I don't believe that Artificial Intelligence will render humans obsolete. Machines will undoubtedly continue to replace people in routine, repetitive tasks that can be completed quickly. This trend has been ongoing since the industrial revolution. At that time, people were frightened by the invention of the printing press and the possibility that machines would take over other jobs. The printing press, as we all know, changed the world.
Instead of being afraid of machines taking over the world as if we're in a Black Mirror episode, we should embrace the change. It will eventually create new and more creative roles for all of us.
However, there is also the other side of the debate: whether AI will take creative jobs as well. I was a non-believer, but over the last couple of years, I have changed my mind because of extraordinary evidence. An artificially intelligent machine can become a more significant part of our everyday life. I must admit that it will replace many functions of my job in the coming years. But I'm pretty confident that there are many reasons to be optimistic about the state of employment in the future.
While machines will undoubtedly take over some tasks, we should seize the chance to spend more time honing and strengthening the skills that make us human.
Here are six skills you should learn and develop for the jobs of tomorrow.
Master "hard" skills
Hard skills nowadays don't always mean coding or engineering skills. Even if you're a plumber, people aren't paying you for banging on the pipe. They pay you for knowing where to bang. The same goes for software engineers, accountants, doctors, and other professions.
As new technologies emerge, keep in mind that skills will quickly become outdated. This is true for practically all industries. Therefore, it doesn't matter in which sector you work. Be prepared to constantly update your technical skills. Strive to be the best at whatever you do.
Digital adaptation
Naturally, the COVID pandemic greatly accelerated the digitization of work. Still, you can expect it to continue, and no sector of the economy will be untouched by the digital revolution. As a result, everyone's jobs will change to some extent.
Understanding your current level of digital literacy is the first step. Let me reiterate that we won't all need to be IT gurus to succeed when it comes to the latest technology developments, like AI and the metaverse. Instead, you should be aware of these technologies and consider how they affect your daily activities. Some key points to consider:
- Your favourite method of learning new things will determine how you stay up with current developments. Be it podcasts, blogs, books, or youtube videos, take time out to stay informed.
- Conceiving of yourself as a perpetual learner is ultimately the finest thing you can do for your digital literacy abilities. Everything is available on the internet; you just have to look.
- Adopt a positive attitude as you approach new technology.
- The digital transformation will make millions of jobs obsolete. However, it will generate more jobs than job loss.
Be culturally-responsive
Because of how interconnected our world is now, many of us regularly come into contact with people who come from various origins and have had different life experiences than we do. Collaboration across boundaries — geographical, cultural, or anything else — is crucial if you want to flourish in this era.
Even if you don't come into contact with people beyond your geographical boundaries, your coworkers or customers will probably come from various cultural backgrounds, and you should be able to understand their cultures.
Complex decision making
Due to AI and ever-increasing data volumes, we can't overlook the influence of machines on decision-making in the future, particularly within businesses. After all, machines can perform data analysis with speed and precision that humans cannot match. Although, it cannot replace human judgment.
Ultimately, humans will decide what to do based on what the data indicates.
Based on the data, machines may be able to decide what seems to be the optimal course of action, but they cannot take into account the more significant ramifications of that choice.
Be curious, not judgemental
We continually make assumptions, pass judgment, and search for patterns in our thoughts. This is not necessarily a bad quality; it kept us safe for a long time when humans were evolving. However, these same inclinations might not be as helpful to us on a personal level. Our mental narratives may be biased, destructive to ourselves, or harmful to other people.
Being judgmental of others can keep us from learning the truth and wisdom we all need to grow. Instead, replace judgment with curiosity.
Inter-personal communication
I doubt I need to convince you of the importance of this skill. Everyone understands the value of effective communication on the job and in daily life.
In today's time, oral and nonverbal clues like body language, eye contact, and facial expressions speak volumes. It's not just what you say; it's also how you say it. Learn the art of storytelling. The use of stories engages people and aids in comprehending the message.