Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of work at a rapid pace, and its influence ranges from automating routine tasks to reshaping entire professions, particularly in technology and computer science. Over the past few years, AI has grown at an astonishing rate, weaving itself into nearly every part of modern life. Its impact on society has been tremendous, especially in education, where students use AI to research, complete assignments, and, in some cases, cheat on assessments.

While considerable attention has been focused on how AI affects students, far less discussion has centered on its impact on the workforce. Yet AI has already created noticeable changes across many industries, bringing both positive and negative consequences for employees. As AI continues to evolve, its role in shaping the future of work becomes increasingly significant.

AI in the workplace provides opportunities for growth and innovation, but also presents serious challenges. In many workplaces, the impacts of artificial intelligence are like that of a double-edged sword. On the positive side, AI automates repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to focus on strategic and creative responsibilities. Companies that adopt AI often grow faster. Research from MIT Sloan suggests that AI use is linked to roughly six percent higher employment growth and 9.5 percent higher sales growth over several years. Although AI may displace certain jobs, it also creates entirely new roles. Studies show increasing demand for AI trainers, interdisciplinary designers, and other AI-focused specialists. In the field of computer science, AI has heightened the demand for data-related skills, giving rise to positions such as database architect, information security analyst, cybersecurity expert, and even newer roles like “prompt engineer.”

Emad Abdulaziz, a former Henry Ford Earlyt College student and University of Michigan–Dearborn graduate, currently works at Henry Ford College as a Business Intelligence Systems Analyst. He explains how computer science transformed during and after the pandemic. “When COVID happened, everything, as we know, went remote. For those in the computer science field, this was amazing. The job opportunities skyrocketed, and the salaries went up. However, since 2022, everything in the computer science field just went down, and the opportunities disappeared unless you were lucky enough to get hired within those two years.”

Abdulaziz also reflects on AI’s role in accelerating changes in employment. “With each iteration of artificial intelligence updates, it has the power to take away more and more positions.” One of the most widely discussed concerns about AI is its ability to replace workers whose jobs involve repetitive routine tasks. These workers face the highest automation risk.

Although Abdulaziz uses AI in his daily work, he does so to increase efficiency, not to replace his own skill set. As he explains, “Artificial intelligence in the workforce has made things a lot faster and more efficient, but this makes it difficult for us to keep up with the constant updates.” He admits that he initially resisted utilizing AI. “At first, I was doing everything manually while everyone else was using artificial intelligence. It became so widespread and everything began moving so much faster that I began using AI as a tool as well.” His experience reflects a broader truth: computer scientists must learn to work with AI, not simply develop software. This includes mastering machine learning, data engineering, prompt design, and even AI ethics. Meanwhile, traditional programming jobs are shrinking; a recent report found that over a quarter of computer programming roles have disappeared in recent years, likely due to AI tools capable of performing tasks once handled by entry-level programmer.

Abdulaziz enjoys his role at Henry Ford College, where he has worked for four years. However, he hopes to expand his experience and regularly applies for jobs outside the college. He aims to gain industry knowledge beyond Michigan, possibly in states like Texas or Connecticut, before eventually returning to Michigan to specialize in robotics or the automotive field.

Another former HFEC student, Murad Tawfiq, also graduated from the University of Michigan–Dearborn with a degree in computer science. When asked if he was able to secure a position in his field, he responded, “No, I did not. I have been looking for a job for the past year. I was working at Rivian as a tester for the vehicles. I worked there, testing, with the hopes of getting a full-time engineering position eventually, but it didn’t work out. Instead, I began working with my brother for his business and have been working there for around five months or so.”

When discussing the challenges he faced while job hunting, Tawfiq explained, “I’d say it is scarcity in the positions that are available in the computer science and engineering fields, which are due to the advancements in artificial intelligence that have taken away several positions. Another large factor is that I didn’t gain enough experience in my field before graduating.” His advice to students is straightforward: “While you are still in school, try to gain as much experience in the field you are going into as possible. Try internships and co-ops.” Tawfiq added, “Do not be afraid to shoot for the low-paying jobs, because as long as you get any kind of experience, it will help further down your path.”

Tawfiq also believes that AI is reshaping the software field by automating certain tasks. “People say they do not use artificial intelligence, but everyone will inevitably use artificial intelligence to make their lives easier,” he says, especially in remote work environments. He predicts that software will become more efficient and accessible as AI advances, making application and website development quicker and more widespread. This trend raises concerns about whether AI will eventually take over so much software development that fewer roles remain for human employees.

“I guess there needs to be some kind of regulation on this kind of stuff to keep jobs for those interested in this field,” Tawfiq says, “but honestly, I don’t know what will happen. I personally have kind of given up on going into software engineering and am looking more into automotive engineering.” Tawfiq’s shift in career goals mirrors Abdulaziz’s desire to transition into the automotive or robotics fields.

AI can boost productivity, drive innovation, and create new job opportunities; it also threatens existing jobs, increases inequality, and raises ethical concerns. In computer science, where AI is most deeply embedded, these challenges are even more intense. To navigate this transformation, industry analysts suggest investing in accessible training programs, designing AI that supports rather than replaces human work, and creating policies that protect workers. Clear ethical standards, especially in the field of technology, will be essential to ensuring that AI benefits everyone rather than a select few.