Why you need to be aware of AI and how it impacts your career development.

If the last few years have shown us anything, it's that change is inevitable, and AI is a super disruptor changing what careers look like and changing how we work. If you are in the process of planning your career, you need to know how industries are changing because of AI, what skills are in demand, will be in demand, and what new skills you need to develop so you can future proof your career.

Technological innovations mean that the world of work is more fluid, and job markets are in flux There will be some roles that may disappear and completely new roles that are created. AI is constantly evolving, and you can you set yourself up for career success by understanding and planning for these shifts.

AI is connecting and permeating industries that were previously thought to be totally divergent, Humanities, Finance, Healthcare, Legal, Creative fields and much more. Do you know how AI intersects with your chosen industry? What interdisciplinary opportunities could you engage with to integrate these fields?

Ethical considerations are something you need to be aware of in terms of things like data privacy and bias, autonomy, decision making and accountability, transparency, manipulation, misinformation, and much more. What kind of discussions are you having around AI? What kinds of discussion is your industry having around AI?

This is something to keep in mind when it comes to your career planning. More employers will be expecting candidates to be digitally literate, commercially aware and open to continuous learning as needs change. Being able to demonstrate a growth mindset and a motivation for lifelong learning will open opportunities for you. Here are some resources that will help you keep up to date with AI developments and trends that may affect your career decisions boosting your commercial awareness:

• Follow AI thought leaders and leaders in your industry for updates that could affect the future of your chosen industry, take part in online conversations and establish your voice as someone whose commercial awareness shows that you a clear idea of what is impacting your industry and your industry's customers.
• MOOCS and other online courses such as LinkedIn Learning: You'll find courses on latest AI technologies and trends; many are free and will help you upskill.
• Your university will be inviting industry leaders to campus to talk about trends, attend these workshops and webinars as regularly as you can.
• Attend industry conferences so you engage with cutting-edge research from experts. They usually offer students discounts for tickets.
• Check out social media platforms like YouTube and LinkedIn and listen to Podcasts where you can hear experts synthesise updates in a more accessible way.
• Subscribe to industry journals or access them via your University Library
• Join networks of industry professions, join groups on LinkedIn, online forums, and communities.
• Subscribe to blogs and Newsletters for your industry and AI development.

It's a brave new world out there and it can be one that offers you real career opportunities if you show you understand how your industry is changing, know where to find information, and commit to upskilling yourself.  So, get ready to catch and ride that AI wave!

Suggested Reading

> Open AI Blog
> X: Follow hashtags like #AI, #MachineLearning, and profiles of AI researchers.
> LinkedIn: Connect with AI professionals and join relevant groups to stay informed.
> MIT Technology Review
> MOOCS: Coursera: Offers a wide range of free AI courses from top universities. 
> Silicon Valley Centre Blog: The Proliferation of AI across industries

By Anna Gordon - Certified Business Coaching Psychologist ABP CBCP