What is AI Operations?

AI Operations: The Job of the Future?

Whenever I'm asked which jobs will be impacted the most by AI, I give the same answer: Any job that requires a keyboard is at risk of being disrupted by AI.

As my kids get older and they start to think about what they want to do with their lives, it's impossible to plan right now. I'm glad my kids have a little time to figure out where the chips will fall over the next couple of years.

I feel bad for the kids who are soon graduating with a pile of debt and a useless piece of paper because the world changed while they were studying the old world.

So, What Are the New Jobs?

This is the natural next question. There's a ton of scary talk about job elimination, but not a ton of talk about what will replace those jobs.

In some ways, history tells us that new technology creates new jobs. For example, in 1900, roughly 40% of the US population lived on farms. Through the years, technology has eliminated many of these agricultural jobs. And at the same time, technology has created millions of new roles since then.

I bet there weren't a ton of SEO specialists in 1900. My most recent job (Director of Digital Experience) didn't exist when I was an undergrad.

So the question we're trying to answer for our kids (and ourselves) is what jobs will be needed 8-12 years from now?

Eric Cheng, co-founder of jobright.ai, recent shared a podcast that introduced (to me) the concept of AI Operations.

What is AI Operations?

AI Operations isn't a person who handles the day-to-day execution work. This person redesigns processes to be more effective.

Some of you probably already do this on your own. I know I'm constantly trying to find ways to use AI to reduce the time it takes for some mundane tasks.

The main skills necessary for this role are a deep understanding of the business workflows, and understanding how AI can be used.

AI Operations in Action

Last week was really hot here in the northeast. Our AC stopped working one night, much to the displeasure of my wife and kids. I used ChatGPT to help me diagnose the problem. It gave me troubleshooting options to determine the actual problem. Once I figured out the issue, it gave me the process and tools I'd need to get it fixed.

Since I've never opened up my AC unit, I double checked with an electrician friend. He said the process sounded good. I was able to buy a $30 part and fix the issue myself. It would have cost me $500 or more to get an HVAC specialist to come out, evaluate, and fix the issue.

BTW, I also coach this electrician to use AI to help run his business. He's finding ways to streamline his quoting process, scheduling, and billing.

I didn't know this was called AI Operations, but it appears to be something I'm already doing. Want to learn more? Let's chat.