The acceleration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global job market at a pace that is both exhilarating and daunting for employees.
As AI becomes more deeply embedded in business operations, some roles are being transformed or displaced, while entirely new categories of jobs are emerging.
Understanding which jobs and skills are at risk, and which are likely to thrive, is essential for anyone hoping to remain relevant in the evolving workplace.
The changing nature of work
AI’s influence is now pervasive, extending far beyond the tech sector. According to PwC’s 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer, industries across the board – including those less obviously impacted, such as mining and agriculture – are rapidly increasing their adoption of AI[1].
The report highlights that since the launch of ChatGPT 3.5 in 2022, revenue growth in AI-exposed industries has nearly quadrupled, and the skills required for these jobs are changing faster than ever before.
The transformation is not just about automation; it is also about augmentation – AI is making workers more productive and valuable, even in roles previously considered highly automatable.
This trend is echoed in data from Aura, which notes that AI-related job postings peaked at 16,000 in October 2024, with demand extending into healthcare, management consulting, and research, not just technology[2]. The breadth of industries seeking AI talent underscores that AI is no longer a niche concern but a universal force reshaping the global workforce[2].
Jobs and Skills at Risk from AI
Recent research by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other leading analysts provides a nuanced view of which jobs are most exposed to AI-driven change. The ILO’s 2025 update finds that one in four workers globally are in occupations with some degree of generative AI exposure[3].
While automation scores have slightly decreased since 2023, the variability in exposure across tasks has narrowed, meaning more jobs are being affected, but the impact is often about transformation rather than outright replacement[3].
Certain roles are especially vulnerable. Routine, rule-based, and data-driven jobs – such as data entry, basic administrative support, and simple data analysis – remain at high risk[3]. The Dallas Federal Reserve’s 2025 analysis highlights that jobs susceptible to automation by language-modeling AI include telemarketers, many types of teachers, sociologists, political scientists, and arbitrators. Image-generating AI threatens roles like interior designers, architects, chemical engineers, and art directors[4]. Geoffrey Hinton, a pioneer in AI, has warned that “mundane intellectual labor” is most at risk, citing paralegals and call center workers as examples[5].
The World Economic Forum’s 2025 Future of Jobs report projects that AI and other emergent technologies could displace nine million jobs in the next five years, but also create 11 million new roles by 2030[6]. This suggests a net job gain, but the transition will be disruptive for many workers, especially those in roles that can be easily automated.
Jobs and Skills Likely to Thrive in the AI Era
Despite the displacement risk, AI is also creating exciting new opportunities. Roles that require creativity, emotional intelligence, and complex problem-solving are less likely to be automated[7]. Professions in healthcare, education, and creative industries – such as nursing, teaching, and design – are expected to remain in demand, as these roles rely on uniquely human qualities.
Moreover, the rise of AI is giving birth to entirely new job categories. Emerging roles such as prompt engineers, AI ethics specialists, AI customer experience specialists, and AI security experts are in high demand[8]. These positions reflect the growing complexity of AI systems and the need for specialized expertise to ensure responsible and effective deployment.
AI job growth is accelerating across all sectors. According to Veritone’s Q1 2025 labor market analysis, there were 35,445 AI-related positions in the U.S. alone – a 25.2% increase from Q1 2024[9]. The fastest-growing job titles include data scientist, AI/machine learning engineer, and big data engineer. Traditional non-tech sectors, such as consulting and healthcare, are also aggressively hiring AI professionals, reflecting the broad-based demand for AI skills.
The Rise of Digital and AI Skills
As AI becomes more pervasive, digital and AI literacy are no longer optional – they are essential. According to Forbes, generative AI is now the fastest-growing job skill, with demand for AI learning surging by 866% year-on-year[10]. Coursera’s 2025 Job Skills Report found that enrollment in AI courses has spiked by 1,100% among employed professionals, 500% among students, and 1,600% among job-seekers[10]. Employers are increasingly prioritizing candidates with AI skills, with 73% of surveyed companies considering it a priority and 62% expecting at least some level of AI familiarity from their workforce.
