Wharton Professor Ethan Mollick Says Becoming a Plumber Won't Save You From AI — But These 4 Things Could

Wharton management professor Ethan Mollick warns that common advice to pursue trades like plumbing as an AI-proof career is misguided. According to Mollick, AI is far more capable than most people realize, and no job is entirely safe from automation. He argues that both adults and children need to rethink how they prepare for a future shaped by artificial intelligence. Mollick suggests four key strategies to adapt: become an AI expert, develop uniquely human skills, learn to work with AI as a collaborator, and focus on real-world problem solving. These approaches, he says, are more effective than trying to hide in jobs that seem resistant to technology. The professor emphasizes that AI is advancing rapidly, and waiting to act could leave workers behind. For parents, this means encouraging children to engage with AI tools early rather than avoiding them. The takeaway is clear: adaptability and AI literacy are now essential for career resilience.