How artificial intelligence is reshaping the job market and what professionals can do to adapt

A Microsoft survey released in the first half of 2023 found that 49% of workers fear being replaced by artificial intelligence. These employees worry that companies will increasingly rely on AI to cut costs, boost productivity, and improve results.

The study shows that this fear isn’t limited to the tech sector—it’s present across various industries. The launch of ChatGPT in November 2022 intensified the debate about AI’s impact on employment.

But is artificial intelligence a threat to jobs? On the other hand, technological advancements are also creating new roles and changing how professionals in different fields work.

Instead of just replacing tasks, AI can automate repetitive activities, process large volumes of data, and support workers at different stages of their work. In this context, mastering these tools can become an essential skill for those who want to keep up with market changes.

Additionally, new career opportunities linked to artificial intelligence are emerging. According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report, AI-related jobs have more than tripled in Brazil over the past two years. Globally, applications for AI-related positions grew 17% faster than those in non-tech fields.

In this scenario, several strategies can help professionals from different areas incorporate artificial intelligence into their daily routines and develop new skills. See below.

Use AI to boost your productivity

Artificial intelligence can help increase productivity and reduce time spent on certain tasks, especially repetitive, operational, or data-intensive activities.

Professionals can use AI tools to organize data, summarize documents, structure ideas, review texts, analyze information, or create initial drafts of a project.

The goal isn’t necessarily to replace human work but to free up time for activities that require analysis, creativity, communication, and decision-making.

Keep up with the new professions emerging

The growth of artificial intelligence is also creating new roles and increasing demand for professionals with technical expertise in the field.

Examples include AI specialists, data professionals, experts in AI governance and ethics, and roles related to developing and implementing technology-based systems.

Beyond new careers, existing occupations are being transformed. Sectors such as marketing, human resources, finance, law, journalism, and customer service are integrating AI tools into their daily operations.

Staying informed about these changes can help professionals identify new opportunities and develop skills relevant to the market.

Invest in professional training

Learning to use artificial intelligence doesn’t require mastering programming or having a technical background. For many, the first step is understanding how the tools work and what problems they can solve.

Skills in prompt creation, data analysis and verification, task automation, and responsible AI use can be applied across various fields.

Training also helps professionals understand how to integrate artificial intelligence into their work routines, identifying tasks that can be automated and those that still require human involvement.

Develop skills that complement AI

As artificial intelligence tools become more accessible, human skills remain essential for work.

Critical thinking, analytical abilities, communication, creativity, problem-solving, and domain-specific knowledge can be combined with technology use.

In this context, the key difference may lie not just in knowing how to use a tool, but in understanding when, how, and for what purpose to use it.

Artificial intelligence is changing tasks, professions, and work processes. For professionals, staying informed about these changes, testing new tools, and continuously investing in knowledge can be an effective way to prepare for a transforming market.