As AI transforms global industries, young professionals are being urged to focus on roles that will endure the automation wave. With jobs evolving fast, it’s crucial to identify areas where human strengths still surpass machine abilities.
According to a global PwC report, reported by The Economic Times, AI adoption is accelerating across industries—particularly in IT, finance, and professional services. These sectors are not just adapting but actively benefiting from AI integration.
Professionals with AI-related skills are seeing major rewards—average wages jumped by 56% in 2024, a sharp rise from 25% in 2023, reflecting the growing value of AI expertise in the workplace.
Barret Kupelian, Chief Economist at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), shared in a BBC Radio 5 Live interview how automation is reshaping industries. He outlined three types of careers young people should consider to stay relevant in the rapidly evolving job market.
Jobs like plumbers, electricians and decorators are tough for AI to replace. They require hands-on problem-solving in unpredictable settings. PwC’s Barret Kupelian says current AI isn't advanced enough to handle such intensive manual work.
As automation replaces some jobs, new ones are emerging. Careers in AI development, data science, machine learning and ethical oversight are on the rise. These roles offer higher pay and are key to guiding AI’s impact.
Jobs that depend on creativity and critical thinking—like designers, artists, strategists and writers—remain harder to automate. Barret Kupelian notes these roles require “a high degree of judgement and creativity,” involving unique, bespoke skills that current AI struggles to replicate.
Jobs with repetitive tasks and simple decisions are most at risk of automation. But as AI takes over routine work, people can focus on creativity, strategy and problem-solving—using human skills that AI can’t match while making the most of its strengths.
