Susceptibility to AI

Based on the most helpful WSO content, here's a breakdown of how AI might impact the career paths you're considering:

Most Susceptible to AI Disruption

1. Equity Research:
   AI is already making significant inroads here. Tools are being developed to automate data collection, analysis, and even the creation of reports. Analysts may find themselves focusing more on higher-value tasks, but the volume of entry-level roles could shrink significantly as AI takes over repetitive tasks like financial modeling and data aggregation.

2. Manager Due Diligence (Pension Funds/Endowments):
   This role involves a lot of data analysis and reporting, which AI can streamline. While human judgment will still be needed for nuanced decision-making, the lower-value tasks in this field are highly automatable.

3. Corporate Development:
   While not as immediately impacted as equity research, AI could assist in deal sourcing, financial modeling, and due diligence. However, the strategic and relationship-driven aspects of corp dev may shield it somewhat in the short term.

Moderately Susceptible to AI Disruption

1. Consulting (Strategy):
   Strategy consulting involves a mix of data analysis and creative problem-solving. AI can assist with data-heavy tasks like market research and scenario modeling, but the human element of crafting bespoke strategies and managing client relationships will remain critical. That said, entry-level roles may see some reduction as AI tools become more sophisticated.

Least Susceptible to AI Disruption

1. Investment Banking (IB):
   While AI can automate parts of the deal process (e.g., pitch deck creation, financial modeling), the relationship-driven nature of IB, especially at senior levels, makes it less susceptible to full automation. The path to MD, where relationship-building is key, remains relatively safe for now. However, junior roles may face some pressure as automation tools improve.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on Relationship-Building and Strategic Thinking: Across all these fields, roles that emphasize human judgment, creativity, and interpersonal skills are less likely to be disrupted by AI.
• Adapt to AI: Learn how to leverage AI tools to enhance your productivity and value-add. Being tech-savvy will be a significant advantage in any of these careers.
• Future-Proof Your Career: Consider roles or industries where AI complements rather than replaces human expertise. For example, strategy consulting and senior-level IB roles are more resilient.

If you're deciding based on AI disruption, IB and strategy consulting seem to offer the most stability, while equity research and manager due diligence are more at risk.

Sources: Work at top AM -- AI will virtually kill of entry-level roles in AM over the next 5yrs, Thoughts on AI and the future of the job market?