Upskilling for the AI Revolution

Have you found yourself wondering how artificial intelligence (AI) will shape your career? AI is at the forefront of most conversations, whether we’re discussing the latest AI technology or the impact it might have on our workplace. As technological advancements accelerate, the integration of AI into various industries has become more of a reality. 

An Infosys study surveyed 1,000 United States senior executives and found that most plan to increase AI spending, with 68% focusing on generative AI. In light of this trend, professionals should consider the impact AI might have on their careers. Rather than fearing change, AI presents an opportunity for professionals to be proactive and explore professional growth or different career paths. 

What jobs will AI replace? 

In their comprehensive ‘AI at Work’ report, Indeed analyzed more than 55 million job postings and 2,600 job skills to uncover the impact of AI on the modern workforce. Their study revealed that almost every U.S. job—from traditional roles like truck driving to specialized fields like software engineering—will undergo changes due to AI. They revealed that 66% of jobs are considered “highly” or “moderately” exposed to significant transformations. 

With generative AI poised to influence nearly every job, understanding its impact on your profession and acquiring the skills to leverage AI tools effectively is important. While certain job roles may become obsolete, many will be created or at the very least altered. Forward-looking employers should also look for ways to assist their workforces in this transition by integrating AI skills into education and training programs. 

AI Upskill Strategies 

If you’re looking for ways to be proactive, here are a few ways to upskill and advance your career: 

1. Advance your AI Education: Seek out online courses, workshops, or certification programs focused on AI fundamentals and topics relevant to your career goals. If you’re looking to pursue an advanced degree, consider the University of Illinois Chicago’s (UIC) online Master of Engineering with a focus area in AI and Machine Learning program (MEng). 
2. Identify Relevant AI Technologies: Knowledge is power, so research and identify AI technologies that are related to your industry or profession. Examples include natural language processing, computer vision, and machine learning. 
3. Learn about Industry Trends: Stay competitive by staying up to date with industry developments and emerging AI trends through conferences, webinars, and industry publications. Some reputable publications are AI Magazine and Forbes. 
4. Network: Engage with communities, forums, and professional networks to exchange ideas and learn from peers or experts in the field. You can find communities on platforms such as LinkedIn and Reddit. 
5. Experiment and Innovate: One of the best ways to apply your AI knowledge is to apply it to projects you’re working on. Explore creative applications of AI-driven tools to foster innovation and hone your problem-solving skills. 

Impact of AI on Engineers 

Engineers, spanning roles like mechanical, software, and electrical, are witnessing changes due to AI integration. Automation can streamline repetitive tasks which enhances efficiency and innovation. Predictive analytics and machine learning can empower engineers to optimize designs and AI systems.  

However, to remain competitive, engineers must continuously upskill and adapt to emerging AI technologies. This includes addressing ethical considerations inherent in AI development and safeguarding proprietary knowledge. By staying watchful in these areas, engineers can navigate the changing workforce effectively. 

Dr. Carmen Lilley, Associate Professor and Program Director for UIC’s online MEng program, emphasizes the importance of engineers paying attention to their work and its utilization. 

“As an engineer, it’s crucial to focus on your proprietary knowledge and understanding how to leverage AI tools effectively,” said Dr. Lilley. “Your work contributes to proprietary knowledge, which is collected in databases beyond your control. Thinking of our research and when we want to disseminate our research is crucial for career success.” 

Overall, embracing AI fosters opportunities for engineers to drive innovation. Engineers interested in advancing their career should consider UIC’s online MEng program. This 100% online professional, non-thesis degree is designed for professionals who seek to advance their skills in AI and ML. Students will also gain key management and leadership skills relevant for careers driven by AI innovation. Talk to an enrollment specialist today to learn more.