In the last century, automation driven by technology has been an invaluable tool in simplifying highly manual and repetitive tasks. More recently, technology brought about AI, which has since infiltrated the impenetrable walls of white-collared jobs across various industries and functions.
With the advancement of technology at such a mammoth pace, are the career choices we make today still relevant in the next five to ten years? Are our jobs at risk? How can we futureproof our careers in this highly digitalised world powered by automation, bots, and machine learning?
In a 2023 study by Resume Builder where 750 business leaders were surveyed, 37% had displaced workers because of technology, and 44% said that AI would lead to layoffs in 2024. 83% of the business leaders also indicated that having AI skills will help employees retain their jobs. This sentiment is echoed in the 2023 Future of Jobs Report by the World Economic Forum (WEF), where technology literacy is the third fastest growing core skill that employers look for. AI and big data also rank within the top 10 growing skills.
AI: Friend or Foe?
While it is unlikely that AI will fully take over the role of humans in the workplace in the next few years, there is no denying that it is something we must embrace to futureproof our careers.
The good news is that careers or roles that require a high degree of complex decision-making, problem-solving, and human interactions are less susceptible to automation due to the significant social and emotional elements involved. Examples of such roles include management consultants, counsellors, legal advisors, and technical sales. These roles are generally safe from being made obsolete by AI as they require relationship building, understanding client needs, and providing strategic counsel. However, AI can still replace certain aspects of these roles for efficiency – basic customer service powered by chatbots, drafting/reviewing legal documents with AI-powered writing tools, etc.
Unfortunately, some jobs are at risk of being replaced entirely by AI. According to the WEF study, the fastest declining roles due to technology and digitalisation are clerical or secretarial roles. Surveyed companies predict that there will be 27 million fewer jobs by 2027 in administrative roles.
Hence, it is important to stay ahead of the curve by adopting and utilising AI tools effectively.
Gain the Upper Hand
As a starting point, understand the trajectory of AI capabilities in context to your career path. Research the AI tools or platforms, play around with these free tools online, and ask yourself these questions:
- Which parts of the role can be automated with AI today?
- Which areas of the role are at risk of AI impact in the next decade?
- How can AI enhance my current or future work?
This process will shed light on the possible effects of AI on your career, and you will be able to make plans to better align your skills with future needs.
Ultimately, be open. If need be, explore other opportunities available within your industry that are less impacted by AI or consider the transferable skills that you can leverage in alternative career paths that could still align with your interest.
Embrace the Lifelong Learner Mindset
At the end of the day, AI is just one of the many curveballs we need to navigate along our career journey. To futureproof our careers, it is important to adopt continuous learning and acquire new skills to keep up with the times and maximise employability. In addition to bridging any skills gaps, it is also important to develop your personal brand and position yourself as a leading expert in your industry. One thing is for sure, AI will not be able to surpass the influence of respected industry leaders!
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