There's no truly AI-proof degree, say careers experts — adaptability beats picking a 'safe' major
nordicinst · x · 2026-09-14
Charlie Ball, graduate employment expert at UK higher education agency Jisc, argues that trying to futureproof a 45-year career by picking an "AI-resistant" degree is nearly impossible amid rapid technological change.
Relatively safer areas
- R&D: AI will hit entry-level lab work, but creative and imaginative work stays human — AI only compares against what's already in its database
- Engineering: AI will embed in design and modelling, but human engineers remain necessary
The better bet
Ball says the focus should be less on identifying safe vocations and more on equipping young people with a broad skill set to adapt to labour-market shifts; face-to-face roles like teaching, care and negotiation are hardest to replace.
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