How might AI affect your future career?
There’s been a lot in the media over the last few years about how robots are set to take our jobs. Creating a credible form of artificial intelligence (AI) has been the aim of many computer scientists for a long time, but there’s still a lot of speculation on whether it will replace human workers.
Two sides of the argument
The emerging consensus is that AI won’t spell the end of employment. There’s no doubt it will alter the careers market, but how specific jobs will change is less certain. AI has the potential to transform existing roles, but could also create new positions in a rapidly expanding sector.
By taking on the menial tasks, AI has the potential to revolutionise jobs by giving the gift of time. A recent survey by SmartSheet showed that information workers spend up to 25% of their week on recurring, manual tasks. Through AI and machine learning, these tasks could be automated, allowing more time to work on other things.
The legal sector is already using this tactic to great effect. Automation means many lawyers and associates no longer have to sift through thousands of documents to find relevant information for cases. Specialist platforms have been developed to use big data and machine learning to compare contracts and point out discrepancies or areas that require attention. It makes firms much more efficient and allows them to take on more work.
Even if AI does entirely replace some positions, the number of jobs needed to create, implement and maintain the technology will far outweigh the losses. However, this creates issues, leaving many unskilled workers unemployed and widening the computer science skills gap.
The need for AI specialists
Research by ManpowerGroup shows that 95% of UK employers believe staffing levels will remain the same or even increase because of automation. Companies are already using AI to make jobs easier, but it’s going to require a range of data and computer science skills to implement it all effectively. These particular skillsets are likely to become highly valuable.
As the number of businesses using automation and machine learning increases, the skills gap increases further. That’s why courses like the University of York’s Masters programmes in Computer Science are ideal for those who want to move into the field and take their career in a new and exciting direction.
The 100% online degrees offer ambitious career changers the chance to retrain in an extremely in-demand field. The programme, which also offers the opportunity to specialise in Cyber Security or Data Science, is delivered fully online so you can study in your own time in your own place, fitting it around other commitments. There is a pay-per-module option, removing the need for large, up-front payments. There are also six start dates throughout the year, which means you can start within weeks and makes obtaining a prestigious Russell Group Masters degree highly achievable.