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Technological advances are happening faster and transforming the workforce. McKinsey researchers predict that by 2030 there can be 12 million of us make a career turn. This is not a bad thing, so long as you control the situation and take steps to professionally future-proof yourself. This predicted return is also ideal if you are at the starting of your career or do not like where you are now. Implementing steps to achieve your dream career can be even more practical if those efforts focus on adapting to technological advances.
Future-proofing is essential because technology won’t go away, but some jobs will. To maintain your competitive advantage as an entrepreneur and secure the way forward for your business, it is critical to continually invest in the skills that are in demand today and anticipate those who can be needed in the future. To do this, you wish to embrace reality and stop hiding from technology that may enable you to develop your talents.
For example, I’m shocked to hear that folks aren’t using Grammarly, an AI-powered grammar and writing tool, to improve their writing and give themselves a competitive edge. If the way you present yourself through email and other types of written communication is a large a part of today’s jobs, using AI-powered grammar tools can enable you to appear more polished and skilled, helping you in your career without requiring more of your time.
Simply put, if you should utilize artificial intelligence and other technologies as tools to enhance your capabilities, you’ll create a shield for job security. The better part? You don’t have to be a data scientist to use most of the products available on the market. Most of them are user-friendly and may be implemented quickly. Example: I recently worked with someone whose company uses generative AI to help organizations respond to RFPs inside two hours. Traditionally, it took the entire team and two weeks to complete and submit these responses. That’s a turnaround time of two hours as a substitute of two weeks – a game changer purely for customer satisfaction!
Not sure how or where to start your mission to get ahead of the technology-driven “What do customers want” curve? Put these strategies into motion to future-proof your career.
1. Up your soft skills game
For years, I have been asking firms what they expect from our university’s STEM graduates. Their best answers all the time rely on soft skills. Why? Employers assume that anyone who leaves a STEM program can pursue STEM subjects. However, additionally they want them to give you the chance to communicate effectively.
If you would like to improve your communication skills, it’s price making the effort, especially in a skilled setting. Effective communication by leaders not only increases team and personal resources, but also significantly increases each team effectiveness and individual commitment, says a recent research. Mastering good communication can increase your ability to work well in a team environment, provide 360-degree feedback and explain your thoughts to others. These skills are invaluable assets that may set you apart at any stage of your career by demonstrating your potential and capabilities in collaborative environments.
To improve your communication, enroll for an acting class, a public speaking course, or a writing workshop. Step out of your comfort zone so you possibly can interact freely with others. Nothing boosts “confidence” greater than having the ability to effectively lead a meeting, presenting ideas and explaining concepts individually, in small groups or passionately in front of a large audience.
2. Become a Reese’s industry expert
Decades ago, Reese launched a clever campaign that highlighted the brand’s unique combination with chocolate and peanut butter. You may be like Reese and make a name for yourself in your industry by excelling in two areas that would not normally go together.
For example, a common combination for many STEM staff is to have deep knowledge of each artificial intelligence and robotics. An unusual – and definitely interesting – alternative can be expertise in gaming science and cybersecurity. Or understanding the ins and outs of the world of mobile development and how to analyze big data.
We live in a time where technology offers many independent and built-in moving parts and tools. To achieve success, you possibly can’t be good at just one thing. To impress current and future employers, you wish to have a variety of skills. By combining different pieces of the puzzle in a creative way, you grow to be the unicorn in the room. This is also a great tactic if your competitors have more experience than you – you possibly can shine by offering more skills.
3. Become technologically literate and stay so
Are you watching and waiting on the sidelines for the development of latest technologies? Unfollow and start engaging. You don’t have to climb a math mountain or attend engineering school, but it is best to remain open to attending a boot camp or using other resources to learn more about technology. Every time you gain a little insight, you’ll think otherwise about what you do. Over time, you will grow to be more helpful and agile because you will stay awake to date.
A fantastic place to start is to explore artificial intelligence and edge programming. Just a little little bit of skill and depth in each topic will get you ahead of the overall learning curve. Not only will you understand greater than others in your field, but you will even give you the chance to discover potential career advancement opportunities, promotions, and lateral position opportunities before anyone else.
Here’s an example of what I mean: Recently Aviation Canada lost a lawsuit because their first-class AI-powered customer support tool quoted customers the incorrect price. I have a feeling that developers will use this precedent to improve AI responses. However, people will still need the ability to provide person-to-person services for more complex problems. Therefore, world-class service agents with extremely diverse and deep competencies can be sought to fill the gaps.
As we grow to be more fascinated by technology, some jobs will disappear. But what won’t go away is the need for firms with all the attributes that AI and technology cannot master. By acting proactively, you possibly can grow to be indispensable and enjoy greater job security.