8 Ways to Prepare Yourself for AI Job Replacement

Partnering With AI for Better Outcomes 

Research by McKinsey finds that generative AI will lead to 12 million occupational shifts in the US alone by 2030. While that is a prediction with considerable ramifications for today’s workers, it would be remiss to take it as a wholly negative outcome. 

Every new technology, from cars to calculators, has fostered misgivings about their potential impact on human occupations. Most of them unwisely so!

Given that AI and its further development are realities, we have to transition from thinking of it as an aggressor to wielding it as a partner. Although AI is a remarkable and potent innovation, it has its limitations. 

The most notable of which is the lack of human judgment, sensibility, and wisdom. The unique blend of human creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking is an attribute that makes us irreplaceable in countless domains. 

The future calls for our working together with AI and robots to address existential problems, drive technological breakthroughs, and improve the quality of life around the planet. 

With this in mind, let’s introduce you to 8 key strategies to navigate, survive, and thrive in the era of AI job replacement. 

In that context, we’ll explore the essential skills you must develop and explain how to leverage AI to improve efficiencies and achieve better career outcomes.

1. Focussing on Human-Centric Skills

Continuous learning is key to staying up-to-date and relevant in the evolving landscape of AI-influenced job markets. Holistic development is a must for mobility within and across organizations. Since AI currently excels most at routine, mechanical, and certain analytical tasks, focus on developing human-centric skills that set you apart. 

The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs report mentions several key skills that are necessary to thrive in AI-driven workplaces. They include communication skills, collaboration, and creativity, among others.

While creativity and innovation can be supplemented by AI, the capacity for lateral thinking, the ability to generate and refine novel ideas, and the ability to solve problems creatively will always be valuable. 

Another set of skills unique to humans falls under the category of social and emotional intelligence. These skills define our ability to express ourselves clearly, listen actively, build rapport, foster trust, and connect on a human level to work better together. Social and emotional intelligence skills are relevant across many areas of human endeavor, from advertising and marketing to healthcare and counseling. 

Complementing your existing skills with imagination, humor, and ethics can make your role irreplaceable.

Here are tangible steps you can take to that end:

• Identify skill gaps: Assess your current skill set and identify areas for improvement.
• Explore online resources: Utilize online platforms like Unmudl, Coursera, and Udemy for courses and certifications.
• Seek professional development: Participate in relevant workshops, seminars, and conferences offered by your company or industry associations.

2. Master Future-Proof Skills

The best way to stay ahead of AI job replacement is to invest in learning skills for roles that are likely to remain in demand despite automation and AI, or even grow because of it. 

Examples include:

• Mechatronics: Designing, developing, and maintaining intelligent machines.
• Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Designing and implementing robots, specifically to automate repetitive tasks.
• Industrial maintenance: Ensuring machinery and equipment in industrial settings are well-maintained, efficient, and reliable.
• Data Analytics: Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to extract valuable insights.
• Cybersecurity: Protecting systems and data from cyberattacks.
• Project Management: Leading and managing complex projects effectively.
• Healthcare: Applying technology solutions to healthcare challenges.

The STEM sector, in particular, is poised for continued growth, with fewer than a million occupational shifts expected by 2030. The World Economic Forum predicts that the highest job growth in the period 2023-2027 will be in the following roles: 

• Agricultural equipment operators.
• Drivers of heavy trucks and buses.
• Vocational education teachers.
• Mechanics and machinery repairers.

Here are the steps you can take to master future-proof skills: 

• Research future-proof jobs: Identify growing fields and in-demand skills that align with your aptitude.
• Obtain relevant certifications: Earn certifications that validate your expertise in future-proof areas.
• Specialize in a niche: Become an expert in a specific area where AI has limited capabilities.

By building expertise in future-proof areas, you stand to become more adaptable and valuable in the job market even as AI technologies continue to evolve.

3. Embrace Digital Literacy & Data Fluency

Specialized roles aside, it is imperative to acquire data literacy and digital fluency in the age of AI. Both these components will become increasingly important in the coming years, irrespective of your current line of work. Data prowess is likely to be fundamental to upskilling and career shifts across industries. 

Steps you can take:

• Understand basic technological concepts: Familiarize yourself with computer systems, software applications, and digital tools.
• Use productivity tools effectively: Master productivity tools like project management software, communication platforms, and cloud-based applications.
• Practice being in the digital world: Familiarize yourself with using technology to research, communicate, and collaborate effectively.

• Stay informed about technological trends: Subscribe to industry publications or online communities to track emerging technologies relevant to your field. Don’t be afraid to try them out when you can!

If you’re a marketing professional concerned about AI-powered marketing tools, for instance, you could take a course on data analysis software used by marketers to understand customer insights or test out marketing automation platforms.

Digital fluency is not limited to technical skills. It's about a willingness to learn, adapt, and seek opportunities in an increasingly important domain.