How AI Is Impacting Jobs And Ways To Stay Relevant

At a Glance

• IMF says 40% of jobs will be affected by AI by 2025 and by 2030 all engineering jobs will be automated.
• Experts says learning news skills is the remedy to jobs losses in future.
• Online courses is the new universities to learn digital skills for the AI driven world.

For years technology has been the agent of change in the world, transforming all sectors in unprecedented ways. However, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking the job market by storm, threatening to render many skills useless.

While there are many benefits associated with AI and automation of systems, it’s likely to put many people out of jobs as their roles can be assigned to AI algorithms.

Thagana Peters is a tech-entrepreneur and founder of Thagana Solutions, a web development and digital strategy service company told JEDCA MEDIA that AI is not a threat to the job market as of 2024 but rather a powerful tool to boost productivity. However, he believes that for you to benefit from AI, you have to acquire relevant skills and expertise.

Thagana, who won Africa’s FOYA Awards Tech-preneur of the year, 2023, believes that AI tools, especially generative AI like ChatGpt, are going to help developers to perform mundane tasks as they focus more on creativity.

“Generative AI tools like ChatGPT have the potential to significantly streamline web development tasks. For instance, AI can assist in automating routine tasks like debugging and even designing user interfaces,” he told JEDCA MEDIA.

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He pointed out that web services like WordPress and Wix are already using AI tools. Thagana believes that AI is an enabler in maneuvering the data driven world.

“Platforms like WordPress and Wix are already leveraging AI capabilities, allowing users to create websites with just a click of a button. This could speed up the development process, reduce costs for clients, and make developers more productive. Web development still requires human creativity, problem-solving, and the ability to integrate complex systems, where AI is not yet able to fully replicate human intuition,” he said.

Vital Skill Sets in the Age of AI

Thagana reveals that with AI systems coming into the workspaces, people require new skills in order to fully benefit from AI systems and algorithms.

He says developers need to learn complementary skills so that they can work side-by-side with AI systems. Such skills include leadership and machine learning, adding that these skills will put you on the right track for future opportunities.

“In the age of AI, technical skills will remain crucial, but what becomes equally important are complementary skills like critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Developers need to stay updated with AI-related technologies such as machine learning, natural language processing, and automation tools. Soft skills like leadership, collaboration, and emotional intelligence will also set professionals apart. The ability to understand, guide, and work alongside AI systems is where many future opportunities lie,” the tech-entrepreneur says.

The Role of Online Courses in Acquiring Skills

Thagana is optimistic that despite schools failing to offer requisite skills for future opportunities, he says online courses are the new avenues where people can learn and sharpen their skills. He is a beneficiary of online courses where he has learnt skills like screenwriting, web development and psychology.

He lauds online courses because they are flexible and provide you with skills which are in demand and highly sought by AI companies and other companies seeking to incorporate AI tools into their systems. To him, online courses are the universities for the future since they provide relevant courses for future opportunities.

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“Online courses have become a key source for acquiring new skills. I’ve personally benefited from them. I hold over 10 certificates from various online programs, including certification in programming, web development, leadership, screenwriting, film and psychology. It gives you flexible learning experience and access to world-class resources, making it a powerful tool for lifelong learning,” he says.

“My experience has been incredibly positive, as it allows me to learn at my own pace, stay updated on emerging technologies, and continuously grow in both technical and non-technical fields. It’s clear that, in today’s fast-evolving job market, online courses provide a convenient and relevant avenue for gaining skills,” he adds.

How AI is impacting jobs and Why You Need To Update Your Skills

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) 40 per cent of jobs will be affected in one way or the other by AI by the year 2025 and nearly all engineering jobs could be automated by 2030. Many skills would become irrelevant as AI tools can easily replace workers.

In developed countries, AI poses a great threat to jobs compared to emerging economies in the global south. IMF says re-allocation and upgrading is the remedy to the imminent jobs market shocks staged by AI.