CEO of Creative Duality and Co-Founder & CEO of Fyli.
We know that artificial intelligence and automation have undoubtedly brought about significant changes in the job market, leading to both opportunities and challenges for the workforce. With industries going through some major makeovers, some jobs are taking a bow, while new ones are stepping into the spotlight and asking for a whole new set of skills.
It’s been very interesting to learn about AI prompts, automation that can help save time in your business and even how AI can be used in graphics and design. After working in the design, marketing and luxury fashion spaces for more than a decade and spending many hours photo editing and designing campaigns, it’s been fascinating to see new technologies that can help streamline workflow and save money.
With that being said, AI is expected to replace 300 million full-time jobs over the course of the next decade, according to data from Goldman Sachs. And women, in particular, are feeling the AI job shakeup. Research by Kenan Institute found that, compared to men, 21% more women are exposed to automation. In this evolving landscape, women, like all individuals, are facing the need to adapt to AI to combat potential job loss. I believe upskilling and reskilling have become crucial pathways for women to thrive in the modern workforce.
It is also essential to recognize that there is a significant underrepresentation of women in STEM fields, which have become increasingly vital in the era of AI. This disparity can exacerbate the potential job loss for women in nontechnical roles, making it crucial for them to reskill and adapt to the evolving demands of the job market. Research by Microsoft found that “most girls become interested in STEM at the age of 11-and-a-half but this starts to wane by the age of 15.”
Through my company’s global community of early-stage female founders, we have had several discussions on which tools can be adopted and which workshops, webinars and conferences are best to learn about the latest AI technologies and their applications. Having a community of support to share resources and findings in AI has been crucial. All in all, I see AI as a captivating blend of awe-inspiring potential and daunting uncertainty. While some jobs have become redundant due to automation, new opportunities have emerged, especially in areas related to development, data analysis and human-AI interaction.
This experience has shown me that upskilling is no longer a one-time event but an ongoing process that needs to happen throughout one’s career. Women can take charge of their professional development to remain competitive by following these steps:
Explore your options for learning.
Online courses have helped make it easier for women, regardless of their geographical location or personal commitments, to upskill. My advice would be to start small by viewing some videos breaking down the basics of AI. Then, dive into free courses based upon your industry, join a local AI support or resource group and, finally, put your skills into use.
There are also organizations working to get more women and girls in STEM with the tools and resources they need, such as Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, National Girls Collaborative Project and Girlstart. There are platforms and organizations that offer a wide range of courses as well, from basic AI concepts to advanced programming, enabling women to build skills at their own pace.
Shift your mindset.
It’s important for HR professionals and corporate leaders to shift their mindsets about AI. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, humans or artificial intelligence. Rather, I see AI as a way we can create added value and innovate in new ways. Speak to your employer about investing in your ongoing education for upskilling. Explain how it can add to your efficiency and overall productivity and free up your time for other projects.
And if you are a founder or CEO, now is the time to get your teams into programs that help them feel empowered and inspired by AI and its potential.
Develop your soft skills.
Another interesting area is in nurturing soft skills for human-AI collaboration. Empathy, creativity, critical thinking and emotional intelligence are attributes that machines cannot replicate, and these are areas that can be leveraged in roles that involve human-AI interaction, such as customer service, education and healthcare. Upskilling in communication, emotional intelligence and understanding AI’s limitations will enable women to collaborate effectively with AI and enhance its impact in various domains.
One of the ways my community has helped foster leadership and softer communication skills is by hosting workshops and roundtable forums. Founders are encouraged to make “asks,” contribute to each other’s current business needs, share personal stories of overcoming challenging situations and troubleshoot together as a community. The same technique can work for women wanting to improve their soft skills on their own time. By leaning into creativity by brainstorming and learning the art of “play,” they can become more prepared for human-AI collaboration.
The rise of AI presents both challenges and opportunities for women in the workforce. While there might be concerns about job displacement in certain industries, women can combat these challenges. Embracing lifelong learning, fostering diversity in tech and nurturing soft skills will enable women to adapt to the evolving job market and harness the potential of AI. By embracing AI as a tool for positive change and maintaining a growth mindset, women can shape the future of work, leverage technology to drive innovation and create a more equitable and inclusive job market for everyone.
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