Becoming Future-Proof: Part 2

As AI creates new uncertainties in the job market, learning to become future-proof is a strategic skill | Edition #239

In the first part of this series, I wrote about the awareness phase, which starts by acknowledging that a technological and social AI wave is underway and is affecting the job market.

I discussed the critical questions you should continuously ask yourself regarding your field, work, and skills, as well as essential actions you can take right now to help you create a productive environment to become future-proof.

Becoming future-proof requires continuous effort and a genuine interest in professional growth and excellence. Today, I will cover the second phase: upskilling.

Part 2: The Upskilling Phase

AI development and deployment are constantly evolving, and you will need to continually monitor how AI affects your field, what new trends, tools, risks, and threats are emerging, and how your peers (and the world) are reacting to them. You can rely on the questions and tips I have proposed here.

After you have focused on understanding AI's impact and emerging trends, both in general and specifically related to your field, the next step is to assess your professional risk and the skills you might need to focus on to remain relevant, competitive, and future-proof.

At this point, you will need to reflect on where you currently are in your professional journey:

• How many years of professional experience do you have?

• From the perspective of your field, are you an entry-level, mid-level, or senior-level professional?

• Are you planning to stay in the same career over the next few years, or are you considering a transition to another field?

Below are my specific comments on upskilling for each seniority level: