com

College has always been about preparing for the future. But today's students are facing a question their parents never had to ask: “Will artificial intelligence replace the job I’m studying for?” About 70% of college students say they worry artificial intelligence could hurt their career prospects. And some are even changing their majors because of it.

Ten years ago, you called customer service. Today, you're probably talking to a chatbot. Five years ago, a graphic designer created your images. Today, AI can create them in seconds. Two years ago, entry-level coders wrote basic code. Today, AI often writes the first draft. AI isn't just changing how we work; it’s changing what students choose to study.

A survey found 42% of undergraduate students have considered changing majors because of AI, and 16% already did. So which careers are most likely to adapt alongside AI?

“Healthcare, of course, you know, the bedside care. A machine, a computer, cannot take over that,” said Molly Kostenbauder, Seminole State College, associate vice president, Workforce Schools.

While AI can help read X-rays, analyze lab results or spot patterns in medical records, it can't comfort a scared patient, notice the little things that come from experience or build trust face to face. That's why the bureau of labor statistics projects nursing jobs to grow 6% through 2031. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy are expected to also remain in high demand.

The same idea applies outside the hospital. Whether it's building a home, fixing a burst pipe, restoring power after a storm or repairing a heating and air conditioning system. Experts say that's why many skilled trades are considered among the more AI resilient careers.

“Plumbing, electrical, all are gonna require individuals to remain in those fields to either develop new construction or to fix what, what is broken,” explained Kostenbauder.

The jobs of the future may not belong to the people who avoid AI. They may belong to the people who learn to work with AI not against it.

The message from experts is simple: Don't pick a career based on fear of AI. Pick one that builds the human skills AI can't replace then learn to use AI as a tool. The world economic forum predicts that while 92 million jobs could disappear by 2030 because of AI, about 170 million new ones are expected to be created, resulting in a net gain of 78 million jobs worldwide.