By 2030, McKinsey estimates that between 400 million and 800 million jobs could be displaced by automation. How might you be able to stay relevant – and marketable – in this evolving job market? We discuss seven strategies you could employ.
The rapid advancement of technology is transforming industries worldwide. It is not only creating new opportunities but also changing the nature of work, offering immense potential for innovation and efficiency. However, technology is also presenting new challenges and opportunities for today’s workforce.
Among the most prominent technologies, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics are perhaps considered the greatest threat to the status quo. Their integration into everyday business processes is expected to automate many routine tasks, which could displace hundreds of millions of workers worldwide. In this article, we outline ways in which professionals stay ahead and secure their place in the evolving job market.
1. Embrace lifelong learning
Over the past two decades, and more so in a technology-driven world, continuous learning is no longer optional to remain relevant – it is a necessity. Many traditional roles have evolved and are beginning to disappear, though new ones emerging.
Upskilling and reskilling will help you keep pace with technological advancements and remain relevant in the job market. It is recommended that you focus not only on gaining proficiency in areas such as data science, AI applications, and coding, but also softer skills that machines cannot replicate, like creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence.
2. Develop your technical literacy
Following from the previous point, and while you do not need to become an AI or robotics expert, having a basic understanding of these and other technologies is vital. Increasingly, employers across industries are valuing employees who can collaborate with and manage systems driven by some of the more advanced technologies that are having an impact on the workplace.
Increasing your technical literacy will allow you to navigate the changes that automation brings to your workplace, contribute more meaningfully to projects, communicate effectively with specialists, and think strategically about your career path.
3. Lean into developing your soft skills
Soft skills—like emotional intelligence, collaboration, leadership, and communication—are indispensable as AI and robotics handle more technical or repetitive tasks. Human-centric roles such as managing teams, negotiating, and attending to customer needs will remain essential and grow in complexity. Companies will need professionals who can make strategic decisions, build relationships, and lead teams through technological transitions.
It is important to note that it can no longer be assumed, in this digital age, that, as humans, we are automatically proficient in soft skills. Thanks to technology, we have become increasingly isolated and are either out of practice or have not developed (and mastered) those skills. Hence, a concerted effort, or even dedicated training, may be necessary to improve your soft skills.
4. Embrace human-AI collaboration
In today’s work environment, there is an underlying fear that AI and robots will replace us. Instead, consider and focus on the opportunities to collaborate and leverage technology. A good starting point is to ask yourself the question, “How could [technology] help me to be more productive and improve my performance?”
If AI is used right, for example, it can help you conduct research and prepare reports faster, analyse data and complex datasets, and even interpret machine-driven insights. However, to achieve these things requires you to be proactive in developing the requisite technical skills. The goal is not to compete with AI but to use it to complement your expertise.
5. Cultivate an ethos of adaptability and resilience
The speed at which technology is changing the workplace, particularly with respect to roles and expectations, can be overwhelming. However, being adaptable and resilient will help you cope with the uncertainties that come with technological disruption.
Gone are the days when a person worked in the same organisation for their entire professional lives, and even held the same position. In the United States, baby boomers (those born between 1957 and 1964) held, on average, around 12.7 different jobs during their career (Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, those born between 1997 and 2013 (Gen Z), are likely to 18 jobs across six careers in their lifetime (Source: Money Digest). In other words, those who can quickly adjust to new environments and pivot their skills toward emerging opportunities will thrive.
6. Explore emerging industries and roles
Without a doubt, new and emerging technologies are spawning new sectors and professions. Careers related to AI ethics, AI training, robotics maintenance, algorithm transparency, cloud architecture, quantum machine and quantum cryptography, to name a few, have been emerging.
It is thus crucial to look beyond traditional industries and roles to discover new opportunities created by this tech revolution. By being proactive and strategic in the skills you develop and the professional opportunities you pursue, could help you be on the cutting edge and highly sought after for new and emerging roles.
7. Build a personal brand that positions you as an expert
Finally, thanks to the internet and with the job market changing and becoming even more competitive, building a strong personal brand is critical to standing out from the crowd. A useful strategy is to position yourself as someone who understands the implications of technology and is ready to lead or contribute to the future of work.
The key is to increase your visibility, such as through blogging, social media, or professional networking, and establish yourself as an expert in your field who also understands the impact of technology in that space.
In summary, many of the current and emerging technologies are both exciting and daunting, as they are likely to irrevocably transform our lives and the lives of future generations. However, the key to future-proofing your career and remaining indispensable in a rapidly evolving job market is to be adaptable, proactive and strategic. So, instead of seeing technology as a threat, embrace it as a tool to elevate, and even accelerate, your career and professional success.
Image credit: yanalya (Freepik)
