Drop Everything and Start Learning AI?
What the hell should we be doing if AGI is on its way in the next 5 years? I’m seriously concerned about the longevity of many finance careers that exist today or any white collar job for that matter. Would love to be convinced otherwise that the trends we’re seeing are not an existential threat to the entire industry.
Based on the most helpful WSO content, the rise of AI and the potential arrival of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) within the next 5-10 years is a legitimate concern for many industries, including finance. Here’s what you should consider doing to future-proof your career:
Focus on Value Creation: As highlighted in WSO threads, becoming a value creator is key. Take on more responsibility, build a personal moat around your career, and position yourself as someone indispensable in your organization. This means excelling in areas that require critical thinking, creativity, and relationship-building—skills that AI struggles to replicate.
Develop AI Literacy: While you don’t need to become a machine learning engineer, understanding AI tools and how they can be leveraged in your field is crucial. Learn how to integrate AI into your workflows to enhance productivity and decision-making.
Climb the Ladder Quickly: Some WSO users suggest that roles like MDs in investment banking or high-end salespeople are safer because they rely heavily on relationship-building and strategic decision-making. If you're in finance, aim to move up the ranks before AI matures to the point of replacing mid-level roles.
Explore Emerging Opportunities: AI will create new roles and industries, just as past technological revolutions did. Stay informed about trends and consider pivoting to areas where human oversight, creativity, and ethical decision-making are essential.
Advocate for Regulation: As mentioned in WSO discussions, pushing for international regulation on AI development could help mitigate risks associated with AGI. This is especially relevant for those in positions of influence.
Consider Career Diversification: Some WSO users argue that blue-collar jobs requiring physical labor or trades like plumbing and electrical work may become more valuable as white-collar roles face automation. While this may not be for everyone, it’s worth considering alternative career paths.
Ultimately, the key is adaptability. The job market will evolve, and those who can pivot, learn, and innovate will have the best chance of thriving in an AI-driven world.
Sources: Will robots replace your consulting or financial career?, 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?, HYPSM ex-Quant Fund Intern Senior career advice and opinion on the future of finance and the world, Work at top AM -- AI will virtually kill of entry-level roles in AM over the next 5yrs
Really tough for juniors today. I'm set to transition this year into a mid-career professional that will lock me in to this career path (AM) and my plan is simple -- to accrue as much wealth as I can until AI takes my job.
I don't think it'll happen as fast as people think, because even if the tech becomes good enough allocators won't just give all of their active capital to an algorithm. And even if an AI can do 70% of someone's job, there's no way that 70% of folks will be replaced...the other 30% is essential
I'd love to get a solid ~20yrs from today for career runway, though that's far too long to look out. If I can get ~10yrs then I'm hoping to have accrued a 4-5ml net worth, and I'll have a solid (but not extraordinary) inheritance coming my way at some point as well. That in aggregate should be sufficient to maintain what is considered today an upper middle class lifestyle for myself and my family. My gf (who knock on wood, I expect to marry one day) also works in a field that pays six-figs so if we both work for a decade we should be able to get here without swinging for the fences. And then of course there's the added option of moving to a lower cost country once this happens to make dollars stretch way farther.
All I'm saying is, make a plan to chart out the next 10yrs and have some optionality built in (in whatever ways you can find it) and take it step by step. No one has a 30yr career, they have a series of 30 single years (or 6 stretches of 5yrs, or 3 stretches of 10yrs, or 2 stretches of 15yrs). Break it up into chunks, plan, and go from there. Generally speaking, live below your means, invest heavily in diversified instruments, don't swing for the fences too much, and that's the most you can do
I'm actually more optimistic about it.
Efficiency = More Opportunities: AGI could handle repetitive and mundane tasks, freeing up humans to focus on more strategic, creative, or people-oriented roles. Imagine automating the boring stuff so you can spend more time innovating or building client relationships.
New Roles, New Skills: Every wave of technological advancement creates jobs we couldn’t even imagine before. Data-driven industries (like finance) will still need humans to interpret complex results, oversee ethical AI implementation, and craft strategies based on AI insights. Think of it like becoming the "AI whisperer" for your firm.
Upskilling Is Easier Than Ever: With online courses, AI tools, and communities, it’s never been easier to upskill. Learning how to work alongside these systems or even pivoting to adjacent fields is very doable with a proactive mindset. For example, I used this app called FinPrepAI to help me prepare for my investment banking interview and it was incredible.
Human Value Stands Out: The irony of advanced AI is that it makes human traits—empathy, creativity, leadership, and judgment—more valuable. AGI might advise on financial moves, but clients will still trust human advisors who can understand their unique goals and build relationships.
Finance Isn’t Just About Numbers: Finance careers involve regulation, compliance, negotiation, and decision-making under uncertainty. These are areas where human oversight will remain crucial, even with super-smart systems in place.
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