The 10 Jobs AI Will Replace in the Near Future and What You Should Do if Your Job is on the List

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The 10 Jobs AI Will Replace in the Near Future

Includes Your Step-By-Step Roadmap to Building a Secure Career in Times of Rapid Change

AI Does Not Mean Career Doom

The numbers are sobering, but they're not a death sentence. According to McKinsey research (Superagency in the workplace: Empowering people to unlock AI's full potential at work), AI could drive both enormous positive and disruptive change, with the potential to create $4.4 trillion in added productivity growth. While AI and robotics will displace jobs, they're also projected to create new roles in areas like AI development, data science, and human-AI collaboration.

But here's what you really need to focus on and not get distracted by the clickbait headlines forecasting AI Bots coming to take over all jobs on earth. Those same forces creating displacement are also creating unprecedented opportunities for professionals who act strategically. This isn't about waiting for the storm to pass; it's about learning to navigate it successfully.

The Reality Check: Why These 10 Jobs Are Most at Risk

Recent research from leading consulting firms and technology companies reveals specific roles facing the highest automation risk in the next 3-5 years. Understanding why certain jobs are vulnerable helps you make informed decisions about your career future.

Here are just a few examples of these studies:

1. Oxford Economics - "How Robots Change the World" - Oxford Economics Automation Study

2. PwC AI Jobs Barometer 2025 - PwC's 2025 AI Jobs Barometer

3. McKinsey – “Jobs lost, jobs gained: What the future of work will mean for jobs, skills, and wages” - McKinsey & Company

4. Academic Research on AI Job Displacement (SSRN) - AI Job Displacement Analysis (2025-2030)

5. World Economic Forum Data (compiled source)- AI Job Statistics Report citing WEF data

The 10 Jobs Likely to Be Replaced By AI

1. Data Entry Specialists

AI tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and specialized data processing software can now handle most routine data entry tasks with higher accuracy and speed than humans. As businesses prioritize efficiency and cost savings, the demand for manual data entry continues to shrink.

Why It's Disappearing: Modern AI can process documents, extract information, and input data while learning from patterns to improve accuracy continuously. Optical character recognition (OCR) combined with machine learning can handle even handwritten documents with impressive accuracy.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Data Analysis and Visualization: Transform from data entry to data interpretation using tools like Tableau and Power BI

• Business Intelligence: Learn SQL, Python, and advanced analytics to become a data strategist

• Process Automation: Become the person who designs and manages automated data systems

• Quality Assurance: Oversee AI accuracy and system optimization

Key Resources:

• Microsoft Power BI Learning Path

• Tableau Public Training

• Google Analytics Academy

• SQL and Database Management Courses

• Process Automation Course

• AI+ Quality Assurance

2. Customer Service Representatives

AI chatbots and automated support systems can handle a large percentage of routine customer inquiries, are available 24/7, provide consistent responses, and have multilingual capabilities. Complex problem-solving and emotional support still require human intervention.

Why It's Disappearing: Advanced AI systems can now understand context, access customer histories, process refunds, and even handle moderate complaints with natural language processing that feels increasingly human-like.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Customer Success Management: Focus on strategic relationship building and account growth

• Technical Support Specialist: Handle complex troubleshooting that requires human problem-solving

• Customer Experience Design: Design better customer journeys and optimize support processes

• AI Training and Oversight: Train AI systems, handle escalated cases, and monitor AI performance

Key Resources:

• Salesforce Customer Success Training

• Customer Experience Certification Programs

• Technical Support Certification - CompTIA

• Customer Success Manager Certification

3. Basic Market Research Analysts

AI can scrape data from multiple sources, identify trends, generate basic reports, and even conduct sentiment analysis across social media platforms faster than human analysts can compile traditional research.

Why It's Disappearing: Automated systems excel at data collection, pattern recognition, and generating standardized reports. They can process vast amounts of information from online sources, surveys, and databases simultaneously.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Strategic Market Intelligence: Focus on interpretation, strategic recommendations, and business implications

• Consumer Psychology and Behavioral Analysis: Understand the 'why' behind consumer behavior data

• Advanced Statistical Analysis: Master complex methodologies and experimental design

• Research Design and Methodology: Create research frameworks and study designs that guide AI analysis

Key Resources:

• Market Research Society Training

• Google Analytics Individual Qualification

• Statistical Analysis with Python/R

• Consumer Psychology Courses

4. Basic Content Writers

AI writing tools can produce blog posts, product descriptions, social media content, and basic marketing copy at scale. They can adapt tone, optimize for SEO, and even conduct basic research to support their writing.

