Introduction
The world of work is changing at an unprecedented rate. With technological advancements and innovations emerging every day, it’s becoming increasingly important for professionals to stay ahead of the curve and upskill themselves to remain relevant in the job market. One of the key drivers of this change is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI capabilities are transforming the way we work, and it’s essential to understand how to harness these capabilities to fuel career growth.
According to a report by McKinsey, by 2030, up to 800 million jobs could be lost worldwide due to automation, while 140 million new jobs may emerge that we cannot yet anticipate. (1) However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that AI will displace human workers entirely. In fact, a study by PwC suggests that while AI may displace some jobs, it will also create many new ones, with 73% of executives saying that AI will be a net creator of jobs within the next five years. (2)
Embracing AI Capabilities for Career Development
So, how can professionals leverage AI capabilities to advance their careers? Here are a few ways:
Upskilling and Reskilling
As AI takes over routine and repetitive tasks, professionals will need to focus on developing skills that are complementary to AI. This includes skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving. According to a report by IBM, 120 million workers in the world’s 10 largest economies may need to be retrained or reskilled by 2022 due to AI and automation. (3)
Professionals can take advantage of various online courses and training programs to upskill and reskill themselves. For instance, courses in data science, machine learning, and natural language processing can help professionals stay relevant in the job market.
AI-Augmented Work
AI can also augment human work, enabling professionals to work more efficiently and effectively. For example, AI-powered tools can help professionals analyze large datasets, identify patterns, and make predictions. According to a report by Accenture, companies that invest in AI training for their employees can see a return on investment of up to 275%. (4)
Professionals can explore various AI-powered tools and platforms that can help them automate routine tasks and focus on high-value tasks that require human expertise.
New Job Opportunities
As AI continues to transform the job market, new job opportunities are emerging that we cannot yet anticipate. According to a report by LinkedIn, the top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the US are all related to AI, with roles such as AI engineer, AI researcher, and AI ethicist emerging as some of the most in-demand jobs. (5)
Professionals can explore new job opportunities in AI-related fields and consider transitioning into roles that leverage AI capabilities.
Future-Proofing Careers
To future-proof their careers, professionals need to stay adaptable and open to new technologies and innovations. This includes developing skills such as lifelong learning, collaboration, and creativity. According to a report by Deloitte, 80% of executives say that lifelong learning is essential for success in the digital age. (6)
Professionals can prioritize continuous learning and professional development, networking with others in their industry, and staying open to new opportunities and challenges.
Conclusion
AI capabilities are transforming the world of work, and it’s essential to understand how to harness these capabilities to fuel career growth. By upskilling and reskilling, embracing AI-augmented work, exploring new job opportunities, and future-proofing their careers, professionals can stay ahead of the curve and succeed in the job market.
As we continue to navigate the changing world of work, we want to hear from you. What do you think about the role of AI in career development? How are you preparing yourself for the future of work? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below.
References:
(1) McKinsey. (2017). A future that works: Automation, employment, and productivity.
(2) PwC. (2019). Global Artificial Intelligence Study.
(3) IBM. (2020). The future of work.
(4) Accenture. (2019). Future workforce survey.
(5) LinkedIn. (2020). The top 10 fastest-growing jobs in the US.
(6) Deloitte. (2020). 2020 Deloitte Global Human Capital Trends survey.