They often say that the movies are a reflection of what’s happening (or about to happen) in our society. That Artificial Intelligence (AI), robots and software have dramatically changed the job market, is without doubt, a fact. Smart automation and the introduction of technology-based protocols to smoothen the work process is quite common across sectors – no matter whether you are looking at manufacturing, technical programming, factory work and just about everything in between. The simple logic has been that technology has made it possible to work round-the-clock, and with consistent efficiency.
However, technology naysayers predict that though technology has reduced human effort, it may reduce the number of jobs as well. In fact, they claim that technology will soon replace humans, especially in IT based jobs. Is that true?
Read: What are the key skillsets needed in today’s knowledge economy?
Preparing for a New World Job Market
The idea of disruptive technology is not a new one and in fact comes with every wave of innovation. Economists from Goldman Sachs are quick to point out that all the technological advances we have seen so far has definitely resulted in better productivity. However, there is nothing to show that mass unemployment will happen. What essentially has happened is that automation and technology based disruption has created shifts in the way the economy functions.
For example, research by the Economist showed that when legal research was automated, the requirement for clerks came down. However, the demand for research went up and this required more clerks who could facilitate the job. Similarly when ATMs where introduced in the US, the number of tellers were reduced. But with the money saved on wages, banks were able to open more branches, requiring more man power.
A recent report by McKinsey & Company assures that automation and robots will not replace jobs. However, most people currently employed will find that parts of their work profiles are now going to be automated. In fact, only about 5% of jobs overall are actually going to see full automation take over. What this essentially means is that the job market will now look at making human roles more productive and jobs available to a specific skill set.
Read: The AI promise – The tale of two sectors
Technology Will Actually Help you Land a Better Job
Instead of losing a job due to technology, you may find that it helps you find a better one! According to the inaugural report of Stanford’s One Hundred Year Study on AI (AI100), between 2013 and right up to 2018, the USA, UK and Canada have all seen an increase in jobs that require AI skills. Most of the jobs created are in start-ups which work on plugging specific needs in the market. With investors today bullish on AI, the number of companies hiring are on the increase. In fact, since 2000, there are 14 times more companies dealing with AI systems than ever before.
AI will work on helping people find better jobs and matching peoples’ skills to a specific kind of job opening. With AI-powered data analysis increasingly being used in human resources, the chances of getting a job that pays better and utilizes your skill set to the maximum is now a reality.
So How Can Your Career Benefit with Technology?
Here is how you can prepare to be in an automated world:
- Adapt along with the Technology: Every organization brings in technology gradually. It is important then that employees work with upgrading and working alongside this gradual incorporation of tech to ensure that they keep up.
- Help Others: Whether you are a team leader or a developer, you can work towards understanding the technology faster and helping others in your team get there. This enables progress and increases the speed at which newer technologies can make an entry. Your position continues to be strong as you will know best how to incorporate upgraded technology.
- Work on being creative: Every technology incorporated has scope for improvement, as does the skill set. Understand how the technology works and examine how you can enhance your skills as well as make suggestions for improvement of the technology.
Read: Impact of Big Data and AI in Lead Scoring
For people looking to get involved in the creation of newer technologies, there is no time like now to get into the groove of this exciting new world. With the proliferation of these technologies, there will be an increasing need for more people who understand it and can work on enhancing its abilities.