Why It's Disappearing: Tools like GPT-5, Claude, and specialized content AI can generate readable, SEO-optimized content for most basic applications faster and cheaper than human writers.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Strategic Content Strategy: Focus on content planning, audience psychology, and brand voice development

• Technical Writing: Specialize in complex, technical documentation that requires domain expertise

• Content Marketing and Growth: Combine writing with data-driven marketing and conversion optimization

• Brand Storytelling and Creative Direction: Develop unique brand narratives and lead creative campaigns

Key Resources:

• Content Marketing Institute Certification

• Technical Writing Certification - Google

• HubSpot Content Marketing Certification

• Copywriting and Brand Strategy Courses

5. Basic Bookkeepers

Automated accounting software can categorize transactions, reconcile accounts, generate financial reports, and even handle basic tax preparation with minimal human oversight.

Why It's Disappearing: AI can process receipts through photo recognition, automatically categorize expenses, track invoices, and maintain accurate financial records faster than traditional bookkeeping.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Financial Analysis: Move from recording to interpreting financial data and providing strategic insights

• Tax Strategy and Planning: Specialize in complex tax situations and strategic tax planning

• Financial Advisory Services: Help businesses with strategic financial decisions and planning

• Systems Integration and Automation: Become the expert who sets up and manages financial automation systems

Key Resources:

• QuickBooks Certification

• CPA Continuing Education

• Financial Modeling and Analysis

• Business Financial Management

6. Routine Legal Assistants

AI can handle document review, basic legal research, contract analysis, and even draft simple legal documents. Legal AI tools can review contracts faster than paralegals and identify potential issues.

Why It's Disappearing: Legal AI tools can search case law, review contracts for standard clauses, and prepare basic legal documents using templates and legal databases.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Legal Technology Specialist: Manage and optimize legal AI systems and databases

• Client Relations and Case Management: Focus on human-centered legal support and client communication

• Specialized Legal Research: Handle complex, nuanced legal questions requiring human judgment

• Compliance and Regulatory Expertise: Navigate complex regulatory environments and changing laws

Key Resources:

• Legal Technology Certification

• NALA Paralegal Certification

• Legal Project Management Training & Certification

• Legal Technology and Innovation Courses

7. Basic Sales Representatives

AI can qualify leads, send personalized follow-up emails, schedule meetings, track customer interactions, and even conduct basic sales presentations through chatbots and automated systems.

Why It's Disappearing: Automated sales systems can nurture leads through email sequences, score prospects based on behavior, and handle routine sales inquiries without human intervention.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Strategic Account Management: Focus on complex, relationship-based sales requiring human connection

• Sales Operations and Analytics: Optimize sales processes, analyze performance data, and manage CRM systems

• Customer Success and Retention: Ensure long-term client satisfaction and expansion opportunities

• Industry Specialization: Become a domain expert in specific industries or complex product categories

Key Resources:

• Salesforce Sales Training

• Strategic Account Management Association

• 10 Sales Analytics Courses for Upskilling In 2025

• LinkedIn Sales Navigator Certification

8. Basic Graphic Designers

AI tools can create logos, social media graphics, basic layouts, and design elements quickly and affordably. They can generate multiple design variations and adapt existing designs for different formats.

Why It's Disappearing: Tools like DALL-E, Midjourney, Canva's AI features, and Adobe's AI integration can generate professional-looking designs from text prompts and modify existing designs automatically.

Upskilling Pathways:

• User Experience (UX) Design: Focus on human-centered design thinking and user research

• Brand Strategy and Visual Identity: Develop comprehensive brand systems and strategic visual direction

• Motion Graphics and Video: Master dynamic visual content creation and animation

• Creative Direction: Lead creative projects, manage design teams, and develop creative strategies

Key Resources:

• Google UX Design Certificate

• Adobe Certified Expert Programs

• Design Thinking Certification - IDEO

• Motion Graphics and Animation Courses

9. Travel Agents

Online booking platforms with AI recommendations have largely replaced human travel agents for routine bookings. AI can compare prices, suggest itineraries, and handle most travel planning tasks.

