Remember the days of dial-up internet? As technology leaps forward, a new generational divide is emerging in the workplace - one that hinges on the distinction between the era before artificial intelligence (AI) took over various facets of our professional lives and the period after its domination.
A recent study by McKinsey paints a compelling picture: 79% of workers now leverage generative AI, with 22% incorporating it regularly into their daily tasks.
The rise of AI, however, also brings the stark prediction of 83 million jobs globally being eliminated by 2027. It's evident that for those embarking on their careers, AI will not only define their routines but also significantly shape their career trajectories.
Educational Institutions Leading the AI Charge
The implications of AI's ascendancy have reverberated throughout educational institutions, positioning them as significant adopters of AI technologies, second only to the tech industry. Colleges and universities are in a race to establish cutting-edge AI departments.
This fervor is fueled by two factors: addressing the burgeoning demand from students and tackling the skill gap, an issue plaguing 75% of companies, struggling to secure qualified talent.
In a proactive response, the University of Albany appointed 27 new faculty members dedicated to artificial intelligence, fostering AI education across all academic programs.
The University of Southern California mirrors this enthusiasm by investing over $1 billion in its comprehensive AI initiative, introducing courses spanning advanced computation, quantum computing, and AI ethics.
Purdue University, on the other hand, has gone a step further, pioneering the Institute for Physical AI (IPAI), the first of its kind in the United States. IPAI concentrates on an array of fields, including robotics, AI-based manufacturing, and deep fake detection.
Reskilling in the Age of AI
For those who find themselves on the "days before AI" side of the generational divide, the World Economic Forum (WEF) offers a critical revelation: by 2025, approximately 50% of all employees will require reskilling due to the escalating adoption of technology.
While retaining and refreshing technical skills is imperative, the emphasis has shifted towards nurturing soft skills. The WEF outlines the top 10 skills of tomorrow, with problem-solving, creativity, leadership, resilience, flexibility, and stress tolerance standing out. These are the domains where machines are yet to achieve mastery.
The Future-Proof Quest: VentureBeat Job Board
Whether you're at the threshold of your career or well into its journey, the VentureBeat Job Board is your gateway to future-proofing your career trajectory. This platform hosts a plethora of opportunities in companies actively seeking talent. Here are a few:
Senior Deep Learning Algorithm Engineer, NVIDIA, Santa Clara: Join NVIDIA's deep learning algorithms team to innovate AI solutions in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, and recommendation systems. Your role will encompass algorithm development, data analysis, performance enhancement, and publication of groundbreaking results.
Software Engineer Lead, Java — Springboot, Capgemini, Atlanta: As a pivotal part of Capgemini Engineering, contribute to designing, developing, and testing APIs and applications. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and the implementation of solutions are central to this role.
Senior Product Manager, Project Starline, Google, Seattle: Google's Project Starline beckons, where you'll steer products from inception to launch, bridging the technical and business spheres. If you're adept at dissecting complex problems and are a seasoned professional in product management, this opportunity could be your next frontier.
In an era where AI is redefining the professional landscape, the VentureBeat Job Board is your compass to navigate the evolving demands of the workforce.
The generational divide marked by the advent of AI is a watershed moment. The swift integration of AI into the work environment is creating a before-and-after narrative that cannot be ignored.
With educational institutions embracing AI to equip students with vital skills and a call to reskill echoing through the corridors of the professional world, the future hinges on finding the balance between technical expertise and timeless human skills. The VentureBeat Job Board emerges as a beacon, illuminating a path toward sustainable career growth amid the winds of change.
