Artificial Intelligence (AI) is already transforming the world of work, and its impact is only going to grow in the coming years.
While it's true that artificial intelligence (AI) and automation are transforming the job market, they are not necessarily a threat to the job market as a whole. Let me share an anecdote illustrating how reskilling and retraining in automation or artificial intelligence can contribute to career growth and help individuals survive in a changing industry.
Meet Swapna, a middle-aged professional who had been working in the manufacturing industry for over 15 years. She was a skilled assembly line worker, but she began to notice a gradual decline in job opportunities as automation and robotics started replacing manual labour. Swapna realized that if she didn't adapt and acquire new skills, her career prospects would continue to dwindle.
Motivated by the desire to stay relevant and secure her future, Swapna decided to embark on a journey of reskilling and retraining in automation and artificial intelligence. She enrolled in online courses and attended workshops to learn about programming, machine learning, and data analysis. Initially, the transition was challenging, as she had to familiarize herself with new concepts and technologies that were completely foreign to her. However, Swapna remained determined and persevered through the learning process.
After gaining a solid understanding of automation and AI, Swapna began exploring how these technologies could be applied in her industry. She identified areas where her newfound skills could be leveraged to streamline manufacturing processes, improve efficiency, and optimize production. Swapna started collaborating with her colleagues and superiors, sharing her knowledge, and proposing innovative solutions that would benefit the company.
Impressed by Swapna's dedication and initiative, her employers recognized her as a valuable asset and decided to invest in her development further. They provided her with additional training opportunities and assigned her to lead a team responsible for implementing automation solutions on the shop floor.
Swapna's career took a positive turn, as she became a pivotal figure in the company's digital transformation efforts. Swapna’s decision to reskill and retrain in automation and artificial intelligence enabled her to adapt to the changing industry landscape.
Swapna, instead of fearing automation as a threat, embraced it as an opportunity to enhance her skill set. By positioning herself at the forefront of technological advancements, Swapna secured her future employability and experienced career growth that would have been unimaginable had she remained complacent.
This anecdote underscores the significance of reskilling and retraining in the face of automation and artificial intelligence. It demonstrates that by embracing change, staying proactive, and continuously updating one's skills, individuals can not only survive but thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
Overall, while AI and automation are transforming the job market, they are not necessarily a threat to the job market as a whole. They present new opportunities for growth and innovation, and workers who can adapt to these changes are likely to find new opportunities for success in the future. It is just the way surviving is never an objective, transformation is. It is time to get geared for significant changes to the world of work. This will result in enhanced productivity and enable promising outcomes across industries and departments.
Swapna has risen from the pit of fear and crowned herself to be the epitome of leading by doing. Hope, Swapna has inspired you rise above your career fears and complacence.
About the Author
This is Deepa Sankaran having 22+years of IT experience. Currently handling Program Manager role for Client Innovation centre India.