As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to reshape the modern workplace, concerns about job displacement have dominated the conversation. However, a new study by LinkedIn offers a refreshing perspective: instead of fearing AI, many workers are embracing it as a tool to enhance their careers. The research, highlighted in an article by Inc.com, reveals the surprising jobs people aspire to in the AI age—and they might not be what you expect.
The study surveyed LinkedIn users worldwide to understand their attitudes toward AI and its impact on employment. While job security remains a concern, the findings show that optimism prevails. Many workers see AI not as a replacement, but as a means to augment their skills and create new opportunities for growth.
One key insight? People are drawn to roles that emphasize creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking—skills that are hard to automate. Jobs in the arts, design, and education top the list of desired careers, as these fields rely heavily on human ingenuity and interpersonal connections.
Interestingly, while technical roles like AI engineer and software developer are in demand, there’s also a strong interest in non-technical positions that leverage AI for greater efficiency. Teachers, business strategists, and marketing professionals, for example, see AI as a way to enhance their work without replacing the human element.
The study also highlights a growing curiosity about AI itself. Many respondents expressed interest in jobs directly related to AI development, such as machine learning specialists and ethical AI advisors. These roles allow workers to stay at the forefront of technological advancements while contributing to the ethical evolution of AI.
Perhaps most surprising is the emphasis on jobs that require a human touch. Healthcare, counseling, and education remain highly attractive, as these fields involve complex interpersonal relationships that AI cannot fully replicate. Workers are prioritizing roles where empathy, problem-solving, and social skills are essential.
Ultimately, the study suggests that the fear of AI “taking all the jobs” may be overstated. Instead, workers are approaching the AI age with a growth mindset, seeking roles that combine the strengths of technology with uniquely human traits like creativity and emotional intelligence. As one respondent summed it up, “AI should be a tool to make work more meaningful, not a replacement for it.”
For more insights, you can read the full study here.
Another critical aspect of the study is the emphasis on growth and continuous learning. Respondents expressed a strong desire for roles where they can upskill and grow, leveraging AI to automate repetitive tasks and focus on innovation and creativity. This mindset reflects a broader shift in how workers view their relationship with technology—not as a competitor, but as a catalyst for personal and professional development.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that while AI-related jobs are in demand, most workers do not aspire to become AI specialists. Instead, they prefer roles where AI serves as a tool to enhance their existing skills and workflows. This preference underscores the importance of human-centric skills like emotional intelligence, creativity, and interpersonal connections, which are difficult to replicate with AI.
The research further highlights the importance of ethical considerations in AI development. A notable portion of respondents expressed interest in roles such as ethical AI advisors, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for responsible AI practices. As AI becomes more integrated into the workplace, workers are increasingly recognizing the importance of ensuring that technology is developed and used in ways that align with human values.
Perhaps most telling is the overall optimism expressed by respondents about the future of work in the AI age. While concerns about job displacement persist, the study shows that many workers are approaching AI with a sense of opportunity rather than dread. By focusing on roles that emphasize human strengths and leveraging AI as a tool, workers are positioning themselves to thrive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Conclusion
The LinkedIn study underscores a significant shift in how workers view artificial intelligence in the modern workplace. Rather than seeing AI as a threat, many professionals are embracing it as a tool to enhance their careers and create new opportunities. The data reveals a strong preference for roles that emphasize human-centric skills like creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking, while also leveraging AI to streamline tasks and foster innovation.
While technical roles in AI development remain in demand, the study highlights a broader interest in non-technical positions where AI serves as an enhancer rather than a replacement. This optimism reflects a growing recognition of the potential for AI to augment human capabilities, rather than diminish them. As workers continue to adopt a growth mindset, focusing on continuous learning and ethical considerations, they are positioning themselves to thrive in an AI-driven world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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What are the key findings of the LinkedIn study on AI and jobs?
The study reveals that workers are optimistic about AI, viewing it as a tool to enhance their careers. There is a strong interest in roles that emphasize creativity, empathy, and human-centric skills, such as arts, education, and healthcare. Additionally, many respondents expressed interest in ethical AI roles and leveraging AI to improve efficiency in non-technical fields.
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What jobs are people most interested in during the AI age?
People are drawn to roles that require creativity, empathy, and interpersonal skills, such as arts, design, education, and healthcare. There is also interest in AI-related roles like machine learning specialists and ethical AI advisors, as well as non-technical positions where AI can enhance workflows.
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How is AI being used in non-technical roles?
AI is being used in non-technical roles to automate repetitive tasks, enhance decision-making, and improve efficiency. For example, teachers, marketers, and business strategists are leveraging AI tools to focus more on innovation and human-centric aspects of their work.
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Why are human-centric skills important in the AI age?
Human-centric skills like creativity, emotional intelligence, and interpersonal connections are difficult to automate. These skills are essential for roles that require complex problem-solving, empathy, and social interactions, making them highly valuable in an AI-driven job market.
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What role do ethical considerations play in AI development?
Ethical considerations are critical as AI becomes more integrated into the workplace. Many workers are expressing interest in roles like ethical AI advisors, reflecting a growing awareness of the need for responsible AI practices that align with human values.
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Will AI displace human workers in the future?
The study suggests that the fear of AI displacing jobs is overstated. While AI may automate repetitive tasks, it is also creating new opportunities for workers to focus on innovation, creativity, and roles that require a human touch. The key is to embrace AI as a tool to make work more meaningful.