There’s no doubt about it: AI is here to stay. While AI, or artificial intelligence, is still in its infancy, it’s safe to say it will significantly change the way we work in the years to come.
As a student, now is the perfect time to hone your skills and prepare yourself for your Industry 5.0 career. Read on to discover our top tips for future-proofing your job in the AI boom.
Learn valuable skills
One of the best ways to prepare yourself for the world of tomorrow is by familiarising yourself with the latest technologies.
The rise of AI and machine learning is great news for those interested in a career in technology. Indeed, computing jobs in Australia are expected to grow significantly by 2026, with a 27 per cent increase in roles for software and application programmers alone.
However, no matter your future role, you’ll benefit from an increased understanding of AI. Automation is expected to impact almost every industry, so staying up-to-date on the latest developments is a great idea.
Books, news articles and podcasts can be great ways to hear the latest tech news. Alternatively, short courses and masterclasses, like those offered by the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), can be a great way to expand your professional skills and get a competitive edge.
For example, you can learn how to code with Python Stage 1 or get a comprehensive overview of the latest technologies and their applications with the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Masterclass.
Foster your soft skills
Succeeding in Industry 5.0 won’t just require technical know-how. Indeed, with the increase in automation, soft skills will be among the most desirable traits employers look for in the future.
Soft skills are the non-technical, highly transferable abilities that you need to succeed in any professional environment. These include adaptability, problem-solving and relationship-building.
Emotional intelligence, also known as EI or EQ, is another vital soft skill for Industry 5.0. EI includes self-awareness, empathy, emotional regulation and motivation. As the workplace becomes more human-centric, the ability to connect with others and display a high level of EQ will be vital.
Harness your creativity
From driverless cars to virtual assistants, AI has already demonstrated its power and potential. However, there’s one thing AI cannot replicate: human creativity.
Indeed, the key to success in Industry 5.0 will be the merging of automation and new technology with human intelligence, which is why now is the best time to hone your creative thinking.
For example, through UTS’ TD School, undergraduate students are gaining first-hand experience in transdisciplinary problem-solving. By working with peers across faculties on real-world issues, students are learning how to overcome barriers and work together to solve the complex challenges of tomorrow.
So, take opportunities where you work in a group to refine your creative thinking and interpersonal skills, and make sure you exaplsin examples of this when applying for jobs in the future.
Develop a growth mindset
In Industry 5.0, the pace of change is expected to get even faster. This means that new technologies and ideas will be created and implemented ever more quickly, so keeping your skillset sharp will be more important than ever.
Those who are likely to succeed in Industry 5.0 are those who cultivate a growth mindset, which refers to the belief that talents, skills and abilities can be developed over time.
A key component of a growth mindset is a commitment to life-long learning, both during and after graduation. This might involve attending networking events, taking on extra projects and responsibilities or completing further studies, such as postgraduate degrees or micro-credentials.
Gain a future-proof qualification
Of course, the most important thing students can do to prepare for the AI boom is to gain a future-proof qualification.
Careers in technology, computing and innovation will be increasingly valuable in the years to come. If you want to be on the front line of the new technological age, a degree in information technology, analytics and data science or creative intelligence and innovation could be a great choice.
Even if your career aspirations lie outside of these areas, it’s important to choose a degree that will prepare you for the workplace of tomorrow. For example, UTS has embedded transdisciplinary electives in all undergraduate programs. This is just one way they ensure students are prepared for a collaborative, creative future.
