Technological advances are rapidly becoming a common phenomenon thanks to great innovators who are working round the clock to achieve this. Artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and machine-learning technologies are visible examples of where we are now, and more innovations are highly anticipated with their inherent benefits and challenges.
In the education sector, ed tech is growing increasingly important, as employers demand more workers that are skilled in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) sciences. Using technology to develop STEM skills is an effective practice for educators.
Organizations are increasingly relying on technology for accounting. In accounting, for instance, the era of data entry, recordkeeping and Microsoft Excel are fast coming to a close. Newer tech is used to analyze large data and make insightful forecasts. Accounting professionals are now constantly updating their knowledge and getting accounting help for professional competencies.
In recruitment and job search process, tech has it easier for recruiters to find candidates to suit niche skills or even sway candidates who might not be actively job searching. Job seekers can even reach out directly to employers, create online profiles to attract recruiters and apply for jobs with the click of a button.
Apart from the well-known jobs, technological advancement has brought a whole lot of jobs. Search Engine Optimization (SEO), social media marketing, freelancing, automation, App development, digital and affiliate marketing etc. are good examples. Independent workers are increasingly choosing to offer their services on digital platforms such as Fiverr, Freelancer, Upwork, Uber, Indeed and PeoplePerHour thanks to tech.
However a World Economic Forum report finds that 1.4 million US jobs alone are expected to be disrupted by technology and other factors between now and 2026, of which 57% belong to women, a huge effort is needed to safeguard workers from the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Another report from McKinsey Global Institute reveals that by 2030, as many as 375 million workers—or roughly 14 percent of the global workforce—may need to switch occupational categories as digitization, automation, and advances in artificial intelligence disrupt the world of work. The kinds of skills companies require will shift, with profound implications for the career paths individuals will need to pursue.
Now, the big question is; what are you currently doing to remain relevant in this era of technology disruption?
- The critical thing to do is retraining, up-skilling, and re-skilling to adequately for the ever-changing and unpredictable technological world we are fortunate to find ourselves.
The report shows that with adequate re-skilling, 95% of the most immediately at-risk workers would find good-quality, higher-wage work in growing job families. Without re-skilling, only 2% of workers would have an optimal opportunity to transition to new jobs – while 16% would have none at all.
- You have to embrace up-skilling for capacities to step into new roles requiring digital business skills. This is as a result of the fact that digital innovations have taken away lots of jobs and at the same time replaced them with new roles requiring new skills. You certainly don’t want to be left out.
- Seek learning opportunities in the best format that’s convenient for you. The world is a busy place and there’s every tendency you could be cut up with profitable and unprofitable engagements. Hence you should identify the best platform for learning new skills (i.e. online or training institution).
- Look out for new resources in different contents (video and articles) for opportunities to learn and discover new skills, knowledge, and ideas). Also attend workshops, exhibitions, and conferences to network with others and learn new things.
- Engage in extensive research on the latest knowledge in your career and what the future will look like. By this, you’ll be equipped to adapt to the demands of digital innovations in your area of expertise.
Richard Agu is a researcher, entrepreneur and freelancer, passionate about entrepreneurship and self-development. Currently, Richard writes for Entrepreneur.com, Goodmenproject.com, among others. Follow him on Linkedin.com by clicking here now.
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