Careers Corner
AI is changing jobs fast — and Australians are beginning to wonder how they will stay relevant
This heading appeared in an online ABC newsfeed on Thursday, 6 November. It certainly appears to be something to keep front of mind when considering career options. As Year 12 VCE students are currently sitting their exams, and many have already entered their 2026 university course preferences, it got me wondering if AI related courses featured in their preferences more than usual.
Using AI, I asked the question: “Is AI having an impact on the course preferences of incoming university students in Australia”? The response was as follows:
Yes, AI is influencing course preferences among incoming university students in Australia, with noticeable shifts toward technology-related fields and evolving expectations around learning.
Here’s how AI is reshaping student choices and educational priorities:
Shift Toward Tech and AI-Related Courses
Increased interest in AI, data science, and cybersecurity: Universities are reporting a rise in enrolments for courses that directly engage with AI technologies, such as computer science, machine learning, and data analytics
Cross-disciplinary appeal: Students from non-tech backgrounds (e.g., business, health, education) are increasingly choosing electives or minors in AI-related subjects to future-proof their careers.
Back to the ABC news article:
Respondents at different career stages — from university students to workers nearing retirement — shared their concerns about AI's ability to replicate their hard-earned skills.
They included students and workers pursuing careers in white-collar professions that were considered future proof just a couple of years ago.
While some people were enthusiastic about the ways AI could shoulder some of the burden of time-consuming, repetitive tasks, others were worried it was contributing to a decline in entry-level roles for new starters.
Other respondents were either looking for new jobs or considering a career change as employers adopted AI.
And many were still trying to understand the impact of AI on their careers.
How will AI impact your career or that of your child? What new careers will be created due to AI? Perhaps I should use Chat GPT or Co-Pilot to get the answer.