How AI is Shaping the Future of Work – and What You Can Do About It

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword. It's here, it's growing, and it's changing the way we work. But what does that really mean for you, your job, or your career path?

A recent study analyzed millions of conversations with Claude, a popular AI assistant, to see how people are actually using AI at work. The results give us a clearer picture of where AI is making the biggest impact and what that might mean for the future.

Where is AI being used the most?

The study found that AI is heavily used in two main areas: software development and writing tasks. Whether it’s coding, debugging, or creating content like articles and reports, AI tools are becoming essential helpers. But it doesn't stop there. AI is also spreading into other fields like education, business management, and even scientific research.

Surprisingly, about 36% of jobs use AI for at least a quarter of their tasks. That means in many roles, AI is becoming a regular part of the workday, helping with everything from data analysis to drafting professional emails.

Is AI replacing jobs or helping people do their jobs better?

This is the big question everyone is asking. The answer is a bit of both.

The study shows that in 57% of cases, AI is used to augment human skills. This means people are using AI to learn faster, improve their work, or come up with new ideas. For example, a marketing manager might use AI to brainstorm campaign ideas, then fine-tune those ideas with their own expertise.

On the other hand, 43% of AI use is about automation, where the AI does the task with little human involvement. Think of an AI tool that writes a report based on raw data or generates code to solve a programming problem. While this can save time, it also raises concerns about job displacement in some areas.

Who is using AI the most?

Interestingly, AI is most commonly used in mid-to-high wage jobs that require a bachelor’s degree. Software engineers, data scientists, and technical writers are leading the way. Jobs that require hands-on physical work, like construction or healthcare, see much less AI use – for now.

What does this mean for you?

AI is not going away. It’s becoming part of the fabric of our work lives, and the best way to stay ahead is to learn how to work with it. This is where upskilling comes in. By learning how to use AI tools effectively, you can boost your productivity, stay competitive in your field, and even open up new career opportunities.

At the Graduate School of Applied Technology & Management in Zurich - Switzerland, we understand the importance of staying ahead in this rapidly changing job market. That’s why we offer programs like the xMBA – an executive or intensive course designed to help professionals harness the power of AI in their careers. Whether you're looking to enhance your current role or pivot to a new one, the xMBA gives you the skills and strategies to thrive in the AI-driven economy.

The bottom line: AI is transforming work, but it's also creating opportunities for those ready to adapt. Upskilling isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential. If you’re curious about how to future-proof your career, check out our xMBA program and other courses at the ISA Campus. The future is here – are you ready for it?

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You find the entire study here: https://www.anthropic.com/news/the-anthropic-economic-index