Professions at Risk: That Shouldn’t Be Studied in 2026

Professions at Risk: That Shouldn’t Be Studied in 2026

Choosing a university degree is increasingly influenced by concerns about professions losses caused by automation and the advance of artificial intelligence.

Every year, thousands of young people face the challenge of deciding which career path is worth pursuing. The rise of technology and the expansion of AI have amplified worries about which professions will offer opportunities and which ones will begin to lose relevance due to task automation.

Labor market expectations have pushed universities and training centers to adjust their academic programs, emphasizing skills that can withstand replacement by automated systems or robots.

An analysis conducted by ChatGPT identifies the least recommended professions to start studying in 2026, taking into account the impact of digitalization, the development of specialized software, and the transfer of functions to advanced intelligent platforms.

Accounting

Accounting has long been one of the administrative and financial pillars of companies. However, the integration of accounting software and automated financial management systems has reduced the need for professionals dedicated to these areas.

Large and small businesses alike are turning to digital platforms that manage balance sheets, taxes, and audits with minimal human intervention.

The use of algorithms and large-scale data processing minimizes the number of entry- and mid-level positions, since many financial reports and verifications can be completed in seconds without ongoing participation by an accountant.

Challenges Facing Traditional Journalism

Journalism is undergoing constant transformation. Automatic text generators and AI-based tools now handle basic tasks—writing press releases, newsletters, and data analyses.

Newsrooms have shifted many of their operations to systems that collect, verify, and produce content in large quantities and at remarkable speed. As a result, professionals focused solely on basic coverage or news rewriting are being displaced by technologies that streamline content production.

Only specialization in investigative reporting, data journalism, or in-depth analysis remains attractive in the new market, which limits career opportunities for those without a clear differentiating focus.

Business Administration

This field has also seen a large portion of its traditional roles lose demand due to the progress of automated business systems.

Management tools (ERPs) and analytics programs make organization and decision-making easier without requiring large teams dedicated to supervising routine tasks.

Support positions or basic administrative management roles are the most affected. Demand remains mainly at higher levels and among specialists capable of designing strategies, coordinating innovative projects, and leading digital transformation efforts.

Conventional job positions continue to decrease as automation expands across all levels of both the private and public sectors.

What Will Happen to Graphic Design Experts

This field has changed dramatically with the emergence of programs and services that generate images, videos, and promotional materials from simple prompts.

AI-powered visual generators now replace tasks that previously required multiple professionals to meet the needs of visual communication, advertising, and marketing.

Job opportunities are shrinking for those who only master basic or repetitive tasks. Demand now focuses on distinctive profiles—people with creativity, innovation skills, and the ability to adapt to complex challenges—since standard processes are largely automated and managed by digital systems.

Why Translators and Proofreaders Are at Risk

The translation profession has been transformed by the rise of applications and platforms such as Google Translate and similar AI-driven services. Companies increasingly rely on these systems for everyday text translation, reducing their need for professional translators for general assignments.

In this context, the translation of simple texts and general proofreading without specialization will no longer offer high employment rates in 2026. Demand will persist only in fields such as literature, medical specialties, and highly specific legal or technical documentation.

Links

• Ranked: Top 40 Jobs at Risk From AI – Visual Capitalist
• Sell pre-owned AI device online – iGotOffer

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Video uploaded by The Diary Of A CEO on September 4, 2025.