Create a Personal Roadmap for the AI Era- Part 2

by Maria Botta

How to future-proof your career by combining technical curiosity, soft skills, and lifelong learning

In the first article of this series, we explored which careers are most vulnerable to disruption by artificial intelligence (AI). Now, let’s turn our focus to something even more important: How to prepare yourself.

There’s no shortage of buzz—some of it anxious, some optimistic—about AI replacing humans in the workplace. In my field of marketing, 51% of professionals already expect their jobs to change because of AI. And they’re not wrong. I use AI daily to save time on data analysis, content creation, scheduling, and even writing. However, that doesn’t mean humans are obsolete; far from it. I still need to phrase the correct prompts, find the necessary information to interpret, and always double-check AI results because AI does make mistakes and sometimes invents things that aren’t true. There are some hilarious instances of this in the workplace.

A good way to think about AI today is that the AI revolution is not a takeover—it’s a transformation. That transformation opens doors for those who are ready to adapt, learn, and lead with a human-centric approach. This article will help you to start thinking about what it will take to create a personal roadmap for success in the AI era.

The AI Revolution Is Here—But It’s Not What You Think

AI is advancing rapidly, but only about 5% of current occupations are fully automatable. Most jobs are partially impacted—meaning AI may eliminate repetitive tasks, but not entire careers. According to McKinsey, approximately 60% of jobs in developed countries are expected to be affected, while in lower-income economies, the number drops to 26%.

AI won’t wipe out the job market—but it will reshape it. The fact is that AI will create new job roles at a rapid pace. Titles like “AI Prompt Engineer,” “Generative AI Content Strategist,” and “Algorithmic Targeting Specialist” have emerged seemingly overnight. LinkedIn’s Skills on the Rise report shows that AI literacy is the fastest-growing skill companies are seeking.

Who’s Most Affected?

Sectors most likely to feel the AI squeeze include:

  • Administrative roles
  • Marketing
  • Coding and software development
  • Customer service
  • Manufacturing
  • Engineering
  • Retail

Where’s the Growth?

Fields with strong growth potential include:

  • AI & Machine Learning Engineers
  • Robotics Specialists
  • Cybersecurity Analysts
  • Human-AI Interaction Designers
  • AI Ethicists

The Three Pillars of Future-Proofing Your Career

To thrive in the AI era, you don’t need to become a machine—you need to partner with them because AI + Humans is much better than AI or humans alone.

I. Develop Technical Curiosity

Curiosity is something that all humans possess. Some have had the opportunity to experience it more profoundly, some less. Developing your curiosity as an adult involves being able to take some risks, ask questions, and explore new ideas that may not be entirely comfortable for some of you.

  • Learn the fundamentals of AI—even if you’re not in a technical role.

Get hands-on through online platforms. MIT Open Learning offers 13 foundational courses for FREE. Also, Coursera – 30 Days of GenAI: A Beginner’s Guide to Generative AI Tools (Free Video Series)

  • Experiment with AI tools (ChatGPT, Notion AI, Midjourney)
  • Stay current with newsletters, podcasts, and industry updates.

Being technically curious doesn’t mean you need to code. It means staying aware, adaptable, and open to new ideas and innovations.

II. Strengthen Your Soft Skills

Ironically, the rise of machines is making human skills more valuable than ever.

  • Emotional intelligence
  • Creativity
  • Adaptability
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership

These skills will continue to be in high demand because, at the moment, AI cannot replicate them, and businesses still need a human-centric approach to problem-solving.

Soft skills are especially crucial in management, sales, strategy, and client-facing roles. Whether you’re leading a team, closing a deal, or building relationships, soft skills will be your differentiator.

III. Embrace Lifelong Learning

For me, I set aside an hour each day of the work week to learn something new, by either reading or hearing it – podcasts are a treasure trove of experts for example. Even when you learn new skills, what you master today may be obsolete tomorrow.

  • Invest in ongoing education, such as workshops, webinars, or certifications.
  • Attend industry conferences or join peer learning communities.

Learning is no longer a phase with a beginning and an end—it’s a way of thinking and being.

Your Career AI-Ready Roadmap

The unknown can overwhelm us and leave us paralyzed – take steps. Even if they don’t seem BIG, they are moving you forward.

Here are four things you can do to help future-proof your career:

Step 1: Evaluate yourself

What are your strengths? Where are your gaps in knowledge? Look at your current skills against the demands of your industry as it adapts to AI.

Step 2: What are your Goals?

Look at your personal career goals that align with emerging trends in your career.

Step 3: Planning

Choose the right mix of education, tools, and experiences. Build a learning plan and set milestones.

Step 4: Adapt and Iterate

As the AI landscape changes, so should your strategy.

Final Thoughts: Human + Machine = much better than AI or Humans on their own. AI is not your enemy—it’s your new collaborator. To thrive, you must combine technical skills with deep human skills and continue learning.

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