Where AI fits in Career Planning
Most of us have become aware of artificial intelligence’s capabilities during the past year. Technologies such as ChatGPT and other AI tools are entering widespread use resulting in rapid changes in many areas of work and education.
Many prominent figures in the world of AI, learning, and business are sounding the alarm: the seemingly urgent introduction of AI requires society to respond. This technology is here to stay and the way that we plan for and adapt to the challenges it brings it will determine how well we succeed as individuals and societies in the coming years.
As career and education planning specialists, we help young people plan and prepare for their educational and work futures. This means helping students identify how their strengths and their interests connect meaningfully to the world of education, training, and work.
The students and families that we work with are expressing concern about the impact that AI and automation will have on their futures. As AI transforms every career field, there are strategies students can prioritize to be as prepared as possible for work in a continuously evolving technological world:
1. DEVELOP TRANSFERABLE SKILLS TO BECOME A WELL-ROUNDED STUDENT: The emphasis here is on skills. Creative communication, problem solving, leadership and critical thinking are all skills that are less likely to be automated and essential for successfully adapting to changing circumstances in education and the workforce. Students should look to engage in a variety of extracurricular activities that help in the development of these skills.
2. BECOME A CONFIDENT USER OF TECHNOLOGY: As technology becomes the driving force in both education and the workplace, it is essential that students can use technical tools effectively. The current Canadian workforce is falling behind when it comes to their technological abilities. According to a 2022 Digital Skills study, only 23% of Canadian workers felt equipped with the technical skills needed for the future.
With a significant proportion of the Canadian population over the age of 65 and soon to retire there are huge opportunities for students to fill in the gaps if they are willing to develop these skills. Students need to develop competencies in digital communication, data analysis, digital storage and file sharing, coding, programming and encryption and cybersecurity. With free online courses and micro-training, it has never been easier to develop these skills.
3. PRIORITIZE ENTREPRENEURSHIP: Students can gain control over their career and develop skills by starting their own business, no matter how small. Many students we work with have started their own successful businesses while still in school, such as lawn care, graduation sign printing or hair and makeup. The Ontario government has a program called Summer Company that provides students with the opportunity to get up to $3,000 in start-up funds and mentorship for students who are interested.
4. DEVELOP HUMAN SKILLS: AI and automation cannot replicate the human qualities of empathy, caring and understanding. Students can use their mandatory 40 hours of volunteer work wisely to engage in empathetic caring relationships to develop these skills, at places such as soup kitchens, food banks, long-term care facilities or coaching.
What was once the domain of science-fiction is now our daily reality. AI and automation will continue to grow in power and scope, changing the nature of work and study in ways as radical as did the Industrial Revolution hundreds of years ago. Students who ignore these priorities will be left behind. Don’t let that be you.
