AI and Beyond: Your Future Job Starts Now (Don’t be Left Behind)

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The future scenario for jobs is something that is so vastly different from what we know now – but we can come prepared. There is so much apprehension over AI and robots taking over most jobs; something justifiable in the light of AI assistants that can engage in very human-like conversation and robots that can perform fast and complicated tasks. But that’s not saying that we can’t compete. In fact, quite the opposite is possible – especially if you are in the computer, technological, engineering, mathematical, design and architectural fields. Of the 7.1M jobs that stand to be lost in 2020, will you be one of the casualties?

According to the “Future of Jobs”, a report released by the World Economic Forum, the top three skills are what humans are programmed for: complex problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity. Yes, even in what is foreseen as the “Fourth Industrial Revolution” that will see AI, IoT, self-driving vehicles, nanotechnology, renewable energy, quantum computing and biotechnology taking dominating commerce, humans who have adapted to new technology will still earn top dollar.

“As technology disrupts industries, the demand for soft skills — including creativity and emotional intelligence — is growing fast.” – Barbara Palm

While creativity was just in 10th place among the most wanted skills in 2015, its job to the third position speaks volumes about the importance placed on thinking innovatively. Emotional intelligence and cognitive flexibility debuted on the list – something surprising for those who think that techie skills are everything. People skills like management, negotiating, coordination, decision-making abilities, and service orientation round-up what can get you employed – or let you keep your job.

Overall, social skills — such as persuasion, emotional intelligence and teaching others — will be in higher demand across industries than narrow technical skills, such as programming or equipment operation and control.

Without a doubt, technology is disruptive and will continue to be so at a faster pace. We foresee new markets, AI that think like we do, robots that make life easier and business faster – and computers that will use that information in ways still unfathomable. But behind the wheel, there will be a human with a growth, digital, and creative mindset. In fact, even Tesla’s Elon Musk has turned to humans to meet the demand for even more cars.

In essence, technical skills will need to be supplemented with strong social and collaboration skills.”

Sources:

World Economic Forum

Fast Company

Explore Engineering

Growth Tribe