Living in an era that is dictated by AI and technology has impacted us greatly, especially in our professional lives. In this competitive and challenging job market, where there constantly looms a threat of layoffs and replacements, it is important to keep enhancing our skillset. And that's where the need for upskilling comes into play. Today, no matter the industry or the job role, one has to keep up with any new skills and keep on evolving according to the needs of their respective work. It can be a social media manager learning SEO, or it can be a coder learning a new programming language; it's about updating one’s knowledge to stay relevant in their career.
It is believed that by 2030, a billion people will have to upskill themselves, or they might find trouble adapting to that new world. Now that we are just five years short of that mark, let's understand why realising its importance now would save our future.
Evolving Job Roles
Back in the 90s, having an MBA degree was considered more than enough to guarantee you a job in any topic MNC. Fast forward to 2025, even graduating from a top institute doesn't assure you of a job, lest you have some skills to offer. Today, the market has transformed and evolved a lot due to the influence of digitalisation, the advancement of AI, and globalisation, which is expected to increase in the future. We have seen the co-existence of machines and humans in factories and industries, and rest assured, this relationship is only going to strengthen with time. For this, one has to adapt to the functioning of these machines and acquire the know-how of operating and adjusting them.
Moreover, the post-pandemic world has seen the rise of hybrid work roles. People had to learn about tools like Zoom and Teams to conduct their office conferences and meetings. They had to accustom themselves to this new normal. Although these technical skills were important, soft skills like adaptability, digital communication, emotional intelligence, and patience gained more prominence. Employees had to get familiar with these new needs of the changing world. They had to upskill to sustain their jobs. Nowadays, a demand for people with multiple expertise is generally preferred. So, a marketer who is also well aware of content writing or a person having good control over soft skills rather than technical skills will usually be chosen. Upskilling is no longer considered a luxury; rather, it has become a necessity to survive.
Impact of AI on Jobs
According to the World Economic Forum, around 92 million jobs will be displaced, and about 170 million new jobs will be created by this decade. The fear of AI snatching our jobs has become a reality. The jobs of content writers, accountants, and customer service providers are already being replaced by AI. The bots can easily perform perfect calculations and basic data entry jobs with the same accuracy level as humans, and ChatGPT can provide us with a quick and desired result for writing. There exists a threat of AI taking over a plethora of other jobs. So instead of worrying about AI, we have to upskill ourselves in AI and befriend it. Let’s take the example of an accountant. With the advent of the technological age, an accountant will have to upgrade their basic computing skills by learning and understanding data analysis, generative AI, and making use of AI-powered chatbots for better client communication. This makes the accountant a better option for the company because this is what they are looking for. They are in search of individuals who can comprehend that AI is here to stay and that it is the employees who will have to adapt themselves.
Likewise, many new professions such as machine learning experts, data analysts, and cybersecurity professionals have also emerged. There are many short-term courses available on the Internet that help you master these subjects and grow your career. Adjusting with AI and treating it as our partner by continuously upskilling ourselves in the new domains is how we can move forward.
Increased Competition Among the Workforce
A pool of graduates and post-graduates is on a job hunt today. With wide options available, it’s the recruiters who have a field day selecting their most desired candidate. Having access to platforms like LinkedIn, where both parties can interact freely, the competition in the job market is intense. The reason for this is that the recruiters are not only looking for smart people, but also for street–smart people. They want individuals who can stand out and have problem-solving skills, along with showcasing other important skills like leadership, good communication, and critical thinking. These are skills that can be learned through upskilling programs, which offer mentorship and feedback for improvement.
The freshers are not the only ones to face the brunt of this competitive market. The experienced workers are also facing the heat of it. As the younger workforce is much more aware and comfortable with technological advances, they are quickly replacing the seasoned professionals. These trained workers now have to go back and learn about the language of AI, data, and machines – a territory never walked by them.
The Training Provided by Corporations
In today’s unpredictable world, where things get outdated in a minute, companies are on a hunt to find employees who are highly compatible and agile. For the existing ones, they expect them to be updated with modern tools and apps along with their soft skills. However, the corporations do understand that the responsibility of imparting this knowledge lies with them. It is mainly the key soft skills like leadership and management, creative thinking and teamwork, as well as technical skills like digital marketing, SEO, and analytics, which have taken the centre stage. Corporations are investing heavily in these skills through courses available on Coursera and Udemy or through specially arranged sessions.
These initiatives will work in the favour of both the company and the employees only when it is taken seriously and with a motive of learning something new. The workers also get personal benefits out of these courses because in the process of upskilling themselves for the sake of their work, they are also on the path of self–development. And it is not always necessary to pursue a work-driven course. One can also opt for self-fulfilment and mental well-being courses. It is important to understand that upskilling is required in both personal and professional life. Upskilling only professionally will leave you drained and exhausted. So, don’t wait for the right time. Take the first step towards evolving your life today.