7 answers
Rachel
Student
San Lorenzo, California
1
Question
Asked
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How do I grapple with the fear that AI might take over my intended career field by the time I graduate?
I'm an English major, hoping to go into copyediting or technical writing. With AI steadily rising and getting much more common wherever I go, how do I overcome the fear that those databases will be trained and near unmistakable from human work by the time I've graduated? #Spring25
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7 answers
Leanne Hayes
Field Marketing
10
Answers
Basingstoke, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Leanne’s Answer
Hey Rachel, this is a really valid concern, and you’re definitely not alone — AI is shaking up a lot of industries, including mine (I work in Marketing), so I can completely relate!
The way I see it, AI is more of a tool than a replacement, and I’ve learnt to embrace it over the past few months. It’s great at handling repetitive, process-driven tasks like basic proofreading or generating draft content. But when it comes to creativity, critical thinking, context, and true human nuance — that’s where people like you will always shine. Copyediting and technical writing aren’t just about fixing grammar or following templates; they require judgment, an understanding of audience, tone, brand, and sometimes even ethical considerations — all things AI still struggles with.
I actually think those who embrace AI as a tool will have an edge. If you can use it to speed up the boring bits — like initial drafts, formatting, or consistency checks — you’ll free yourself up to focus on the higher-value, more human aspects of your work. It’s less about competing against AI and more about working with it to boost your efficiency and impact.
So rather than fear it, try to build some AI literacy alongside your core skills. That combination will make you really marketable when you graduate. There are loads of free webinars out there on how to get the best out of AI tools — I’d definitely recommend checking a few out. I think it’ll help ease your concerns and give you a sense of control over how you use AI to your advantage.
You’ve chosen a field where human insight truly matters, so trust in that. The fact you’re already thinking about this shows you’re forward-thinking — and that’s a huge strength. Please don't lose hope, in my opinion your career choice is still very relevant and needed. Good luck :-)
The way I see it, AI is more of a tool than a replacement, and I’ve learnt to embrace it over the past few months. It’s great at handling repetitive, process-driven tasks like basic proofreading or generating draft content. But when it comes to creativity, critical thinking, context, and true human nuance — that’s where people like you will always shine. Copyediting and technical writing aren’t just about fixing grammar or following templates; they require judgment, an understanding of audience, tone, brand, and sometimes even ethical considerations — all things AI still struggles with.
I actually think those who embrace AI as a tool will have an edge. If you can use it to speed up the boring bits — like initial drafts, formatting, or consistency checks — you’ll free yourself up to focus on the higher-value, more human aspects of your work. It’s less about competing against AI and more about working with it to boost your efficiency and impact.
So rather than fear it, try to build some AI literacy alongside your core skills. That combination will make you really marketable when you graduate. There are loads of free webinars out there on how to get the best out of AI tools — I’d definitely recommend checking a few out. I think it’ll help ease your concerns and give you a sense of control over how you use AI to your advantage.
You’ve chosen a field where human insight truly matters, so trust in that. The fact you’re already thinking about this shows you’re forward-thinking — and that’s a huge strength. Please don't lose hope, in my opinion your career choice is still very relevant and needed. Good luck :-)
Alvaro Soares
Program Manager
1
Answer
Tewksbury, Massachusetts
Updated
Alvaro’s Answer
Hi Rachel, it's understandable to feel concerned about the impact of AI on your future career, especially in fields like copyediting and technical writing. Here are a few perspectives and strategies that might help you navigate these fears:
Embrace the Unique Human Touch
AI can certainly assist with tasks like grammar checking, basic editing, and even generating content. However, the nuanced understanding of context, tone, and creativity that humans bring to writing is difficult for AI to replicate. Your ability to understand the subtleties of language, cultural references, and emotional resonance will always be valuable.
Focus on Skills that AI Can't Easily Replicate
While AI can handle repetitive and rule-based tasks, it struggles with tasks that require deep critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. By honing these skills, you can differentiate yourself in the job market. For example:
- Critical Analysis: Develop your ability to analyze and interpret complex texts.
- Creative Writing: Enhance your creative writing skills to produce unique and engaging content.
- Interpersonal Communication: Build strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Keep an eye on how AI is being integrated into your field. By staying informed, you can adapt and leverage AI tools to enhance your work rather than replace it. For instance, using AI for initial drafts or to streamline certain processes can free up your time for more complex tasks.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The job market is always evolving, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Consider taking courses in AI and machine learning to understand how these technologies work and how you can use them to your advantage. Additionally, expanding your skill set to include related fields like content strategy, UX writing, or digital marketing can open up more opportunities.
Network and Build Relationships
Building a strong professional network can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. Engage with industry professionals, join relevant associations, and attend conferences or workshops. Networking can also help you stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in your field.
