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Driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), today’s job market is shifting rapidly, and filled with both uncertainties and opportunities. Many workers are asking: Will AI take my job, or give me a better-paying career? While AI is reshaping industries, one thing is certain—those who continuously learn and adapt will be best positioned to thrive in a changing economy.
So how can you prepare for the future of work? How do you plan for survival and success in a competitive and evolving job market? How do you find those in-demand skills in the age of AI? Here are key strategies to future-proof your career.
How to Stay Competitive in the Age of AI
No matter how AI or other factors impact the economy, workers with in-demand skills will always have an edge. Being prepared is the key.
Develop Human-Centered Soft Skills
What sets us apart from AI? It’s human-centered skills such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking or problem-solving. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employers place a high value on these soft skills because they are crucial for leadership and management, and for building networks and influence. Strengthening these abilities will help you stand out and ensure you remain indispensable as these skills are transferable across a variety of jobs and industries.
Embrace Change with a Growth Mindset
In an economy that is shifting, businesses need to be nimble to respond to changing demands. Accordingly, workers must be flexible. Adaptability is key. Develop a growth mindset that embraces change, be open to new opportunities in growing fields, and keep up with emerging technologies and job trends. Workers who insist on sticking to the “old” ways may find themselves becoming obsolete.
Invest in Lifelong Learning and Upskilling with Online Degrees
To stand out in a highly competitive job market, invest in yourself. Consider going back to school to upskill, reskill or earn new credentials that demonstrate your value and fit for better-paying opportunities.
The good news? Technology has made all this easier to achieve. Online education allows busy, working adults to access professional skills training that they might otherwise have to forgo because of financial barriers or work and family obligations. CUNY Online, for example, offers affordable access to over 220 online options in high-demand job fields like business, technology, healthcare, and education. So, take advantage of this and embrace lifelong learning. Finish that online degree. Get career-ready, in-demand skills for the future that are trusted by employers.
Understand and Leverage AI to Your Advantage
Rather than fearing AI, view it as a tool for growth. Explore ways to use it to your advantage by learning how AI can boost your productivity and career prospects. For example, AI could streamline workflows, provide deeper data analysis, and improve decision-making. Embrace the possibilities of AI and make yourself a more valuable asset in the workplace.
Identify and Specialize in High-Demand Niche Fields
With AI transforming traditional roles, specializing in a niche area can make you a sought-after expert. Jobs in forensic accounting, machine learning, and healthcare informatics for example, may be less well known but could lead to greater demand, better pay, and more job security. Drill down to find out what niche you might be able to break into within your current field or beyond.
Network and Amplify Your Professional Voice
Establish yourself as a thought leader and connector. Attend conferences, join professional groups, engage on industry platforms to share opinions. AI cannot yet replicate the insights you get from lived experiences and conversations. Your personal reputation and relationships are invaluable.
Highlight Real-world Accomplishments
Keep a record of all your accomplishments to remind your bosses that you have met or even exceeded their expectations. Be sure to inform your managers of any new skills you are acquiring, especially in emerging technologies. Offer ideas, feedback, and help when appropriate. Keep those human communication lines open.
Take Control of Your Career Future
The future belongs to those who invest in education, adaptability, and career growth.
If you are just entering the job market or considering a career change, use resources like the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook to identify fast-growing career fields and see how your skills align with job market trends. Talk to career counselors or industry professionals to explore your options and to understand what skills you might need to acquire to transition into a growth industry.
The skills you gain today will shape your success tomorrow and give you the confidence to navigate the future job market no matter how it changes. CUNY Online helps working adults accomplish this with programs tailored to meet the demands of today’s changing job market.
- Explore 220+ online options in business, healthcare, education, technology and more
- Get quality, career-ready, in-demand skills that employers trust
- Finish your online degree on your schedule, without disrupting your work and family obligations
- Graduate with little to no debt with an affordable CUNY Online degree.
Ready to future-proof your career? Explore CUNY Online today.