How to stay relevant in the age of AI, according to experts.

The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, the global workforce will require an additional 101 million workers with technical skills in areas such as data analysis, AI and machine learning.?

“While AI can be a source of fear for many right now, it’s important to understand how we can leverage it effectively to make our work more productive and focus on what’s important for the business,” says Ratna Juita , CEO and founder at The Mindgem, Singapore.

Experts on LinkedIn believe that this technology has the potential to create new and exciting opportunities for professionals. To make the most of it, individuals must be willing to invest in upskilling and adapt to the changing landscape of work.?

Here are their key takeaways.??

Upskill in areas where humanity triumphs over a machine

AI won’t entirely replace humans any time soon, industry experts and companies investing in the technology say. But jobs are transforming as AI becomes more accessible. “We can get prepared for such a scenario by upskilling in areas where humanity triumphs over a machine,” suggests Juliana Chan, PhD CEO and publisher at Wildtype Media Group, Singapore.?

“Public speaking is one such skill, be it in person or on Zoom. Public speaking is a gateway to many core human interactions and functions, such as managing and coaching a team, taking on leadership positions at work, and in roles that require significant interpersonal connection, such as education and politics,” she recommends.

“I'd also like to think a robot can't do my job, which is highly complex and relational... Soft skills like empathy, leadership, resilience and communication will be ultra valuable in the decades to come as AI takes over most of the routine, repetitive technical tasks,” she further adds.

Why is upskilling essential in an AI-driven world? Join the conversation in the comments below and/or in a post using #GetHiredAsia

Replace rote work and increase productivity

“Rather than fear the growth of AI and automation, we should see its potential to liberate us from tiresome, repetitive work,” recommends Chris Tran , gaming expert and coach from Singapore.?

“Imagine saying goodbye to data entry and hello to brainstorming sessions that spark unbridled innovation… Instead of spending hours analysing endless data, you could dedicate that time to developing innovative strategies to boost revenues,” he says.?

“Let's pause and address the elephant in the room. The existential threat of AI isn't something we can just sweep under the rug. The real danger lies in allowing our personal identities to remain inextricably tied to jobs that risk replacement due to AI advancements.”?

Build empathy and develop human connections

“Let's embrace the opportunities of technology while staying human-centric,” says Juita. While many of us might get busy talking to ChatGPT, we may lose that human connection.?

“Building strong relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers through active listening, effective communication, and rapport-building is what will help us to move the needle. And building empathy will help us handle difficult situations with ease,” she suggests.

Use it to your advantage?

“With the whole Hullabaloo around AI, I find myself increasingly drowned in commentary on whether it will take away creative jobs. Replace writers for one!,” says Kashmira Chawak , founder of Storyboard Communications, Singapore.

“While I don’t think we are there yet, it does democratise content creation to an extent. It is a fantastic tool for non-wordsmiths to get their insights out there coherently.”

If this is you, she suggests some ways you can use the platform to your advantage:

• Research: You may want to verify the information yielded by these platforms but it’s definitely enough to get you started on your writing journey.
• Cure writer’s block: If you are stuck and your ideas aren’t flowing, brainstorm with the platform. As long as you are using the right questions, you will get the inspiration you need to break the barrier.
• Fix language: Personally, I am a big fan of Grammarly but ChatGPT does a decent job too.
• Edit: Even professional writers need editors, you can have the platform to edit yours.

ChatGPT, an efficient tool for the workplace

Ruth Lee , strategic communications lead at Doyobi Singapore, sees ChatGPT as a great tool for the workplace. She suggests a few ways to work with it:?

• Helps rework awkward sentence structures.
• Helps generate templates for standard agreements.
• Helps convert text into variations - bullet points, speech, presentation.
• Helps rehearse potentially difficult workplace discussions (describe your boss and ask it to act).?

How are you future-proofing your career in the age of AI? Share your tips and suggestions in the comments below and/or in a post using #GetHiredAsia

• I tried an AI career coach and I have mixed feelings! – Cindi Wirawan 林幸妮 , Millennial Career Coach, Singapore. Join the conversation.
• Is the future one where we merge AI into human brains? – TOH Wee Khiang , Director at National Energy Transformation Office, Singapore. Join the conversation.
• AI tools can help us get the job done more efficiently – Ananda Nadya , Product & UX Researcher Manager at Tokopedia, Singapore. Join the conversation.

• Embracing AI: Discovering the benefits and learning how to harness its potential in your career. In this piece, Andrew Seaman , LinkedIn Managing Editor for Jobs & Career Development, shares his experiment with AI.
• Future of skills, LinkedIn report 2023?

Also look out for:

• Top skills employers want to see on a resume in 2023. Here's how to embrace them.?

Want to learn more about how you can prepare yourself to thrive in the workplace of the future? Keep an eye out for the next edition of the Get Hired Asia newsletter in two weeks’ time. Make sure you never miss an issue by subscribing here.

Reported By: Neha Jain Kale – LinkedIn News Editor covering jobs and career development in Asia.

Creator Manager: Alita Utari Dewi

Editor’s Note: Some quotes were edited for length and clarity.