Why It's Disappearing: Automated systems can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and create detailed itineraries instantly while comparing thousands of options for the best deals.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Luxury Travel Specialist: Focus on high-end, personalized travel experiences requiring human expertise

• Corporate Travel Management: Handle complex business travel policies, budgets, and group bookings

• Travel Technology Consultant: Help businesses optimize their travel technology and expense management

• Destination Marketing: Work with tourism boards, hotels, and hospitality companies

Key Resources:

• International Association of Travel Agents Certification

• Corporate Travel Management Training - GBTA

• Luxury Travel Advisor Certification

• Hospitality and Tourism Management Programs

10. Basic Financial Analysts

AI can process financial data from multiple sources, generate standard reports, perform basic financial modeling, and calculate common financial metrics faster than junior analysts.

Why It's Disappearing: Automated systems can pull data from various databases, calculate ratios, create charts and graphs, and generate routine financial reports without human input.

Upskilling Pathways:

• Investment Strategy and Portfolio Management: Focus on complex investment decisions and strategic analysis

• Risk Management: Specialize in identifying, measuring, and mitigating various types of financial risks

• Financial Technology (FinTech): Understand and work with financial technology innovations and digital transformation

• Strategic Business Analysis: Connect financial analysis to broader business strategy and decision-making

Key Resources:

• CFA Institute Certification

• Financial Risk Manager (FRM) Certification

• Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst Certification

• Bloomberg Market Concepts Training

Success Stories: Professionals Who Made the Transition

Here are three real-life examples of individuals who successfully navigated career transitions in response to job threats caused by AI and automation. Their stories highlight how proactive reskilling and adaptability empowered them to take charge of their professional futures.

Example 1: Tristen Alexander – Call Center Representative to IT Support

Tristen Alexander worked as a call-center representative in Georgia for a power company, earning around $38,000 a year with no college degree. Anticipating that automation would impact his role, Tristen enrolled in a six-month online course and earned the Google IT Support Professional Certificate. With the help of a Google scholarship, he completed the course and received a promotion at work, doubling his salary to over $70,000 a year. The new role gave him job security, and he’s already planning to upskill further in cybersecurity (penetration testing) to stay ahead in the rapidly changing tech landscape. Tristen’s success shows that targeted reskilling can transform a future at risk into a thriving, sustainable career by learning in-demand skills and continuously planning for future changes. - TIME Magazine

Example 2: Moli Hitchen – Translation Graduate to Consultancy

Moli Hitchen, a graduate in Korean and Japanese languages from the University of Sheffield, initially planned to pursue a career in translation. As AI technology rapidly improved, the demand for human translators decreased. Recognizing the risk, Moli assessed her transferable skills and shifted towards consultancy and marketing, seeking roles where her language expertise and cultural understanding could add value in new ways. Moli is leveraging her academic background to transition to fields less likely to be automated, demonstrating agility and a willingness to pivot by exploring new career sectors and further education. - Institute of Student Employers – Graduate Career Pivotise

Example 3: Jodie Fodden – Leveraging AI for Job Search and Interviews

Jodie Fodden recently completed postgraduate studies in Environmental Management and found job application screening to be a significant hurdle, often impacted by automated systems. After countless unsuccessful applications, Jodie decided to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT to draft personal statements, edit resumes, and prepare for interviews. By combining her expertise with AI-driven support, Jodie improved her application success rate, securing interviews after integrating AI into her job search strategy. This adaptive use of technology, paired with reskilling and an open approach to new fields, turned a career threat into fresh opportunities. - Institute of Student Employers – Graduate Career Pivotise

These Individuals Took Control

Each story demonstrates agency and resilience:

• By seeking out upskilling and reskilling resources, these individuals built new competencies.

• Their adaptability led them to growing sectors or new ways of leveraging their skills.

• They combined online learning, strategic planning, and the smart use of AI and technology to secure new opportunities and future-proof their careers.

These examples show that, while disruption is real, meaningful transformation is possible through proactive learning and resourcefulness.

The Silver Lining: Jobs AI Struggles to Replace

While employees anticipate AI will have a dramatic impact on their work, managerial roles face less automation risk because they require strategic thinking, team leadership, and complex decision-making. There are many roles you can look into that AI is not likely to replace, even if its use may change what the role looks like. However, reskilling now for these changing roles is an opportunity you can take advantage of.

Growing Job Categories Include:

• AI Trainers and Machine Learning Engineers

• Customer Experience Designers and Strategists

• Strategic Business Consultants

• Healthcare Professionals and Specialists

• Creative Directors and Brand Strategists

• Cybersecurity Specialists and Risk Managers

• Data Scientists and Business Intelligence Analysts

• Human Resources and Organizational Development Specialists

Your 90-Day Career Transformation Action Plan

Here's a 90-day guide for those of you who are facing job risk, but are not certain what steps to take next. Free or low-cost resources for each step are provided.

