You’re probably hearing a LOT about AI (artificial intelligence) and how it’s shaping the workplace in different ways.
But what does it mean for your future career, and what should you be focusing on to ensure your career plans are aligned with how the world is changing in this space?
Dheeren Velu, Head of Innovation at Capgemini AUS/NZ and Global Web3 Lead for the Capgemini Metaverse Lab, shares more in this insightful guest blog!
AI is advancing rapidly and entering nearly every industry. The developments are happening at an unprecedented pace, catalysed by the rise of Generative AI.
Platforms like ChatGPT and Large Language Models (LLM) are reshaping how we use AI and who has access to it – regardless of how technically savvy they are. At the same time, advancements are furthering AI’s transparency and problem-solving abilities, making it more understandable, fair, and responsible.
AI will make a burgeoning $126 billion market by 2025, with a 270% spike in business adoption over four years and a prediction of AI driving 95% of consumer interactions by 2025. These figures aren’t just numbers; they are a testament to AI’s integration across industries.
With all these rapid advancements, and like industrial and digital revolutions before, the AI revolution is poised to transform the job landscape, too.
How AI is Impacting the World of Work
Whilst the extent of AI’s true impact remains unknown, and this technology is still evolving quickly, based on current trends and applications, we can predict some of the shifts to come:
1. AI Will Impact Every Industry
AI will seep into nearly every industry in the coming years. Retail, finance, law, healthcare, manufacturing – no field will be untouched. Some simple repetitive jobs will decline, but most will change and adapt as AI enhances what humans can do.
Front-line cashiers and tellers at a bank may be fewer, but there will be more store associates to assist customers. Lawyers and legal professionals will utilise AI tools rather than be entirely replaced. Doctors can focus on diagnosis and treatment while AI handles paperwork and offers highly personalised patient care.
2. New Roles Will Emerge.
The job landscape will transform but through augmentation more than automation. New roles will also emerge for developing, managing, and working alongside intelligent AI systems.
Data scientists, machine learning engineers, AI trainers, and AI-augmented UX designers are rising job categories. Demand for strategic thinkers and problem solvers who can direct AI applications will grow. AI ethics advisors will be needed to address the societal impacts.
3. Technical Skills a Must – But Don’t Forget What Makes You Human
Technical skills will be required for some of these new roles. You’ll want to get comfortable with data analysis and basic coding. But avoid falling into the trap of solely focusing on digital abilities. The soft skills we humans excel at will become even more valuable.
Creativity, communication, empathy – these traits make us human and can’t be replicated by AI.
I suggest developing a diverse skill set combining technical literacy with creative talents. Learn to develop programs and develop logic flows, but also practice storytelling and design thinking. Hone analytical and critical thinking skills, as well as your teamwork abilities.
When exploring career avenues, roles that harness AI to enhance lives rather than merely optimising profits present a broader impact and fulfilment spectrum. Healthcare, education, and the arts – these fields need both compassion and technology.
Or consider how AI applications could make businesses and communities more sustainable. This mindset will steer you toward purposeful work.
Tips to Future Proof Your Career
There are several steps I would recommend you take now to prepare for the AI-powered future:
- Stay Informed – Follow AI news through quality publications. Tune into developments in your industry of interest. Knowledge is power, so stay curious. There are plenty of YouTube videos, newsletters, podcasts and other sources of information on the internet.
- Learn Online – Take advantage of the explosion of free classes related to AI, data science, and programming. Sites like Coursera and edX offer courses from top institutions.
- Experiment – Download some basic AI apps to try building chatbots or creating art and music. Hands-on tinkering engages your mind and builds understanding.
- Focus Inward – Set aside time for self-reflection through journaling, meditation or long walks without your devices. Understanding your strengths, values, and passions will help guide your career choices.
- Look Outward – Talk to professionals in roles you may be interested in pursuing to learn what skills are needed and how AI impacts their work. Networking builds connections.
- Beyond Jobs – Consider not just conventional jobs but apprenticeships, entrepreneurship, the gig economy, non-profit work, and learning communities. Dream big about how work could be reimagined.
Your Future to Mould
The future remains undetermined. How rapidly AI progresses depends on our choices over the next decade and beyond. Its impact on jobs, skills, and education comes down to human values and priorities.
This makes it an exhilarating time to forge your path. Rather than passively waiting for what’s to come, you can actively shape the AI revolution. Continue to develop your abilities while also cultivating compassion, ethics and a vision for progress.
Imagine a future where AI makes education personalised and lifelong learning accessible. Envision healthcare focused on personalised prevention and communities designed for wellbeing. Dream of creative expression and connection thriving, with technology elevating human culture rather than replacing it.
The discourse around AI is vibrant and evolving, and your voice, as a young professional, is a valuable note in this symphony. Engage, question, and contribute as you step into the exciting yet conscientious journey of AI and Generative AI.
About the Author
Dheeren Velu is an award-winning leader in emerging technology, innovation, and digital transformation with over two decades of experience implementing large-scale AI and Cognitive solutions across multiple industry domains.
A visionary at heart, Dheeren specialises in digital innovation, continuously exploring emerging trends and technologies to help organisations thrive in a disruptive environment. His current focus areas include the rapid developments in Generative AI and Web3, two cutting-edge fields that are revolutionising technology and shaping the future.
Dheeren is also Chair of the AI Industry Board at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), Australia, where he strives to shape the future of AI and its applications, fostering collaboration between academia and industry to drive transformative change.
Email: Dheeren.velu@capgemini.com
