AI Disruption: 75% of Young Professionals Fear Job Impact While Upskilling in AI/ML Soars – 2024 Survey Insights

The rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are fostering both excitement and concern across industries, particularly among young professionals. According to a recent survey conducted by Great Learning, a prominent skilling platform, three out of four professionals fear that disruptive technologies, with AI being the frontrunner, are having a profound impact on their professional lives. The survey, shared exclusively with Economic Times, highlights the growing concern surrounding AI and its potential to drastically alter the job market, workflows, and the skills required to stay relevant in the workplace.

The Rise of AI-Induced Job Anxiety

The fear of AI's disruption is not unfounded. As artificial intelligence, particularly in the realms of machine learning (ML) and generative AI (Gen AI), becomes more sophisticated, professionals across industries are grappling with the implications for their careers. According to the survey, the majority of respondents feel that AI is reshaping the way they work, raising concerns about job security, productivity expectations, and the increasing reliance on technology.

The survey revealed that IT services, consulting companies, and global capability centres (GCCs) are likely to experience rapid gains from adopting Gen AI. These sectors are at the forefront of harnessing AI's potential, integrating it into operations to streamline processes and enhance efficiency. However, with this increased reliance on AI comes the expectation of fewer full-time employees (FTEs) being deployed on projects. Many companies are already experiencing demands from clients to deploy fewer human resources, as AI-driven systems prove to be more productive and efficient. This shift has left young professionals, particularly in technology-centric industries, feeling vulnerable and uncertain about the future of their roles.

Upskilling to Stay Relevant: The Demand for AI and ML Expertise

While the disruptive power of AI is causing concern, it is also creating new opportunities, especially in the realm of upskilling. The Great Learning survey indicates a growing demand for skills in AI and ML, with these emerging as the most sought-after capabilities for the upcoming financial year (FY25). As businesses look to optimize operations through AI-driven solutions, professionals are now compelled to expand their skillsets to remain competitive.

In previous years, companies primarily focused their AI training efforts on technical teams—those directly involved in developing or deploying AI systems. However, as AI becomes more pervasive across various functions, this approach is evolving. By FY25, companies plan to expand their AI training programs beyond technical teams, ensuring that employees across departments are proficient in using Gen AI tools. The ability to leverage AI effectively will soon be expected of nearly all professionals, irrespective of their roles.

The Rise of Automation: Robots Replace Human Workers in Factory Setting

The Challenge of Deep Learning: AI and ML Skills Take Time

Despite the demand for Gen AI training, the survey highlights that mastering AI and ML remains a significant challenge. Unlike using AI tools, which can be learned relatively quickly, acquiring a deep understanding of AI and machine learning requires time, dedication, and a deeper investment in education. This gap in expertise has left many young professionals concerned about how to keep pace with the technological advancements that are reshaping their industries.

As Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, pointed out, AI and ML skills are not just a "nice to have" but are fast becoming an essential requirement in many industries. "Generative AI is no longer a novelty; it's a necessity," Nair stated. He emphasized that companies are pushing to ensure that their entire workforce—beyond just the technical teams—is equipped with the necessary AI skills to navigate the changing landscape.

AI's Growing Pervasiveness: A Tool for All Professions

While the technical aspects of AI and ML require intensive training, Gen AI is evolving into a tool that nearly every professional will need to master. Companies are increasingly integrating AI-powered tools into everyday workflows, automating tasks, and enhancing decision-making processes. As a result, employees are expected to have a foundational understanding of how to work with AI to remain efficient and competitive.

For professionals aged 18-40, this growing expectation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. On the one hand, there's a pressing need to upskill and remain ahead of the curve; on the other, AI offers the potential to enhance job performance and open new career paths. By developing a strong understanding of AI, young professionals can secure their positions in an increasingly AI-driven workforce, ensuring their skills remain relevant in the long term.

The Future of Work: How AI Will Shape Careers

As AI continues to evolve, professionals are faced with a future where technology will play an even more significant role in their daily tasks. The fear of job displacement is real, but it's important to note that AI is also creating new opportunities. While certain repetitive or low-skill jobs may become automated, AI will lead to the emergence of new roles that focus on managing, developing, and optimizing AI systems. This shift presents a unique opportunity for professionals who are willing to embrace change and invest in upskilling.

The Great Learning survey serves as a reminder that staying relevant in the future workforce will require adaptability, continuous learning, and an open mindset toward AI and its potential. As AI becomes an integral part of business operations, professionals must be proactive in developing the skills needed to thrive in this new era.

Conclusion: Embracing the AI Revolution

While the prospect of AI-induced disruption may be daunting for many professionals, it is clear that AI is here to stay. The key to navigating this technological shift lies in embracing AI, learning how to use it effectively, and continually upskilling to stay ahead of the curve. The rapid advancements in AI and machine learning offer professionals, particularly those aged 18-40, the chance to future-proof their careers by investing in the skills that will define the next generation of work.

As businesses continue to integrate AI into their operations, professionals must seize the opportunity to position themselves as indispensable assets in this AI-driven world. Upskilling in AI and ML is no longer an option—it's a necessity for those looking to thrive in the future of work.

(Source: Economic Times)