Will AI Take My Job?
Prepare for your career future with confidence and AI skills that matter
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the world around us faster and faster. From self-checkout machines to smart assistants like Siri and ChatGPT, AI is already part of our daily lives. So it’s no surprise that many students are asking: Will AI take my job?
The short answer is: not if you're ready to grow with it. While AI can automate certain tasks, it can’t replace the unique strengths that humans bring to the table, especially critical thinking, creativity, and empathy. These are skills that every student, no matter their major or career path, can build and use to stay competitive in the workforce.
Whether you're studying nursing, automotive technology, business, or art, learning how to think critically and work with AI tools can help you succeed. For example, future nurses might use AI to track patient data, but they’ll still need to make thoughtful decisions about care. Business students can use AI to analyze trends, but they’ll need to interpret results and make smart choices. Even artists can use AI to explore new styles – but the creative vision still comes from you.
As someone who enjoys tinkering with new technology tools, I have recently found one expected benefit of practicing using AI: I’ve gotten pretty good at recognizing AI-written text. It’s popping up more and more: in advertising, emails, and yes, also student essays. This is a great reminder that being familiar with AI isn’t only about using it. It also helps you identify AI in the wild, evaluate it, and decide when it’s appropriate. As AI-generated content becomes more common, these recognition skills and strong judgment will be essential skills for the students entering the new workforce.
That said, it’s important to know when and when not to use AI, especially in school. Some instructors may allow AI tools to help with brainstorming or editing, while others may consider it a form of academic dishonesty. Always check your course syllabus for AI policies, and if you're unsure, ask your instructor before using any AI tool for assignments. Being responsible with AI use shows integrity and helps you build trust with your professors and peers.
At Parkland, you’re not just learning facts; you’re learning how to think. And that’s something no machine can do for you. So instead of fearing AI, learn to work with it. Your future career will thank you.