Advice to those whose job is at risk due to AI

 

AI will not replace you, but a person using AI will

- Garry Kasparov

For individuals whose jobs are at risk due to AI—such as those in repetitive, data-driven, or rule-based roles like data entry, junior coding, or basic customer service—proactive adaptation is critical to thrive in an AI-driven economy. The advice below is tailored to help mitigate the risks of job displacement, drawing on the economic and job transformation insights. The goal is to empower workers to remain competitive by leveraging AI’s opportunities.

1.  Embrace a Growth Mindset and be Proactive

Why: Change is the only constant, and the emergence of AI is the latest change. If you can’t fight it, join it. View AI as a Tool, Not a Threat: Consider how to leverage AI to enhance your work and productivity.

Action:

·         Stay Curious and Adaptable: The AI landscape is constantly changing. Stay curious about new technologies and remain adaptable to evolving job requirements.

·         Focus on Lifelong Learning: Continuously update your skills through online courses, workshops, or certifications.

·         Highlight Human Skills: Emphasize your critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and creative abilities, which are still essential even in an AI-driven world

·         Identify Areas Where You Can Add Unique Value: Look for tasks and projects where human expertise and creativity are crucial.

·         Create a Plan for Your Future: Map out your career path and identify the skills and resources you need to achieve your goals.

2. Upskill in Complementary Skills

Why: AI is automating routine tasks, but roles requiring creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are less vulnerable.

Action: Learn skills that complement AI

·         Technical Skills – Skill enhancement in your area of expertise. For example, a school teacher should learn innovative ways to explain concepts beyond textbooks.

·         Soft Skills: Problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, which AI cannot replicate.

Example: A data entry clerk could learn data visualization to transition into a data analyst role, using AI tools to enhance insights.

3. Explore Emerging AI-Related Roles

Why: AI is creating new jobs, with 97 million roles projected by 2025 (World Economic Forum), such as AI trainers, ethics specialists, or integration consultants.

Action: Target roles that leverage your domain knowledge

·         AI Support Roles: Data annotation, model monitoring, or AI tool management.

·         Human-AI Collaboration: UX design for AI interfaces or AI workflow optimization.

Example: A customer service agent could train as a chatbot content curator, shaping AI responses for a better user experience.

4. Embrace AI as a Productivity Tool

Why: AI augments 65% of knowledge-based tasks, enhancing productivity rather than fully replacing jobs. Workers who use AI tools can stay competitive.

Action: Learn to integrate AI tools into your workflow

·         Use AI for repetitive tasks (e.g., Grammarly for writing, Zapier for automation).

·         Familiarize yourself with industry-specific AI platforms (e.g., Salesforce Einstein for sales, Blue Yonder for logistics).

Example: A junior developer could use GitHub Copilot to write code faster, focusing on complex system design.

5. Develop Domain Expertise and Human-Centric Skills

Why: Jobs requiring emotional intelligence, creativity, or complex judgment (e.g., leadership, strategic consulting) are resistant to AI replacement.

Action: Deepen expertise in your industry (e.g., telecom, banking) and hone skills like

·         Interpersonal Skills: Negotiation, empathy, and team collaboration.

·         Strategic Thinking: Innovation, ethical decision-making, and vision-setting.

Example: A retail cashier could train in customer relationship management, using AI analytics to personalize sales strategies.

6. Network and Seek Mentorship

Why: Connections and guidance help navigate career transitions, especially in AI-driven industries where opportunities are evolving.

Action:

·         Join professional networks (e.g., LinkedIn groups, industry meetups) to learn about AI trends and job openings.

·         Seek mentors in AI-related fields or within your organization for career advice.

Example: An IT support worker could network with AI operations engineers to explore AIOps roles.

7.  Stay Informed About AI Trends

Why: Understanding AI’s impact on your industry (e.g., more than a quarter of banking tasks are automatable) helps you anticipate changes and seize opportunities.

Action:

·         Follow AI news on platforms like X, TechCrunch, or MIT Technology Review.

·         Attend webinars or conferences (e.g., AI World, NeurIPS) to stay updated.

Example: A manufacturing worker could learn about AI-driven predictive maintenance to transition into a maintenance analyst role.

8. Advocate for Yourself and Seek Support

Why: Organizations and governments are investing in reskilling to address AI’s impact (e.g., 300 million jobs affected globally). Proactive workers can access these resources.

Action:

·         Discuss career development with your employer, requesting access to training or AI projects.

·         Explore government or nonprofit programs (e.g., U.S. Workforce Innovation Fund, EU Digital Skills initiatives).

·         Check local workforce development boards or online platforms like FutureFit AI for reskilling support.

Example: A telemarketer could access a company-sponsored AI literacy course to pivot to a sales strategy role.

Plan for Flexibility: Create a career roadmap that includes both your current trajectory, complemented by AI tools usage, and possible lateral moves into emerging fields. By focusing on adapting, upskilling, and leveraging your uniquely human qualities, you can position yourself as an invaluable asset in any organization or trade. This proactive approach not only guards against the risks of automation but also opens doors to new and exciting career paths where AI and human expertise collaborate for greater outcomes.

What skills or areas intrigue you the most for expanding your professional toolkit?

Second in the series: Characteristics of Jobs that might not be replaceable by contemporary AI

First in the series: Characteristics of Jobs Replaceable by Contemporary AI

 

#AI #FutureOfWork #CareerGrowth #Innovation #Technology #SkillsForTheFuture #AIRevolution