ChatGPT, Google Bard and Microsoft Bing have been dominating recent headlines for their automated writing skills and sentient-like conversations, but the reach of their capabilities is still unclear.
They can seemingly create all types of written content — from student essays to poetry — and act as far-reaching, more optimized search engines. It’s not only communication, however, that artificial intelligence (AI) tools are skilled in. If you’ve been on social media for the past several months, you’ve likely seen users sharing digital art and images created by AI.
Naturally, the rise of AI has plenty of people concerned about how these new technologies will affect their job prospects. But it’s important to note that there are no definite predictions on how AI will actually impact those in creative industries. ChatGPT and the like have glaring flaws, and there are plenty of reasons why businesses want humans — not tech software — at the helm of certain jobs.
Still, if the threat of job loss makes you anxious, there are AI-proof careers out there — ones you can guarantee robots and automation won’t replace. Below, we’ve rounded up the top fields for job stability in a world of rapid technological advancement.
Nursing
While there are clear symptoms that can help patients get diagnosed with certain ailments and standard remedies, bodies are often complex, and hands-on care is required to determine an accurate prognosis and treatment plan. Nursing is one of the most established industries in the world, and it seems unlikely that AI can change that.
If you’re interested in nursing, consider exploring the Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) online program from the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. The graduate program prepares students to become knowledgeable and empathetic nurse practitioners who can treat people with a variety of medical issues from a diverse array of backgrounds.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is another important branch of medicine that focuses on helping patients improve mobility issues or other physical ailments, usually through specific exercises. Just like nursing, it’s not a field that’s about to be erased by technology.
A computer may help calculate treatment plans or even theoretically determine a person’s condition, but a physical therapist encourages patients and keeps them accountable, adjusting treatment when needed.
Those hoping to go down the physical therapy path should consider the hybrid online/on-campus pathway of USC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Students are prepared to become physical therapy leaders who can integrate practice, research and even technology to provide patient-centered care.
Teaching
Across cultures and decades, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t think education is one of the most valuable professions in society.
Although people can (and do) turn to the internet to gain knowledge and develop skills, most find they are able to learn best from an education professional who can guide them on a subject’s nuances — past the basic facts AI can generate.
Simply put, AI can’t replace the way a human mentor can spark inspiration in a student.
Want to get your start in education? The Master of Arts in Teaching online program from USC Rossier School of Education preps graduates to command a classroom and teach a wide array of subjects and grades.
Human Resources Management
A major issue surrounding AI is that it is often quite biased and can report inaccurate information. And in a sensitive field such as human resources, managers need to ensure workplace processes are operating to prevent prejudice and discrimination.
HR managers, however, do not just mediate conflict and handle workplace complaints. They also set guidelines and communicate and model them to employees. As previously mentioned, teaching makes more of an impact when you can have a thoughtful, engrossing dialogue.
For those looking to pivot into human resources, consider the Master of Science in Human Resource Management online program from USC Bovard College, which teaches students to become well-rounded, innovative HR leaders.
Software Engineering
There’s no doubt that AI has exceptional benefits and the potential to change many aspects of work and life itself. But to make sure that computer programs run seamlessly, you need to have somebody behind all the screens and hardware. That’s where software engineers come in.
Software engineers are in charge of coding apps and web programs, fixing any errors and continually updating software. What could be a more AI-proof career than one that consists of actually running AI?
If this line of work looks interesting to you, the Master of Science in Computer Science (Software Engineering) program from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering may be the right fit. You’ll walk out of it understanding of systems engineering, vital software development skills more.
Psychology
In recent years, many mental health workers turned to Zoom to host therapy sessions, and others have even tried to dole out advice via texting programs. Although technology can be incorporated into therapy, it can’t be completely supplanted by it.
Psychology is not an exact, fact-based science — emotions are complex. Much like nursing, you need an expert to truly offer the guidance and support to those seeking mental health treatment.
Studying psychology doesn’t just open someone up for a career with patients, though. Those who pursue a Master of Science in Applied Psychology (MAPP) from USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, for example, learn how to use psychological theory to solve problems in contemporary businesses and organizations.
Social Work
Social workers handle complicated situations all throughout their careers, whether it’s analyzing a family’s living situation or supporting a child. And what the AI algorithm regularly fails to compute is that these issues aren’t black and white. There are intricate factors at play.
Plus, in emotionally heightened situations, people working with social workers often prefer a comforting presence — which isn’t exactly how you would describe a chat bot.
Those interested in the filed should look into the Master of Social Work online program from USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, where students learn the ins and outs of family counseling, community advocacy and mental health work.
Law
The U.S. court system depends on humans: Citizens are the jury who regularly decide whether someone who is accused of a crime is guilty or not. Judges pass down rulings, and attorneys argue the cases.
As humans are the lifeblood of the legal system, lawyers are unlikely to be replaced by AI any time soon. Plus, as any good lawyer will tell you, it’s all about the details: Arguments in court are often very nuanced, which isn’t necessarily AI’s strong suit.
Not only are legal jobs essentially AI-proof, but you also get to make a difference by helping people navigate their way through an intricate system.
Aspiring lawyers can look to USC Gould School of Law to get their JD, which is needed in most states if you want to take the bar exams to practice law in the U.S. International students can look into the Master of Laws (LLM) online program, too, if they want to develop a deeper understanding of the U.S. legal system.
Explore more USC online graduate programs today.