The bots are coming to a federal agency near you. In some cases, they are already here. The issue is whether those bots — i.e., artificial intelligence — will take away your Fed job.
Certainly, AI applications could render some federal jobs obsolete. However, the technology will also open doors and provide new career opportunities.
What AI Is Replacing
Not all Fed roles are at risk. Generative AI is being used to handle routine, repetitive, automated assignments, which include:
- Customer inquiries
- Report generation
- Data analysis
- Scheduling
There are also AI agents, which go beyond their generative counterparts. These particular bots are designed to handle specific tasks and frequently act as virtual assistants.
Experts explain that AI agents could assist Feds with functions like creating contracts, advising on policy issues and handling routine questions from the public.
Generative AI and AI agents could also replace the following jobs:
- Record-keeping and scheduling
- Basic research and analytic jobs
- Rudimentary data processing and data entry occupations
- Low-level customer service positions
Future Federal Careers With AI
Yes, artificial intelligence can analyze, collect, research, and answer basic questions. But the technology is called “artificial” for a reason. Machines lack the human touch. They don’t have critical thinking skills or relationship management abilities. They also can’t figure out strategic approaches or make decisions.
Learn more about your retirement benefits at our No-Cost webinars, featuring Ed Zurndorfer -
Because of this, the following Fed careers are considered safe from AI:
- Positions like healthcare and law that require high levels of human interaction
- Jobs focused on regulatory, ethical and policy oversight and action
- Leadership and management careers that require judgment, flexibility and tactical planning
- Professions centered on data protection and cybersecurity efforts
Additionally, new AI-supportive jobs will emerge, including system administrators, audit, and compliance specialists and project managers. These and similar roles aren’t about people versus machines. Rather, they focus on partnerships between humans and technology to complete tasks efficiently and effectively.
Preparing Yourself for the Technology
If your Fed job description includes jobs and tasks that could be taken over by artificial intelligence, all is not lost. Take the following steps to prepare yourself for potential AI changes.
- Learn all you can about AI. Understand the technology’s strengths, limitations, and whether or how the technology might be integrated into your job.
- Take advantage of continuous education offerings provided by your agency. Tuition reimbursement, training, workshopsand other helpful tools can help you learn more about AI and its abilities.
- Improve your interpersonal and human-centric skills. Your relationship-building, strategic decision-making, and communications abilities give you the edge over AI. Enroll in seminars and training to improve these competencies.
- Stay abreast of industry changes. Join professional industry groups and read publications and books to keep you informed about trends and technology. This knowledge can help you adapt in the face of change.
Change Is Coming. But Don't Panic
Certainly, some Fed positions will be eliminated as AI continues to be integrated into agencies. However, the workforce will not consist entirely of bots. The federal government has, and will continue to have, a need for skilled, educated and enthusiastic employees.
So, take the time to prepare for a future with AI tools and processes. Learning all you can about the technology while improving your human-oriented skills can help you remain employed as artificial intelligence changes the face of the federal labor force.
Finally, to ensure your Fed benefits are working for you, reach out to the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERSTM at Serving Those Who Serve. These Fed-focused experts can help you with everything from insurance needs to retirement planning to wealth management. To learn more, visit the website or email [email protected]. It's true that Fed
The information has been obtained from sources considered reliable but we do not guarantee that the foregoing material is accurate or complete. Any opinions are those of Serving Those Who Serve writers and not necessarily those of RJFS or Raymond James. Any information is not a complete summary or statement of all available data necessary for making an investment decision and does not constitute a recommendation. Investing involves risk and you may incur a profit or loss regardless of strategy suggested. Every investor’s situation is unique and you should consider your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon before making any investment or financial decision. Prior to making an investment decision, please consult with your financial advisor about your individual situation. While we are familiar with the tax provisions of the issues presented herein, as Financial Advisors of RJFS, we are not qualified to render advice on tax or legal matters. You should discuss tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional. **
