The rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is shaping a new reality in the labor market, demanding a profound transformation in the skills of professionals.
By Giuliana Corbo*
In a scenario in which technology not only redefines traditional functions, but also creates new opportunities and challenges, continuous updating through upskilling and reskilling is presented as an important strategy to maintain competitiveness and relevance for both individuals and organizations.
In recent decades, the labor market has undergone substantial changes, but the arrival of AI promises to be one of the most disruptive and challenging. According to the Harvard Business Review, the half-life of skills, especially in technological areas, has been drastically reduced, from five years to less than three in some cases. While there are concerns about the possibility of this technology replacing human workers, PwC's forecasts indicate that AI could create around 2.7 million net jobs in the UK by 2037.
In addition, according to the study "Artificial Intelligence in Latin America", carried out by NTT DATA and MIT Technology Review, Colombia, along with Mexico, stands out as the country in the region with the greatest interest in AI. This scenario presents a key opportunity for Colombian companies to promote the development of the industry, taking advantage of the growing interest and technological potential.
To achieve this, and ensure that both companies and professionals stay relevant, it is necessary for both to take a proactive approach to skills development. Upskilling, which involves perfecting existing skills, offers professionals the opportunity to delve into emerging areas and respond to new market demands. A notable example of this strategy is Amazon's Machine Learning University, which has trained developers to become specialists in one of today's most promising technologies.
On the other hand, reskilling allows professionals to transition to new areas or functions, making them more versatile and, therefore, more attractive to employers. A front-end developer, for example, who wants to become a full-stack professional needs to acquire knowledge about new technologies, frameworks, and languages to expand their skill set and ensure they adapt to market changes.
According to the World Economic Forum, by 2027, 44% of current job skills will undergo changes. The "Future of Jobs" report highlights that almost half of professionals worldwide will need to adapt to technological advances.
In this context, the question that arises is: how can professionals and companies prepare for these inevitable changes?
The first step in preparing is to anticipate market demands. Rather than focusing on potential job losses, experts suggest that professionals focus their efforts on the new opportunities that will arise. Identifying which functions will be most in demand, which skills will be most valued and what companies are looking for becomes essential to ensure relevance in the labor market. Expanding knowledge and experience, whether through formal education, online courses, or on-the-job training, is an effective way to prepare for new roles.
At the same time, the development of non-technical skills also takes centre stage. Analytical thinking, for example, emerges as one of the most sought-after skills by companies, closely followed by creative thinking. In addition, skills such as adaptability, curiosity and a commitment to continuous learning are becoming increasingly valuable in a constantly changing labour market.
No less important is the exploration of opportunities within the company itself. Many times, professional development pathways and specialized training programs are available in-house. In fact, according to a global report presented by Bain & Company, 7 out of 10 workers would change companies for one that invests and cares about their training. Additionally, seeking guidance from mentors and managers can provide valuable insights and support on the path to professional growth.
In the face of the accelerated transformations caused by Artificial Intelligence, the key to prospering in this new scenario is continuous adaptation. Understanding and adopting upskilling and reskilling strategies is not just an opportunity to face impending changes. The right preparation, based on a focus on skills development, will be the differentiator for those who wish to not only survive, but also lead in the new digital economy.
* Giuliana Corbo, CEO of Nearsure, Public Accountant from the University of the Republic and postgraduate in Big Data and Machine Learning analysis from the ORT University of Uruguay.
