Automation in the workplace continues to make headlines, leaving many professionals concerned about the future of their careers. At some point, specific jobs may be entirely handled by artificial intelligence (AI) or automated robotic solutions, leaving the people who previously performed those duties without a job.
However, while automation is making waves, that doesn’t mean your career won’t survive in 2020 and beyond. By taking the right steps, you can protect yourself, ensuring that you remain a critical part of the workplace for years to come. Here’s how to get started.
Research Your Industry and Profession
First and foremost, you need to learn about how automation is affecting your industry or profession. Some roles are at higher risk of being eliminated than others, so it’s essential to find out now if you are working in a job that falls in a higher risk category, such as bookkeeping and payroll. By doing so, you can determine how urgent taking action is and use that to motivate yourself to futureproof your career.
Additionally, it can help ensure that you are realistic about automation. In some cases, professionals perceive a threat that doesn’t exist in their niche. Plus, they may be overlooking the benefits automation can provide, such as by eliminating the need for handling tedious, repetitive tasks, enabling you to focus on more engaging work.
Focus on the Right Upskilling Opportunities
Specific skills are outside of the capabilities of automation so that they will remain firmly in the hands of people. Critical thinking, creativity, complex problem-solving, collaboration, decision-making, and several others fall in this category, so by focusing on building skills in these and allied areas can protect your career.
When you look for opportunities to enhance your skill set, focus on areas that won’t be likely targets for automation. If you have access to professional development programs through your employer, explore those benefits. Also, branch out on your own to broaden your learning potential. Consider a certification program, online class, or volunteer opportunity that can help you grow, if you can’t get everything you need from your company.
Learn How to Harness Automation
One of the ways that you can ensure your career survives is to broaden your capabilities when it comes to harnessing automation. Every technology needs professionals who can operate it, so adding experience in that area makes you more valuable as automation becomes increasingly common.
This could include anything from learning how to make use of specific AI systems to acquiring skills that allow you to design, implement, and manage new solutions. As a bonus, by diving into these areas, you are showing employers that you are willing to take advantage of emerging technologies and adapt to their presence, both of which can make you a more valuable employee in their eyes.
Ultimately, all of the tips can help ensure your career survives in 2020 and beyond. If you’d like to find out more, the team at The Advance Group can help. Contact us with your questions today and see how our emerging technology expertise can benefit you.