Days 1-30: Assessment and Strategic Planning

Skills Audit

Start with an honest audit of automation risk and transferable skills. Free global tools include:

• Career Smart Skills Audit: Quick skills rating and development advice, suitable for any sector. (careersmart)

• O*NET Career Exploration Tools: Widely used for career transition and skills assessments globally. (onetcenter)

• CareerFitter: Free basic career test identifying strengths and matches. Other options - (careerwise.ceric) & (careertoolbelt)
  For best results, make a list/spreadsheet of your strongest skills, and compare these with labor market needs. (accomplish-education.newzenler)

Market Research

Identify in-demand roles using reliable market insights for your industry and adjacent fields:

• Google Trends: Global job trend data, useful for spotting growth areas. (crayon)

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Detailed industry info (US-focused, but globally recognized framework). (crayon)

• AnswerThePublic: Global, shows trending job search queries and topics. (gwi)
  Match growing roles with your interests; prioritize fields with long-term viability.

Gap Analysis

Determine which skills you need to develop for your target job:

• Lepaya Skills Gap Analysis Tool: Fast, free, personalized gaps report for individuals. (lepaya)

• Pluralsight Skills (Free Trial): Useful for tech fields; offers a skills analysis feature. (agyleos)

• edX Skills Gap Analysis Resources: Variety of free assessment modules. (edXTalentStrategy)

Use these to pinpoint the most critical areas for improvement.

Learning Path Design

Choose a 2-3 core skills to focus learning efforts on first:

• Use insights from O*NET/National Careers Service to pick top skills. (nationalcareers.service)

• Prioritize skills with online resources and clear industry demand.

• Write down a learning plan, setting weekly goals and milestones.

Network Mapping

Identify professionals in your desired role for informational interviews:

• LinkedIn: Search by job title and location; send short, respectful intro messages.

• Meetup: Find relevant industry groups globally.

• Ten Thousand Coffees: Networking platform for guided professional connections (free for individuals).

List contacts and aim to schedule 2-3 calls in the next month.

Days 31-60: Active Skill Building

Enroll in Courses

Start with fundamental skills training using free and paid reputable resources:

• Coursera: Global free/low-cost options for fundamentals.

• edX: University-backed courses; many are free to audit.

• Khan Academy: Excellent for foundational knowledge (tech, finance, analysis).
  Dedicate time each week for coursework.

Build Portfolio Projects: Create work samples demonstrating your new skills and capabilities:

• Use GitHub for code/tech; blogs or LinkedIn posts for business/communication.

• Join global hackathons or virtual contests to showcase work.

  • Publish at least one project online by the end of this phase.

Apply Skills in Current Role: Find ways to use new skills in your existing job

Look for opportunities to use new skills at work:

• Suggest optimizations or new processes.

• Ask to join cross-functional projects.

  • Document your progress and results for later use.

Network Actively: Attend industry events, join professional groups, connect on LinkedIn

Expand connections:

• Attend free webinars and virtual conferences using Eventbrite and Meetup.

• Join LinkedIn industry groups; contribute to discussions.

  • Target connecting with at least five new industry contacts.

Seek Mentorship; Find professionals who've made similar transitions

• Use LinkedIn and Ten Thousand Coffees for outreach.

• Join mentoring programs on platforms like MentorCruise.

  • Prepare a brief summary of your background and ask for a 15-minute call.

Days 61-90: Implementation and Market Entry

Update Your Professional Brand: Revise LinkedIn profile, resume, and professional materials. Create or update an online presence.

• Use a resume builder for easy profile updates. Here are 3 examples:

• Rezi - https://www.rezi.ai/

• Kickresume - https://www.kickresume.com/

• Teal - https://www.tealhq.com/

• Review free guides on Jobscan for optimizing keywords and professional branding.

  • Highlight new skills, roles, and career goals.

Start Transition Conversations: Initiate discussions with management about new responsibilities:

• Prepare talking points supported by your projects and skill progress.

• Reference your skills gap analysis and market research.

  • Be ready with evidence of added value to your team or company.

Interview Preparation: Practice explaining your transition story and your new value proposition

• Use InterviewBuddy (free mock interviews) for global interview practice.

• Review O*NET and CareerFitter reports to showcase skills in interviews. (onetcenter)

  • Craft an elevator pitch linking old and new skills.

Job Market Entry: Begin applying for transitional roles or seeking internal promotions

• Use LinkedIn Jobs and Indeed (global reach).

