Today, it seems like all roads lead to AI. If technology pioneers and industry leaders are to be believed, artificial intelligence will not only define the future, it is the future. And as the world struggles with how to use technology, the market is changing. Businesses are turning to AI to replace outdated practices and improve efficiency. As AI permeates the office and boosts productivity, it is expected to change the way companies engage with human labor. Soon, instead of managing tasks, we will monitor the systems that run them. With the dawn of a new technology era, it’s the perfect time for young professionals and newcomers to immerse themselves in the world of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Training in the latest trends and concepts is a career-defining move and probably the best decision you’ll ever make.
Freshmen today face a world of change. As the economy fluctuates and demand for many types of jobs declines, options are limited for young professionals with no work experience. With technology companies freezing hiring and delaying hiring, graduates are never left with a choice. But there are also bright spots. Niche areas like AI are blossoming and demanding skilled talent in these areas. While traditional technology areas such as IT and legacy software development are gradually declining and the focus shifts to digital technologies (AI/ML, cloud computing, IoT, blockchain, AR/VR), new job profiles are sure to increase. These roles are highly specialized and require knowing new age skills and an innate flair for critical thinking. The latter cannot be taught, but the former can be learned and acquired by young minds.
A persistent problem in India is the shortage of qualified digital technical talent. But it also presents some exciting opportunities for those wanting to join the digital revolution. The country’s supply and demand gap in AI and big data analytics in 2021 is 50%, and he had nearly 500,000 job vacancies in this sector. And that number continues to grow. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Work Report 2023 forecasts that 69 million new jobs will be replaced by more than 80 million jobs.
And with one of the fastest growing roles being in AI, the employment of data scientists and AI specialists could grow exponentially over the next few years. On the other hand, the field’s longevity is best illustrated by the fact that by 2030 it is expected to become a basic technical skill. Decades from now, progress in nearly every field will be based on AI technology. Human traits such as communication are becoming more automatable, and several organizations are considering incorporating AI into their workflows and training their employees to use AI and big data.
The road ahead for young Indians is clear. Today, economic conditions and global events may make it difficult to take traditional roles, but opportunities abound elsewhere. There are job openings. Long term career is possible. High-paying, promising roles also exist. Organizations are actively seeking young curious professionals with the right mix of creativity and analytical skills. Given this situation, freshmen should change course and focus on upskilling AI.
Almost everything from assisting screenwriters to streamlining marketing will be automated. Correspondingly, the business utility of AI tools will increase, allowing employees to focus on critical tasks that require human judgment. Future jobs will see a proliferation of ML Engineers, AI Data Analysts, DevOps Engineers, and Solution Architects, as increased adoption will require more labor in the development phase to create and maintain AI systems. And while these jobs may eventually evolve and grow into other forms, they provide a solid foundation for young talent to grow in the long term.
Acquiring these skills will not only ensure entry into the job market, but also ensure stability and enduring desirability in a highly competitive environment.
AI and data are game-changing in ways unlike anything we’ve seen before. Their impact on the tech industry is immense. Concepts of how we work and solve problems will soon be questioned. A renaissance is happening right now. Tech aspirants should join it, or risk their careers being hindered by owning past-the-sell skills. The question is simple. Follow the breadcrumbs and survive in the industry. As India and the rest of the world prepare for a digital transformation (or takeover), AI-based skills are undoubtedly a certified route to prolific professionals. For the youth of this country, this is the safest bet – perhaps
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(Author is Academic Director, Great Learning)
