No profession is safe from AI – here’s how to adapt
No industry is immune to the impact of artificial intelligence, but workers can turn the challenge into an opportunity by embracing creativity and communication, according to a new study by Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.
Researcher Anna Lahtinen warns that AI is reshaping administrative and technical expert roles, but these jobs will not disappear—they will evolve. “No job is ‘safe’ from AI,” Lahtinen said. “You can see it as a threat or as a chance to rethink your work.”
Her findings come as major Nordic employers, including Nordea, announce workforce reductions linked to AI-driven automation. The bank recently revealed plans to cut around 1,500 jobs this year and next due to rapid technological advancements. Finnish IT firms Etteplan and Vincit have also cited AI as a factor in restructuring talks.
AI transforms—but doesn’t replace—human roles
Lahtinen’s ongoing research examines how AI affects professionals in business management, consulting, HR, IT, and communications. Preliminary results show only 9% of participants fear AI could replace their jobs entirely. The majority believe they can adapt and even benefit from the technology.
“AI can partially replace or streamline tasks, but it forces us to be more creative and work differently,” she explained. Instead of resisting change, workers should actively leverage AI to enhance their roles.
While technical skills may become less critical, Lahtinen emphasizes that AI cannot handle complex decision-making or genuine human interaction. “This isn’t just about communication between people—it’s also about how we interact with machines.”
Human skills remain irreplaceable
At Haaga-Helia, IT programs now integrate AI tools, acknowledging that while AI can write code faster than humans, it lacks deeper understanding. “Developers can use the saved time for quality assurance or better service design,” said Antonius Camarera, head of the IT degree program. “But AI can’t engage with clients or grasp business needs—the best ideas still come from human collaboration.”
Heidi Rontu, director of learning at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences, agrees. “AI can assist in brainstorming, but people must decide how to move ideas forward,” she said. In healthcare, for example, Rontu hopes AI will free up staff for patient care rather than reduce headcounts. “AI can’t read social cues or build trust the way humans can.”
Finnish education authorities now require all schools to define AI usage policies, signaling a broader shift toward integrating the technology while preserving human-centric skills.