Technology has reached a point in society in which it has taken over duties that had been previously completed by humans. This generation of millennials will be affected the most because of the current advances in technology in the workforce.

According to an Oxford University study, the future wave of technological breakthroughs endangers up to 47 percent of total employment in the United States within the next twenty years. This can already been seen in restaurants, superstores, and pharmacies with the technology of automation. These places have installed self-checkout machines where humans used to work.

While this technological wave affects everyone in the workforce, it will especially affect the millennial generation due to their lack of experience in skills necessary to their jobs because they are normally younger than the rest of the employees in the workforce. This, in turn, will lead to a much more difficult transition.

“I think automated machines like self-checkout machines replace jobs that would have been occupied by younger people like in the early teens,” said junior Isaiah Mitchell. “I think that if you are older and want to find a job, it won’t affect you as much because you will be older and more valued than someone with no experience.”

Advancements in technology should not be seen in a negative light since upgrades in technology have improved quality of life. Many medical breakthroughs like gene therapy, non-invasive surgery, and vaccinations, have been made possible by the technology provided for research and development.

Comparatively, there are disadvantages to a rise in technological advancements. Much of the entry level jobs available for millennials will be reduced because of robotic machines and other automated devices. Entry level jobs, such as cashiers, telemarketers, clerks, and secretaries are among the many occupations that are projected to be most likely replaced with robots.

“Whether we like it or not, automated machines will soon replace cashiers completely. Personally, I find this great because it will rule out those awkward encounters with other people,” said junior Jack Sousa. “Stores pay for the maintenance of automated registers and the installation of these machines only helps the efficiency of the store. Some will argue that it will put people out of work and hurt our economy; however, they are not seeing all the other jobs that are available so why have employee people to do jobs that a machine can easily accomplish?”

While there might not be any way to block the inevitable rise of robots and other technological devices in the workforce, there are other ways to work with technology to succeed. Millennials can adapt by becoming educated in the fields of technology, coding, and other robotic technologies. By adapting to the situation, it will ensure an easier transition to a more tech-savvy modern workforce that millennials will not be left behind for.