Focus on Your Passion and Purpose
Remember why you chose this career path in the first place. Your passion for language, storytelling, and helping others communicate effectively is something that AI cannot replicate. Staying true to your passion will keep you motivated and resilient in the face of change.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Consider seeking advice from mentors or professionals who have navigated similar concerns. They can provide valuable insights and help you develop strategies to thrive in your chosen field.
By focusing on these strategies, you can position yourself to thrive in a world where AI is a tool rather than a threat. Embrace the opportunities that AI brings while continuing to develop the unique skills and qualities that make you an exceptional copyeditor or technical writer.
I hope that helps, enjoy the journey!
Embrace the Unique Human Touch
AI can certainly assist with tasks like grammar checking, basic editing, and even generating content. However, the nuanced understanding of context, tone, and creativity that humans bring to writing is difficult for AI to replicate. Your ability to understand the subtleties of language, cultural references, and emotional resonance will always be valuable.
Focus on Skills that AI Can't Easily Replicate
While AI can handle repetitive and rule-based tasks, it struggles with tasks that require deep critical thinking, empathy, and creativity. By honing these skills, you can differentiate yourself in the job market. For example:
- Critical Analysis: Develop your ability to analyze and interpret complex texts.
- Creative Writing: Enhance your creative writing skills to produce unique and engaging content.
- Interpersonal Communication: Build strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with clients and colleagues.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Keep an eye on how AI is being integrated into your field. By staying informed, you can adapt and leverage AI tools to enhance your work rather than replace it. For instance, using AI for initial drafts or to streamline certain processes can free up your time for more complex tasks.
Continuous Learning and Adaptation
The job market is always evolving, and continuous learning is key to staying relevant. Consider taking courses in AI and machine learning to understand how these technologies work and how you can use them to your advantage. Additionally, expanding your skill set to include related fields like content strategy, UX writing, or digital marketing can open up more opportunities.
Network and Build Relationships
Building a strong professional network can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. Engage with industry professionals, join relevant associations, and attend conferences or workshops. Networking can also help you stay informed about the latest trends and best practices in your field.
Focus on Your Passion and Purpose
Remember why you chose this career path in the first place. Your passion for language, storytelling, and helping others communicate effectively is something that AI cannot replicate. Staying true to your passion will keep you motivated and resilient in the face of change.
Seek Mentorship and Guidance
Consider seeking advice from mentors or professionals who have navigated similar concerns. They can provide valuable insights and help you develop strategies to thrive in your chosen field.
By focusing on these strategies, you can position yourself to thrive in a world where AI is a tool rather than a threat. Embrace the opportunities that AI brings while continuing to develop the unique skills and qualities that make you an exceptional copyeditor or technical writer.
I hope that helps, enjoy the journey!
Kim Holt
Design
5
Answers
Silver Spring, Maryland
Updated
Kim’s Answer
AI cannot create from something that doesnt exist. We will always need humans in the loop to be the originators, creators, and verifiers. AI can assit us. AI needs a user to use it, develop it, enhance it, test it, etc.
Don't look at what you are studying as limiting you will learn other things and gain additional experiences as you work. Plan to expand your skill set. Do not be scared of AI learn how to levererage it to your advantage. Don't let AI spoil your thinking power. Focus on learning and not just the degree.
Don't look at what you are studying as limiting you will learn other things and gain additional experiences as you work. Plan to expand your skill set. Do not be scared of AI learn how to levererage it to your advantage. Don't let AI spoil your thinking power. Focus on learning and not just the degree.
Angela Browne
Director User Assistance
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Angela’s Answer
Hi Rachel,
First, what Leanne said!
For some context, I lead a global team of technical writers in the software industry and have been in the field for 20+ years. I've seen a lot of change in that time and the key to thriving is the ability to adapt.
Yes, AI technology will be just as good and much faster than humans at delivering some of the current standard fare for technical writers. As an industry, we need to embrace these advances in technology as an opportunity to recapture some of our capacity so that it can be spent on higher-value contributions to our organizations. Every leader I've ever met in the tech writing field has a wishlist of things they'd like to do if only they had more capacity -- effective use of AI is one way to get that capacity. And, given the enthusiasm most business leaders have for finding ways to leverage AI in their organizations, a tech writer with strong AI skills is an attractive hire.
So, beyond your English expertise and gaining some AI fluency, some adjacent skills I'd recommend investing in for starting and building a fulfilling career in this space include:
- Design Thinking methodology
- Jobs to be done (JTBD) methodology
- Taxonomy and ontology principles
- DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture)
And whether or not you've ever considered yourself a math person, get enthusiastic about learning how to use data insights to drive content strategy.
A great resource in general is The Content Wrangler, where you'll find thought leaders in the industry sharing best practices and strategies for adapting to the changing technology landscape.
I also recommend looking for some tech writing and content design internships in different industries as a way to explore some of the different career path flavors out there.
Good luck!
First, what Leanne said!
For some context, I lead a global team of technical writers in the software industry and have been in the field for 20+ years. I've seen a lot of change in that time and the key to thriving is the ability to adapt.
