OPINION: What’s next in AI? What it means for jobseekers, students, businesses?
Imagine asking a question in plain English and getting a precise, actionable insight in return. AI already makes this possible.
What comes next is more impressive: systems that don’t just respond but anticipate, decide, and operate independently across contexts. This shift is not theoretical. It’s beginning to impact how we structure organisations, launch ventures, learn new skills, and define roles in the workforce.
The next stage of AI (artificial intelligence) will be shaped not by hype, but by how we apply it, intentionally and at scale.
In business
Soon enough, AI systems will manage entire operational flows across departments. They will work in sync, learn from real-time data, and adjust strategies as conditions evolve. This will change how leaders use their time—routine oversight will decline, with focus shifting to setting direction and defining rules.
Businesses that adopt this change will respond faster to market shifts. They will allocate resources more precisely and reduce inefficiencies. All these will happen without constant supervision.
For entrepreneurs
Startups will no longer need large teams to move quickly. The future belongs to founders who understand how to combine AI capabilities into flexible, responsive systems. Instead of building tools that assist, they will build products that act, solving specific problems through embedded intelligence.
AI agents will handle tasks like onboarding users, generating content, or adjusting pricing models dynamically. Entrepreneurs who develop clear, structured prompts and integrate these systems end-to-end will create businesses that learn, scale, and adapt in real time. This isn't just operational leverage. It is a structural advantage for those who can build with precision and speed.
For students
The role of the learner will change alongside the systems they use. Future education will move beyond static content delivery. AI will guide learning journeys, simulate real-world challenges, and evaluate performance in context. Students will need to use AI effectively. They will also need to understand how it works, its limits, and ethical concerns.
What will matter most is the ability to apply judgment with AI. Instead of memorising information, students must learn how to ask the right questions. They will need to evaluate results and combine knowledge from different areas. These cognitive and strategic skills, along with fluency in AI tools, will shape how prepared they are for the future.
For jobseekers
Job roles are breaking down and changing around intelligent systems. Many traditional functions will be redesigned, not removed. Professionals will need to manage, direct, and work alongside AI. This requires a new fluency. They must define outcomes, organise tasks, and check AI-generated results.
Career growth won’t come from specialisation alone. It will depend on adaptability, systems thinking, and staying up to date as AI evolves.
Those who actively learn how AI fits into their field will have an advantage. Clear thinking in AI-assisted workflows will help them stand out in a competitive job market.
What does it all mean?
The next phase of AI demands more than adoption. It requires active collaboration. Whether leading a company, launching a venture, or advancing your career, your understanding of AI’s practical impact will shape your success. Those who engage strategically will define the future in their fields.
The author is the co-founder and chief sales officer of Mobisoft, a digital product engineering company headquartered in Houston.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK.
Sci/Tech