Upskilling is the only way to survive in this AI world

I remember the day when I first saw the news about ChatGPT threatening 300 million jobs. I couldn't help but feel a bit silly and let out a chuckle. However, it wasn't until my friend mentioned how GitHub Copilot could potentially pose a threat to software jobs that I started thinking more seriously about the issue.

In today's rapidly evolving world, technology is replacing jobs at an exponential rate. If we look back at history, we can see that groundbreaking inventions like steam engines, electricity, and airplanes have replaced old jobs and created new ones. As AI continues to advance, the keyword we must focus on is "replace." To stay relevant and employable, we must continually upskill ourselves.

But why exactly do we need to upskill?

The short answer is to survive in this fast-moving world. The long answer, however, encompasses a deeper understanding of upskilling and its significance.

Upskilling is the process of acquiring new skills necessary for personal and professional success, both in the present and future. It involves closing the gap between what life can offer and what you need to thrive. Interestingly, when you search for reasons to upskill, most websites highlight five reasons related to better job opportunities. I wholeheartedly disagree with this perspective.

Upskilling should be about personal growth and advancement. It's about becoming better versions of ourselves, earning more money, achieving financial independence, and enjoying life with our families. It's about living life without worrying about doing work we hate every day.

This isn't to say that we shouldn't care about our careers or conventional 9-to-5 jobs. Rather, I advocate for a shift in focus, encouraging more people to venture beyond traditional career paths and embrace entrepreneurship.

My Personal Point of View

My personal journey reflects this mindset. Pursuing a Master's degree in Computer Science and currently working on an MBA has allowed me to continuously upskill myself. Additionally, I've utilized resources like books on entrepreneurship, informative YouTube videos, and online articles to further expand my knowledge.

The Internet is the hub of knowledge and information. There is every detail, every knowledge or information available on the internet that any person might ever need. However, not all information is useful, and not all are true. You must have heard about misinformation. The Internet is filled with those, and this pool of misinformation can harm a person’s knowledge and journey of learning to a huge extend. Now, to separate the true information from the false information on the internet is an art in itself, and some might even call it a level of upskilling.

Embarking on an Upskilling Journey

Starting your upskilling journey may seem overwhelming, but with a systematic approach, you can overcome the initial challenges and set yourself up for success. Here is a detailed guide to help you begin your upskilling journey.

Begin with goal-setting

The first step in your upskilling journey is to set clear goals. Take some time to reflect on your passions, aspirations, and areas in which you want to grow. By defining your objectives, you create a sense of purpose that will keep you motivated throughout the process.

Your goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By ensuring your objectives adhere to these criteria, you will be better equipped to track your progress and achieve your desired outcomes.

Identify your knowledge gaps

Once you have established your goals, assess your current skill set and identify the areas in which you need improvement. Be honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses. Now, you might say that identifying your weaknesses might make you a weak person. But that is not it. As you self-actualize, you gain your self’s knowledge and from that knowledge, you can work on yourself and make yourself better at something. In short, this mechanism works by shortlisting the areas that need the most correction to be done on.

Blueprint of your betterment plan

• An itemized inventory of the knowledge gaps that must be filled
• Learners' Preferred Mediums (e.g., Books, Courses, and Workshops)
• An outline of when you should learn each skill
• A means of monitoring development and making informed judgments

Start learning

Once your upskilling strategy is in place, it's time to begin learning. Immerse yourself in the chosen resources and dedicate time each day or week to your personal development. Remember that consistency is essential, and maintaining a regular learning schedule will help solidify your new skills.

Exercise your skills

As you acquire new skills, it's crucial to put them into practice. Actively using your newfound abilities will help reinforce your learning and build confidence in your capabilities. You should always be on the lookout for chances to put your abilities to use, whether in the form of personal endeavors, volunteer work, or paid employment.

Don’t stop learning

Upskilling is an ongoing process, and there is always more to learn. You may find as you advance that there are other domains in which you would like to specialize or improve. Stay curious, and continue seeking out new learning opportunities to keep your knowledge and abilities up-to-date and relevant.

Don't hesitate to ask for help

Finally, never be afraid to seek assistance.  Reach out to mentors, join online forums, and engage in professional networks to learn from others who share your interests and goals.  Asking for help not only enhances your knowledge but also helps you forge valuable connections that can support your upskilling journey.

So, there it is, a whole guide on why you need to pull your socks and work on your upskilling in 2023. While you might ignore this guide as just a light read, but I assure you that you will be feeling the need to upskill yourself if you want to stay in the field and not be replaced by robots.

A year from now, half or more employment are expected to be replaced by AI, and for a good reason. So, this is your time to work on yourself and prove that you’re here to stay and make your worth count!