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How to Reboot Your Career Post-Automation
Jon Boitnott, wrote for Entrepreneuer.com, that nearly 40 percent of American jobs could be automated within the next 15 years, according to a report from PwC, and it isn’t just low-skilled workers who could be out of a job. Increasingly sophisticated machine-learning technology will also displace white-collar workers.
Don’t panic. Just because you may be replaced by robotics, that doesn’t mean you are doomed to panhandling. On the contrary, Boitnott explains you can make yourself indispensable to your job.
Here’s an abridged version of his suggestions:
1. Adopt the AT&T model of self-guided education
AT&T, one of the world’s largest telecommunications companies, employs hundreds of thousands of people. Rather than fire them, AT&T gives existing employees a choice: Participate in educational opportunities provided by the organization and enhance your skills, or leave with a generous severance package.
2. Develop soft skills
Develop soft skills by investing in activities and classes that allow you to better engage with other people. That could be in the form of an acting class, a networking event, a public speaking lecture, or even sessions with a psychologist.
3. Take the initiative to experiment with new tech
Make an effort to improve your technological literacy, even to learn to code. Take free online courses to get ahead. Understanding how new mainstream technologies work, and how your skills might fit can help you to anticipate what your next career move should be.
4. Look for new jobs created by innovative technologies
Some workers will lose their jobs as a result of new technologies, but many others will find new opportunities. Be proactive and acquire new skills in order to take advantage of possibilities others aren’t expecting.
Boitnott points out lots of new jobs will be created by the tech revolution, so be prepared and ready to do what it takes to stay employed.
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