AI is here to stay, so how can we stay relevant?
It’s here—AI—and it’s going to take your job or limit your future opportunities. Right? Well, not exactly. People thought the same about Microsoft Excel back in the day, but now it’s seen as a vital tool that enhances work rather than replacing people.
AI is already part of our daily lives, whether we realise it or not. It powers online banking, helps us shop smarter, and even curates what we see on social media. The workplace is no exception—AI will be a key part of how we work, so the real concern isn’t whether AI will replace you, but how you can stay ahead and use it to your advantage.
Understanding AI’s Role in the Workplace
AI is being integrated across industries, from automation in finance to AI-driven content creation in marketing. It’s not about replacing jobs but augmenting human capabilities. In fact, according to Microsoft and LinkedIn’s 2024 Work Trend Index, 71% of employers now prefer hiring a less experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them. That means AI literacy isn’t just a bonus—it’s becoming a key hiring factor.
AI can enhance communication, data analysis, research, project management, and even career development. Tools like Grammarly refine writing, ChatGPT can review emails before you send them, and AI-powered analytics tools can process and summarise complex data. It can also help visualise projects, support career planning, and offer insights into qualifications and alternative career pathways.
Staying Relevant in the AI Age
To future-proof your career, it’s crucial to understand how to use AI effectively while recognising its limitations. AI synthesises vast amounts of information, but it’s not always 100% accurate or unbiased. Critical thinking and fact-checking remain essential. Knowing how to ask AI the right questions, analyse responses, and refine information for accuracy is a skill in itself.
Industries like finance, marketing, healthcare, and education are already feeling AI’s impact:
Finance: AI aids in risk assessment, fraud detection, and automated trading.
Marketing: AI generates ad copy, optimises campaigns, and enhances customer engagement.
Healthcare: AI assists with diagnostics, robotic surgeries, and medical research.
Education: AI supports lesson planning, automated grading, and personalised learning.
According to the IMF, almost 40% of jobs will be impacted by AI, making AI-related skills crucial for new graduates. QS’s survey of over 1,000 employers found that they are prioritising problem-solving, quantitative analysis, and creativity—skills essential for working effectively with AI-generated data and strategies.
The Growing Importance of AI Skills
As AI adoption spreads beyond the tech industry, professionals across various sectors are increasingly developing AI aptitude. According to Karin Kimbrough, the Chief Economist at LinkedIn, hiring of technical AI talent on LinkedIn has increased by 323% over the past eight years, and the number of companies with a Head of AI position has tripled in the past five years. AI proficiency is no longer limited to tech roles—content writers, graphic designers, and marketing managers are among the top professions upskilling in AI, with non-technical professionals leading the way. In fact, LinkedIn has seen a 160% increase in non-technical professionals taking AI-related courses in the last six months. AI literacy, including the ability to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot, is becoming a key skill for job seekers and employees looking to stay competitive in an evolving job market.
How to Future-Proof Your Career
Continue learning and upskilling: Take online courses, stay informed through AI news, and explore platforms like Coursera and Udemy.
Network and join AI communities: Engage with professionals, attend webinars, and collaborate with colleagues on AI-driven solutions.
Enhance your soft skills: Adaptability, problem-solving, creativity, and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable. AI can support these skills, but it can’t replicate human ingenuity.
For international students, AI skills may be even more critical. Many emerging economies have booming tech industries but lack the skilled workforce to match. Developing AI literacy can provide a competitive edge in both home and international job markets.
AI is here to stay, and it’s a powerful tool for maximising efficiency in the workplace. Employers don’t expect you to be an AI expert—they expect you to be adaptable and open to using it. Everyone is still learning how to integrate AI effectively, so engage in discussions, experiment with tools, and find ways to make AI work for you.