The wage premium for AI skills is substantial. Indeed’s data shows that generative AI skills can boost salaries by up to 47%, with the biggest gains in sales and marketing (43%), finance (42%), business operations (41%), legal and compliance (37%), and human resources (35%)[10]. PwC’s 2025 report confirms this trend, noting that workers with AI skills command a significant wage premium in every industry analysed. The value of AI-powered workers is clear: wages are rising twice as fast in industries most exposed to AI compared to those least exposed.
Preparing for the Future: Strategies for Employees
Given the rapid pace of change, employees must take a proactive approach to their professional development. Upskilling and reskilling are now necessities for career longevity. Online platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Google’s Grow with Google offer a wide range of AI and digital skills courses, many of which are free or low-cost[10].
Lifelong learning and adaptability are key. Employees should cultivate a mindset of curiosity and continuous improvement, seeking out opportunities to learn and experiment with new technologies. Developing skills in critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence can also provide a competitive edge, as these are areas where AI still lags behind humans.
Building a portfolio of digital and AI competencies is another effective strategy. This could include earning certifications in relevant tools and technologies, completing hands-on projects, or contributing to open-source initiatives. For those in at-risk industries, exploring lateral moves into emerging fields – such as data science, cybersecurity, or digital transformation – can open up new career pathways.
Case Studies and Real-World Examples
Professionals who have successfully adapted to the AI-driven workplace offer valuable lessons. For example, a customer service representative upskilling in data analysis can transition to a role as a customer insights specialist, using AI tools to analyze feedback and improve service delivery. Similarly, a graphic designer can leverage AI-powered design tools to enhance creativity and efficiency, making themselves indispensable to employers.
In advanced economies, we see paralegals retraining as legal tech specialists, helping law firms implement AI-powered document review systems. In healthcare, nurses and technicians are learning to work with AI-driven diagnostic tools, improving patient outcomes and expanding their career opportunities.
The Global and Local Perspective
The impact of AI on the job market varies by region. In advanced economies, the transition is often faster and more disruptive, with significant job displacement in some sectors. However, in countries like Ghana, the pace of change may be slower, but the direction is clear: digital transformation is inevitable, and those who prepare will be best positioned to thrive.
For Ghanaian workers, this means staying informed about global trends and seeking out opportunities to develop in-demand skills. Local educational institutions and training providers are increasingly offering courses in AI, data science, and digital skills, making it easier for employees to upskill. Additionally, the growing tech ecosystem in Ghana – with startups and multinationals alike investing in digital innovation – creates new career opportunities for those with the right competencies.
Wrapping Up
The rise of AI is reshaping the world of work, creating both challenges and opportunities for employees. While some jobs are at risk of automation, new roles and skill sets are emerging that offer exciting career prospects. By embracing lifelong learning, developing digital and AI competencies, and staying adaptable, employees can not only survive but thrive in the AI-driven workplace.
For Ghanaian professionals, the message is clear: the future belongs to those who are prepared to learn, adapt, and grow. By taking proactive steps to upskill and reskill, workers can secure their place in the evolving job market and contribute to the country’s digital transformation.
Key sources cited:
- PwC 2025 Global AI Jobs Barometer
- Aura (2025): AI Job Trends for 2025
- ILO (2025): Generative AI and jobs: A 2025 update
- Federal Reserve bank of Dallas: Will AI replace your job? Perhaps not in the next decade
- Geoffrey Hinton (2025): Godfather of AI Reveals Which Jobs Are Safest
- World Economic Forum (2025): Future of Jobs Report
- US Career Institute: Top 65 jobs safest from AI and robot automation
- Colorado State University (2025): These Are the AI Jobs Everyone Will Want in 2025
- Veritone (2025): AI Jobs on the Rise: Q1 2025 Labor Market Analysis
- Forbes (2025): 10 AI Skills To Boost Your Salary Up To 47% In 2025
Dr. Gillian Hammah is the Chief Marketing Officer at Aya Data, a UK & Ghana-based AI consulting firm, that helps businesses seeking to leverage AI with data collection, data annotation, and building and deploying custom AI models. Connect with her at [email protected] or www.ayadata.ai.