• Tailor applications using keywords from skill assessments.

  • Set weekly application goals to stay on track.

Continuous Learning Plan: Establish ongoing education and skill development habits so you can maintain momentum post-90 days

• Subscribe to Coursera, edX, or FutureLearn for new content.

• Join ongoing learning communities, forums (Reddit’s r/careeradvice, LinkedIn groups).

  • Set monthly reviews to evaluate skill progress and adjust your plan.

Why My Futureproof Career Is Your Strategic Partner

At My Futureproof Career, we understand that career transformation can feel overwhelming. That's why we've developed comprehensive resources specifically designed to help professionals navigate AI-driven career changes:

Our Services Include:

• Personalized Career Coaching: One-on-one guidance tailored to your specific situation and industry

• Skills Assessment and Gap Analysis: Identify your transferable skills and development priorities

• Industry-Specific Transition Guides: Detailed roadmaps for different career paths and industries

• Networking and Mentorship Opportunities: Connect with professionals who've successfully made similar transitions

• Ongoing Support Community: Access to peers navigating similar career challenges (coming soon)

Ready to transform your career with confidence and strategic guidance?

Visit www.myfutureproofcareer.com to access:

• Comprehensive career transition assessments and planning tools

• Industry-specific upskilling roadmaps and resource guides

• One-on-one coaching sessions with experienced career transition specialists

• Ongoing updates on emerging opportunities in the AI-enhanced job market

• A supportive community of professionals making similar career moves (coming soon)

Why Professional Guidance Matters: While self-directed learning is valuable, having an experienced coach can accelerate your transition and increase your success rate significantly. It’s not unusual to see significant salary increases for people starting their transformation journey and learning new and valuable skills.

The Mindset Shift: From Threat to Strategic Opportunity

The professionals who thrive in the AI era won't be those who compete with machines - they'll be those who collaborate with them. The future belongs to professionals who can:

• Supervise and optimize AI systems while maintaining quality and ethical standards

• Interpret AI outputs and translate them into strategic business decisions

• Handle complex, nuanced situations requiring emotional intelligence and human judgment

• Build and maintain relationships that drive business success

• Create innovative solutions to emerging problems and opportunities

• Adapt continuously as technology and market conditions evolve

Taking Action: Your Career Future Starts Now

The data shows that transformation is inevitable, but your response to it is entirely within your control. While AI may displace certain roles, it's creating opportunities for those who proactively adapt their skills and mindset.

The Hard Truth: Waiting to see what happens isn't a strategy. The professionals who start upskilling now will be the ones landing higher-paying, more secure roles in the AI-enhanced economy.

The Hopeful Reality: You have more control over your career future than you realize. Your industry experience, professional relationships, and problem-solving abilities are valuable assets that AI can't replicate. Combined with new technical and strategic skills, they become your competitive advantage.

Your Next Steps

1. Assess Your Risk: Honestly evaluate how much of your current role could be automated

2. Identify Your Path: Choose upskilling options that leverage your existing experience and interests

3. Start Learning Today: Begin with free resources to test your aptitude and commitment

4. Get Strategic Support: Consider professional coaching to accelerate your transition and avoid common pitfalls

5. Take Consistent Action: Progress happens through daily commitment, not sporadic effort

The AI revolution isn't coming - it's here. But with the right preparation, strategic thinking, and support system, it can become the catalyst for the most rewarding career move you've ever made.

Additional Resources for Your Career Transformation

Free Learning Platforms:

• Coursera - University-level courses with financial aid options

• edX - MIT, Harvard, and other top university courses

• Khan Academy - Fundamental skills across multiple subjects

• YouTube - Practical tutorials and industry insights

• LinkedIn Learning - Professional development courses

Industry Certification Programs:

• Google Career Certificates - High-demand skills in tech, data, and digital marketing

• Amazon Web Services Training - Cloud computing and technical skills

• Microsoft Learn - Technology skills and business applications

• Salesforce Trailhead - CRM, sales, and business process training

• HubSpot Academy - Marketing, sales, and customer service certifications

Remember: Every expert was once a beginner. Every successful career transformation started with a single decision to take control of the future rather than let it happen by default.

Your career is not something that happens to you; it's something you actively create. The question isn't whether your industry will change; it's whether you'll lead that change or be disrupted by it.

Start building your future-proof career today.

Which path will you choose? One leaves you stuck with old models and tools. The other leads you to skills to make you valuable long into the future.