Standard computer programming has been around for decades; what is new (ish) is the propensity for computers to teach themselves how to spot patterns and progressively improve. Arup's Tim Chapman points the way forward for people planning a career, which is likely to last at least 45 years, and through which they will encounter unfathomable change. It is very easy to become fearful when reading press report after press report about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on our civilisation – all the jobs to be lost and what will become of us? First, it is worthwhile being clear about what AI actually is. Definitions can all too easily become conflated with the latest scary film – portraying robots with high intelligence and even human emotions – great films like'I Robot' and'Ex Machina' are wonderful stories and do show what may ultimately happen – but the level of technology is many decades away, if it ever happens.