The Guardian · 10 Oct, 10:05 · Artificial Intelligence briefing

Jon Davis on job titles in the age of AI – cartoon

Jon Davis publishes a cartoon in The Guardian examining the evolving nature of professional job titles within the era of artificial intelligence.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Jon Davis publishes a cartoon in The Guardian examining the evolving nature of professional job titles within the era of artificial intelligence. The illustration satirically highlights how traditional role definitions are becoming increasingly ambiguous or redundant as automated systems assume various corporate functions. This commentary reflects broader industry debates regarding identity, hierarchy, and the practical relevance of specific job labels when AI tools perform tasks previously associated with distinct human roles. The piece serves as a cultural touchstone for discussions on workplace adaptation.

Employer demand for AI Strategy skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

You must look beyond static job titles to understand your actual value proposition. As AI absorbs routine operational tasks, your unique worth lies in strategic oversight, ethical judgment, and complex problem-solving. Traditional hierarchies are flattening, so you should focus on mastering the tools that augment your decision-making rather than clinging to legacy definitions. Professionals in creative and analytical fields must adapt quickly, emphasising adaptability and emotional intelligence. To stay relevant, audit your current responsibilities against AI capabilities. Identify gaps where human insight remains irreplaceable, such as stakeholder negotiation or nuanced strategy. Prioritise upskilling in areas that require high-level critical thinking. Treat your career as a portfolio of transferable skills rather than a single label. Engage with AI proactively to enhance productivity, ensuring you remain indispensable through strategic application, not just execution.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are AI Strategy, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Leadership and Business And Management — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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