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Future Proofing Yourself in the World of AI

Writer's picture: Adam GrantAdam Grant


The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics is reshaping industries at an unprecedented pace. This technological revolution presents both challenges and opportunities, and it's time for the working world to constantly seek to evolve. The truth is, AI hangs over it like a spectre with a relentless drive.


A few thoughts:


First, the jobs market is already shifting quickly, and with advances in AI and robotics, it's hard to see an industry that won't be heavily impacted by the changes. In my view, the job market will contract heavily before we see new roles to replace them enter the market at scale. This contraction means many traditional roles may become obsolete before new opportunities emerge, leading to a period of uncertainty for workers across various sectors.

 

In addition, there don't seem to be any controls or resolution planning in place for these changes to the market. Companies will (rightly) want to leverage these advances in technology, but are these job losses being planned for? The lack of strategic planning could result in significant economic and social challenges. This could create an industrial revolution-style race to the bottom as the mass market rushes to compete for the remaining jobs on offer. Ultimately, we can't and won't stop firms innovating, so people need to make the required changes to keep their skill sets relevant.

 

Despite the above, AI can be a powerful force for streamlining workflow and expanding the rate at which tasks can be completed. There is plenty of great content on this for recruiters (and likely others), so I won't replicate it, but being able to leverage the tools at your disposal will become the most obvious way to make your existing skill set sing. Embracing AI tools can enhance productivity and open up new avenues for professional growth.

 

 

Rather than regurgitate or copy this content, I thought I’d give some practical examples of what we’re doing at FreQuant (call it a shameless plug if you like) to show how we’re trying to adapt to these changes:

 

  • From next year, we'll be putting together management presentations annually for our clients that show them how their hiring is going, how we feel it could be improved, and what some of their competitors are doing in the market. We'll also be taking on bespoke projects to provide insights on specific requests from senior management. We'll be using this approach to drive new client acquisition, and potentially increase revenue and/or exclusivity on roles. Recruiters have huge amounts of data that can help their clients, but few are actually using it effectively.

  • We've also partnered with a couple of FinTechs to help them market their products. This may be more specific to FreQuant given our background in enterprise sales and recruitment, but ultimately, recruiters have exceptional networks and can help smaller firms with their outreach. This is a great way of involving yourself with technological advancements and also getting a sense of what's happening in all layers of the market. By leveraging our network, we're not only aiding these firms but also staying at the forefront of industry developments.

  • Additionally, we're looking at ways to help communities drive success amongst their members, using blockchain technology and tokenisation. This innovative approach could revolutionise how communities interact and support each other, providing new opportunities for engagement and growth.

 

In light of these initiatives, it's clear that adaptability and innovation are key. For individuals and organisations alike, staying relevant means embracing change and seeking out new ways to add value. This might involve upskilling, exploring new technologies, or finding novel applications for existing skills.

 

 

One practical step is to engage in continuous learning. There are numerous online courses, workshops, and seminars available that focus on AI, machine learning, and related technologies. By gaining a basic understanding of these areas, professionals can better position themselves in the evolving job market.

 

Networking is another crucial element. By connecting with others in your industry who are embracing AI and technological change, you can share insights, learn about new opportunities, and collaborate on innovative projects. Engaging with professional communities can provide support and inspiration as you navigate these changes. It's also important to stay informed about industry trends. Regularly reading industry publications, attending webinars, and participating in discussions can help you anticipate changes and adapt accordingly. Being proactive rather than reactive will give you a competitive edge in a rapidly changing environment.




 

Consider how you can leverage AI tools in your current role. Even simple applications of AI can enhance efficiency and productivity. By becoming proficient with these tools, you not only improve your own performance but also demonstrate value to your employer. This could lead to new opportunities within your organisation or industry. Embracing a mindset of lifelong learning and flexibility can open doors you might not have previously considered. The ability to pivot and apply your skills in new contexts is becoming increasingly valuable. Whether it's learning to leverage AI to write code, embracing GenAI usage in analytics, or exploring the intricacies of design principles, expanding your skill set can make you more resilient to market changes.

 

Artificial Intelligence and its exponential growth can be frightening for recruitment and many other industries. It's important that people start thinking proactively about how their skill sets need to evolve to meet this challenge. Waiting passively is not an option; the pace of technological change demands action. Embracing change, investing in personal development, and leveraging new technologies are not just strategies for survival—they are pathways to thrive in the new landscape. The future may be uncertain, but with the right approach, we can navigate the complexities that AI adoption will bring about and emerge stronger. It's about turning potential threats into opportunities and ensuring that we remain indispensable in an ever-evolving job market.


(The author is  Director of FreQuant. Views expressed are personal.)

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