The thought of losing your job to AI has probably crossed your mind once… or twice. According to the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), that concern may not be as far-fetched as it sounds. AI is expected to disrupt nearly 40% of jobs globally, and this shift is happening faster than many realize.

Kristalina Georgieva, IMF’s Managing Director, said that AI’s impact could feel like a “tsunami” hitting the job market. While some jobs will see growth, others could vanish completely.

So, how will this impact you? And more importantly, how to stay relevant in this rapidly changing landscape? Let’s take a look at what experts are saying about it.

What Jobs Will AI Affect?

While the common idea of AI taking human jobs revolves around robots replacing factory workers or automated systems answering customer service calls, the reality is way more complex. AI will impact nearly every job, from manual labor to creative and analytical fields.

Here’s a look at how different fields will be affected by AI:

Routine and Manual Jobs
Tasks like data entry, administrative work, and even driving could be fully automated, making these roles more vulnerable to displacement. For example, there are already driverless taxis operating in parts of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and the trend is likely to expand.

Creative Roles
AI can assist with content creation, design, and video editing, transforming how these jobs are done rather than replacing them entirely. The creative process will still rely on human input.

Analytical and Research Jobs
AI will handle large datasets and automate routine analysis, but human expertise will remain essential for decision-making and interpreting complex data. For example, AI systems are used in Dubai’s public beaches as lifeguard assistants, surveilling safety in real-time and enhancing human oversight.

Healthcare Jobs
While AI will enhance diagnostic capabilities and treatment planning, medical professionals will still be needed to oversee these advancements and provide patient care.

4 Skills You’ll Need to Stay Ahead

So, what skills do you need to focus on to avoid being left behind? The short answer is anything that’s hard to automate. While AI excels at handling repetitive tasks, it struggles with everything that require human judgment, emotional intelligence, and creativity.

Here’s a look at the skills that will give you an edge:

  • Problem-solving and critical thinking
    AI can process data but struggles with creative solutions to complex problems. For example, a business consultant might use AI to analyze trends, but it’s their critical thinking that will shape strategies for the future.
  • Emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
    Healthcare professionals, social workers, and teachers rely on connecting with people in ways AI never can. Think of a nurse comforting a patient or a teacher guiding a struggling student: AI can’t replace human empathy.

  • Creativity
    AI can generate ideas, but it can’t match human creativity. For instance, an artist writing from their own personal experiences can create music that resonates emotionally with audiences, and that’s something AI simply can’t replicate.
  • Leadership and management
    AI can streamline processes, but it can’t lead a team or make tough decisions under pressure. That’s the beauty of human leadership, whether it’s guiding a project, motivating a team, or making decisions that consider not just the data, but the people involved.

How Can Students Prepare for an AI-Driven Future?

There’s a common belief that success in the AI-driven future means diving into coding, cybersecurity, or other tech-heavy fields. But the real key is to adapt and find ways to collaborate with AI in your area of interest, whether you’re studying healthcare, media, business, design, or even sustainability.

For example, at the recent Green AI Conference in Dubai, student projects using AI to improve sustainability were showcased. This proves how AI can be applied across every field, and students who learn how to use it for their benefit can open doors to incredible opportunities, like being invited to a huge international conference.

In the end, the future of work is all about lifelong learning and adapting to rapid change. The most successful students will be those who can integrate AI into their careers, regardless of their field, and stay flexible as technology evolves.

For more tips on how to navigate this AI-driven world, check out 6 rules for success in the AI-driven future – Insights for kids and students.