The Unexpected Career Move to Beat AI: Get Licensed
The relentless march of AI is reshaping the job market, threatening to displace workers in computer-centric roles as companies chase the promised efficiencies and cost savings. It feels like a tsunami, slowly but surely encroaching on our professional lives. But what if there was a way to avoid being swept away? According to successful entrepreneur Gene Marks, there is, and it’s a surprisingly traditional path: get yourself licensed by the state to perform work that only human hands and intellects can do. Seriously. The future of job security might just lie in becoming a plumber, a landscaper, or an HVAC installer.
The Timeless Advice That's More Relevant Than Ever
When Marks was young and unsure about his career path, he turned to his father for guidance. His dad, like many parents of his generation, offered a piece of timeless wisdom: "Get a job like a certified public accountant because 'people will always need their taxes done. They’ll always need financial advice.'" Marks took this advice to heart, becoming a successful entrepreneur, running his own small business consulting firm, and writing for major publications like the New York Times and Washington Post.
Marks’ father was onto something. The old saying about death and taxes holds true for job security too. So much so, that Marks gave his own children the same advice, though with a slight twist: get a state-licensed job. Any one.
Why Licensed Trades Are AI-Proof
In the age of AI, Marks believes this advice carries more weight than ever before. While being a CPA might not have the glamour of a computer programmer, and being a beautician may not sound as prestigious as a hedge fund quant analyst, these jobs “are never going to be replaced by technology,” Marks emphasizes. The list goes on: pharmacist, engineer, cosmetologist, nurse, or landscaper.
“Take advantage of the data-construction boom and get licensed in a construction trade like electrical, plumbing, home improvement, fire inspection,” Marks suggests.
He points out that AI-based tools and robotics will certainly improve productivity and handle more hazardous tasks, but they will always need to be operated by humans who are licensed professionals. Getting a state license for these jobs can be even more challenging than obtaining a degree. Marks knows this firsthand; his Pennsylvania CPA license required a college degree, an exam, and two years of on-the-job experience in public accounting.
This isn't just anecdotal. Trade schools have reported a surge in enrollments, with some seeing over a 35 percent increase since 2020.
The Gen Z Factor: Freedom from the "Infinite Workday"
These ideas resonate with a generation that's re-evaluating the traditional college-to-office pipeline. Gen-Z, in particular, is embracing trades-based education, partly because they are skeptical of the value of certain traditional degrees. But there's another, perhaps more significant, reason: the humbug and monotony of traditional office work.
For Gen-Z, who prioritize mental health and work-life balance, trades offer a kind of freedom that the "working for the man" grind simply can't provide. The "infinite workday" and pressure to return to the office are major turn-offs, making the hands-on, tangible nature of skilled trades incredibly appealing.
The Data Doesn't Lie: A Booming Demand
Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics supports this shift. The Bureau’s “Occupational Outlook Handbook” analyzed 600 careers and predicted that demand for skilled trades workers will grow significantly. Jobs like HVAC workers, electricians, and plumbers are expected to see growth far above the average for other professions.
Electricians, in particular, are in high demand. Employment figures are projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, adding an average of 81,000 new positions each year. One major driver of this demand? The explosive growth of AI data center construction.
What This Means for You and Your Company
For individuals, this is a clear signal: consider a licensed trade. For companies, this trend means you might see a shift in the qualifications of job candidates. The writing is on the wall for AI: if you're not embracing it, your competitors will. But there's also a lesson in how to promote your services. If your firm values the hands-on touch, real human connections with clients, and the irreplaceable expertise of skilled professionals, you can distinguish yourself in a world increasingly dominated by automation.