Whether you’re Gen X, Y or Z – we all need to be GenAI

Making choices about where we spend our careers, develop, grow, and contribute to something bigger than ourselves are among life's key decisions. With AI and robotics becoming increasingly prevalent in the workplace, I've begun to wonder what we should be considering in terms of future career paths for ourselves and our children.  

In the world of recruitment, where we help our clients and candidates make career choices every day, this question is particularly relevant.

To put it in context, Jakob Neilson – the esteemed UX expert – predicted that by 2027, AI will be like bringing a lunchbox to work filled with 200 Ph.Ds. from all disciplines. Understanding AI is the key to opening that lunchbox.

The Challenge of Future-Proofing Careers

So what are the skills we will need to thrive in a world where AI and robotics take on more of the repeatable elements of our roles? I recently discussed this thorny topic with a fellow commuter who works in the highly regulated world of banking and investments. We quickly got onto the question of what skills we need to acquire or practice to gain mastery.

We spoke about his early teenage children and the probability that the skills they are building in the education system and in their home life may well not be the ones that enable them to be successful in the companies of the near future. There's a concern that university degree programs in topics such as computer science may be teaching skills that could be obsolete by the time students enter the workplace.

For those of us already in the workplace, perhaps earlier in our careers, how do we prepare ourselves so that our skills don't become obsolete?

Essential Skills for the AI-Driven Future

While none of us have a crystal ball, we can be fairly sure of some premium value skills that are important now and will be even more so in the near to mid-term future. For instance:

1. Creativity: This skillset enables us to develop new solutions and opportunities that AI may not foresee.

2. Emotional Intelligence: Essential for managing interpersonal relationships and understanding human emotions, ensuring effective collaboration and leadership.

3. Critical Thinking: Allows us to analyse complex problems, make informed decisions, and evaluate outcomes critically. In a world where AI rapidly processes data and presents recommendations and actions, this human skill will be ever more crucial.

4. Adaptability: As the pace of change accelerates, those who can quickly learn and adjust to new tools and environments will be able to thrive.

The Importance of Resilience

I would add one more human trait which I believe will be essential in this ever-changing world: resilience. The ability to adapt, change, and apply critical thinking to a wide variety of challenges and opportunities means that the pace of life most likely won't slow down. To work effectively and happily in this world, we need to be able to look after our mental and physical health so that we are equipped to thrive.

What do you think?

I would love to know your thoughts and ideas on what it will take for us to prepare ourselves for this changing world. How can we ensure that we and the next generation are ready for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in an AI-driven workplace?

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