Yes, AI technology will be just as good and much faster than humans at delivering some of the current standard fare for technical writers. As an industry, we need to embrace these advances in technology as an opportunity to recapture some of our capacity so that it can be spent on higher-value contributions to our organizations. Every leader I've ever met in the tech writing field has a wishlist of things they'd like to do if only they had more capacity -- effective use of AI is one way to get that capacity. And, given the enthusiasm most business leaders have for finding ways to leverage AI in their organizations, a tech writer with strong AI skills is an attractive hire.
So, beyond your English expertise and gaining some AI fluency, some adjacent skills I'd recommend investing in for starting and building a fulfilling career in this space include:
- Design Thinking methodology
- Jobs to be done (JTBD) methodology
- Taxonomy and ontology principles
- DITA (Darwin Information Typing Architecture)
And whether or not you've ever considered yourself a math person, get enthusiastic about learning how to use data insights to drive content strategy.
A great resource in general is The Content Wrangler, where you'll find thought leaders in the industry sharing best practices and strategies for adapting to the changing technology landscape.
I also recommend looking for some tech writing and content design internships in different industries as a way to explore some of the different career path flavors out there.
Good luck!
Narita Rai
Program Management
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Narita’s Answer
It's natural to worry about AI's impact on your future career. Instead of fearing replacement, focus on proactive steps. Research how AI specifically affects your field and cultivate uniquely human skills like critical thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, and adaptability – areas where AI currently lags.
Embrace lifelong learning and upskilling, particularly in areas that complement AI or enhance your human capabilities. Aim to become someone who can effectively collaborate with AI, viewing it as a powerful tool. Network with professionals and be open to evolving job roles and new opportunities that will emerge alongside AI advancements. By focusing on these strategies, you can navigate the changing landscape and position yourself for a successful future.
Embrace lifelong learning and upskilling, particularly in areas that complement AI or enhance your human capabilities. Aim to become someone who can effectively collaborate with AI, viewing it as a powerful tool. Network with professionals and be open to evolving job roles and new opportunities that will emerge alongside AI advancements. By focusing on these strategies, you can navigate the changing landscape and position yourself for a successful future.
Edna Ventura
Editor
2
Answers
Raymore, Missouri
Updated
Edna’s Answer
Hello!
I see AI as a useful tool to speed up the writing, editing, copy-editing, or proofreading process. But, per my experience, AI cannot replace the human mind. Understanding the way each particular language flows is more than a mechanical process, it requires a personal connection with that language, critical thinking, insight, sensitivity, and creativity.
Although technical writing requires conciseness, and clarity, which can be produced by AI, your personal judgement, your ability to determine accuracy and truthfulness, and your discernment to make insightful observations and sound decisions could never be replaced by a machine.
I see AI as a useful tool to speed up the writing, editing, copy-editing, or proofreading process. But, per my experience, AI cannot replace the human mind. Understanding the way each particular language flows is more than a mechanical process, it requires a personal connection with that language, critical thinking, insight, sensitivity, and creativity.
Although technical writing requires conciseness, and clarity, which can be produced by AI, your personal judgement, your ability to determine accuracy and truthfulness, and your discernment to make insightful observations and sound decisions could never be replaced by a machine.
Tami Sullivan
Content Developer
21
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Tami’s Answer
That's such a reason to worry, because after all it's difficult to convince the greater whole that everything can't be replaced by a computer or you shouldn't have to feel like your fate is sealed as the operator of one either. There are plenty of people, businesses, companies, and so on out there looking for non-AI writers, but it's not as overt as one may like to think. The general rule is that truly crafty AI experts have become so ingenious with their prompts that it indeed carries a true and human sensibility. It's cheaper for many reasons, mostly in the name of productivity because it enables freeform work to channel across genre and context. It's like having the agile workplace in a word, or the entire encyclopedia in a soup noodle. That's nonsense reasoning because in fact, it relies on such correlations that cannot and will not ever exist. Is it a fad? Perhaps. A form of electronic revolution? Maybe. Nonetheless, don't worry. Your work will have to match the market demands with or without AI. It's not about being in a comfort zone. At any rate, I was an English major and that was way before e-readers. It's sometimes hard to accept that books will gradually lose favor to textbooks and complication type manuscripts, used as supplements to technology. It's just not right!
Make a list of attainable job titles you'd like to include in your search.
Connect with like minded people and network with a less AI friendly audience, such as that with Journalism.
Copywriting for e-commerce and otherwise commercial interest will often enable you to choose between methodologies and technologies as you see fit.
Stay true to your vision and consider writing independent works, such as tutorials for other writers looking to slip away from an overly digitized AI platform.
Keep your options open and consider doing some experiments with AI to get a better idea of exactly why you dislike it or prefer naturalized speech (even in cases of overwork).
Tami recommends the following next steps: