Are marketers’ jobs at risk as robots take over?

Marketing director is one of the least likely jobs to be replaced by robots, according to new research.

Toy robot

The study by researchers at Oxford University and Deloitte for the BBC found that a third (35%) of jobs are at high risk of computerisation over the next 20 years, with factory workers, journalists and cocktail workers some of those most at risk.

However, the report found that the “likelihood of automation” for marketing and sales directors is “quite unlikely” at just 1%. This puts it at 347th out of the 366 professions investigated.

The report suggests that the creative nature of marketers’ jobs gives them an advantage over robots.

The outlook isn’t as bright for “marketing associates”. Although still “unlikely”, there is a 33% risk that their jobs could be done by robots in the future.

Advertising accounts managers and creative directors are also at a 33% risk.

Bad new for telemarketers, however, which are at a 99% risk of having their jobs done by computers.

The calculation is based on nine key skills required to perform it; social perceptiveness, negotiation, persuasion, assisting and caring for others, originality, fine arts, finger dexterity, manual dexterity and the need to work in a cramped work space.

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