Our expert’s advice for upskilling in the AI-economy

It is inevitable that an AI-fueled, digital economy will shed certain jobs, but it doesn’t mean you should wait around until your job no longer exists.

Here are 5 steps to help you avoid being replaced by a bot.

• Read, read, read – get a good grip on which jobs will be in demand in the AI-fueled economy. All the information you need is at your fingertips. Here’s a heads up – some keywords to research are: digital, data analytics, AI and customer experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed – take a breath and read this article on AI and the Future of Work.
• Map your journey to the ideal job of the future – write down your current capabilities and then consider how you would apply those skills in the AI-fueled economy. Example – if you’re designing brochures now, you might be designing customer experiences in the future. Map the journey you need to take – reading, training, certification, experience – to change what you personally can offer a business. If you need a kickstarter – view this infographic on valuable skills in the future workforce.
• See technology as your colleague, not your competition – the future is one of collaboration between humans and machines. Don’t treat technology as an enemy that is going to steal your job. See AI-driven tech as a resource that does the boring stuff, and embrace it as an intelligent and helpful colleague in the future. Organizations are going to need people with a positive, inquisitive approach to the future. To get a fuller picture, read the section in this article on Machines Assisting Humans.
• Exercise your soft skills – making sure your knowledge remains relevant is important, but don’t underestimate the value of qualities such as leadership and abilities such as critical thinking. No matter your future job title, if you can think critically, collaborate with a diverse team and embrace learning – you will be a valuable human asset. Linkedin did a study which is cited in this article on the 10 most in-demand skills of 2019.
• Be flexible – the structure of the workplace is changing – in future it will be a mix of full time employees, gig workers, contractors and service providers. Be flexible about employment terms such as whether you work from home or an office. Train yourself in the art and science of online collaboration – this will be an essential skill. If you want to learn more about the future workforce – read this report from PwC on the workforce of the future.

Competition for relevant skills in the AI economy will only intensify. If you successfully reshape your skill set into one that’s not only relevant, but in demand, your career options will be plentiful and your bank account, nice and healthy.