AI May Be Reshaping How We Work, But It’s Not Replacing People in Human-Centered Careers
For the past several years, it’s been nearly impossible to escape headlines claiming that AI is coming to replace us all and that no job is safe. With so many companies and products now promoting their “AI-powered” services, it’s easy to believe those headlines might be right.
There’s no denying that AI is transforming certain industries and automating often repetitive tasks; however, many careers can’t be automated.
As Urban College Board Member Joan Becker puts it, the jobs that will remain in the age of AI are “deeply human and require skills like critical thinking, empathy, [and] commitment to justice.” These are skills no algorithm can replicate, and Urban College of Boston is preparing students for exactly these kinds of roles.
What AI Can’t Replace: Emotional Intelligence, Empathy, and Critical Thinking
So what kinds of roles are considered “AI-proof”? According to Forbes, “jobs involving high human interaction and judgment tend to have the lowest automation risk.”* Fields that require emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and cultural awareness like healthcare, education, strategic management, and creative strategy, are great options for those exploring new paths.*
As Goodwin University notes, people “are the ones who help us get by and thrive.”* Careers in caregiving, behavioral support, and education require trust, human connection, and the ability to navigate complex emotional dynamics. While AI might help with documentation or scheduling, it can’t form a bond with a child, comfort a grieving family, or advocate for a patient.
This is why many health and human services careers are projected to grow faster than average in the coming years.
Human-Centered Career Programs, Designed for Today’s Learners
Urban College is proud to offer a variety of programs tailored to prepare students for essential, human-centered careers without requiring them to pause their lives to earn a degree. These certificates and associate degree programs are available online, offered in multiple languages, and built with accessibility in mind.
Program areas include:
Instead of competing with AI, these programs prepare students to do what machines cannot: care for children, support families in crisis, guide elders through aging, and improve the lives of those in their communities.
These are also among the fastest-growing careers in the country:
Social & Human Services roles are projected to grow 6% by 2034.*
Community Health Worker roles are projected to grow 11% by 2034.*
Home Health and Personal Care Aide roles, like those in Elder Care, are projected to grow 17% by 2034.*
No matter the path, Urban College students will be able to enter careers where their humanity is the most valuable skill they bring.
Advancing Equity in the Age of Automation
Beyond job replacement, many fear that AI will deepen the opportunity gaps that already exist in our society. Urban College is working to close them. The College serves multilingual learners, parents, and working adults who are often overlooked in traditional higher education settings.
Urban College meets students where they are, offering online, asynchronous courses, academic and career support, and wraparound services that help students balance school with work and family responsibilities. Students can complete fast-track certificates, stack their credits to earn associate degrees, and transfer to bachelor’s programs through local university partnerships.
At a time when the world is rapidly changing, Urban College provides learners with the tools, education, and confidence they need to move forward, on their own terms.
Building a Future Where People Still Matter Most
While AI and automation continue to evolve, it’s empathy, care, and human connection that will define the future. Urban College is leading the way with programs that prepare students for careers only humans can do.
If you’re ready to pursue a meaningful, future-proof career, explore Urban College’s programs today.