Something for the Ladies: Women, AI, and the Path to Success
- Allison Higgins
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
The rise of artificial intelligence has many people understandably apprehensive about AI replacing their jobs/industries. In some cases, we are already seeing this with massive tech company layoffs, more jobs being automated, and workers encouraged to use AI more in their work. Regardless of your industry there will be an impact made by AI, but not necessarily negative. Where do you stand?
Jobs Most Likely for Replacement by Automation/AI
Manufacturing jobs (machine operation, product handling & testing)
Retail and commerce (customer service, inventory management, fraud analysis*)
Transport and logistics jobs (human drivers being replaced through autonomous vehicles)
Data entry, analysis and visualization
Business analyst and project analyst roles
Travel agents and itinerary providers
Translators
Accounting, bookkeeping, and tax preparation
Jobs Most Unlikely to Be Replaced by Automation/AI
Engineering (Software, Cybersecurity, Data Science, etc)
Medical (Doctors, Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, Paramedics, Mental Health Professionals, Pharmacists)
Business and Legal (Chief Executives, HR, AI strategists, lawyers, legal mediators, legal assistants)
Education (teachers, professors, researchers)
Skilled Trades (HVAC, Plumbers, Machinists)
Media ( Journalists, reporters, news anchors, columnists)
Creative fields (artists, musicians, etc)
Personal service/care (hair stylists, make up artists, veterinarians, etc)
With these fields in mind, how can you build a solid, successful future?
Keeping these three things in mind.
Find an impactful problem to solve.
When I landed my dream internship in Silicon Valley in the summer of 2017, I felt like my team didn't know what to do with me as an intern. I was the senior most intern and closest to graduation, so the company definitely valued having me in their talent pool, but I eventually had to find my own unique way to display my talents to hiring managers closer to me. I created a chat bot that allowed new hires, interns, and even seasoned workers to easily find important internal information.
Talk to people doing the work you want to do.
While interning and working, I never stopped interviewing companies or engineers. This helped me to obtain a sense of the engineering culture of different organizations, while also expanding my network. I talked to people who worked at my dream jobs, as well as those not as high on my priority list to compare everything from salary, to work atmosphere, to my chances of being mentored and sponsored through my career progression.
Utilize internships, fellowships, co-ops, and volunteering to gain experience.
My internships gave me a real life glimpse in to what my life would be like as a software engineer. I learned first hand how I would fit into a team, what would be expected of me, and all of the areas I needed to grow, along with where I shined. Fellowships, apprenticeships, and co-ops provide the same valuable experience to students and helps further shape what their future will look like. If an official position is not available, asking to volunteer is an option as well. This displays dedication to learning and going beyond that can gain positive recognition.
How will you get there?
“The average half-life of skills is now less than five years, and in some tech fields it’s as low as two and a half years.” - Harvard Business Review, 2023
Invest in your skills with trainings and certifications using school, massive open online courses, LinkedIn Learning, and free/discounted workshops.
“AI is streamlining operations and freeing up new business owners to focus on high-value work, core competencies, and strategic initiatives. Properly implemented, it can cut costs and boost profits across a variety of critical functions.” - Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI, Barbara Neff for Gusto, 2024
Market and sell your skills via entrepreneurship. It doesn't take much to get started aside from a business email, business page, and eventually an LLC.
“As you network effectively, you become a familiar face who is easily recognized. People may want to get to know you, giving you an opportunity to showcase your skills and discuss what you have to offer.” - Indeed Editorial Team, 2024
Constantly find new opportunities through networking and professional organizations such as NSBE, the Atlanta Black Chamber, or the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, depending on your industry.
"It is within our power to eliminate the human-induced phenomena that create hardship, war, discrimination, poverty, food insecurity and so many other social ills. Each of us, no matter where we live, are likely within short reach of someone’s hardship, which also impacts us in some form or another. The strength of any community is measured by the collective success of every individual.” - Angela Williams, President & CEO United Way Worldwide
Collaborate across industries - the problems we face socially, economically and politically are multi-faceted and require multiple experts.
Here are some awesome women doing work with AI to inspire your journey:
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