For those unfamiliar with AI, they’re technological platforms that allow computers and digital devices to learn, read, write, analyse and create. Designed to simulate human intelligence, its impact on society has been profound since its widespread introduction in the 2020s. A good example is how systems like DALL-E can literally create images based on given prompts, allowing both individuals and businesses to generate visual content tailored to their unique requirements.
Many industries are adopting them in a bid to maximise cost-efficiency and has resulted in companies favouring AI over humans, forcing many to expand their repertoire to adapt. This is especially true in Singapore, where CNBC reported that Singaporean workers are the fastest to embrace AI skills globally.
So whether you’re a big fan of this new up-and-coming technology or still have some reservations about it, here are some pointers to help you navigate AI in a corporate environment.
Capitalise on new opportunities
One of the biggest concerns that everyone has when it comes to AI is the fact that it can render a wide array of roles obsolete very quickly. From the ability to crunch big data, to learning and making intelligent decisions, these new digital infrastructures have the power to replace humans in jobs like data entry and bookkeeping.
That however, is only one side of the story. With more varieties of systems in development, the need for people with tech skills and capabilities has exploded in almost every domain. Programmers, app creators and engineers are some of the hottest professions in the market, and will likely remain in demand in the coming years.
It also has the potential to spawn entirely new sub-sectors as well, like cybersecurity specific for AI. The best way to take advantage of this trend is to develop proficiencies with these mediums, regardless of the field you’re in, and to stay relevant with the latest developments.
Use it to increase productivity
Despite its disruptive prowess, AI has much to contribute and has even already begun to redefine the way we do things. One such example is in logistics, where people used to engage in jobs like manually managing inventory and resource planning. This is where AI comes into play.
Cloud computing and predictive models are just some of the platforms designed to help businesses tackle these tasks, and you can leverage the power of these tools to help you with your own work.
There’s a ton of options to choose from, like ChatGPT, Google Bard, and Canva AI, just to name a few. You’ll likely be able to find the best one for a certain job, which leaves you with more time to spend on meaningful projects that are rewarding and can also be essential in your career progression.
Don’t rely solely on its functions
While it's certainly true that AI is powerful and, at times intuitive, it’s important to remember that ultimately, just like any tool, it comes with its own strengths and weaknesses. Among the many challenges, perhaps the main issue that you might face is the fact that the system is limited to the confines of its code and can’t think abstractly.
This means that while they may excel in technical jobs like data processing and prediction, AI can struggle to completely replace the human element when it comes to things like creative problem-solving.
Instead of treating it like the be all and end all of solutions, AI tools should compliment your abilities and enhance your existing skill sets. For instance, you could use Polymer Search or Tableau to analyse data and draw from your own knowledge to formulate a solution based on the results that AI produces.
By integrating this technology’s capabilities with your own, you can enjoy the best of both worlds and truly take advantage of the power of AI while showing adaptability in the workplace.
You have a friend in AI
When a groundbreaking new technology comes out, it can quickly change the rules of how society and culture operate. AI is one such example – even though it's still maturing, it's already making big changes in many industries.
This might sound scary to some people. But if you're open to change, you can instead use these new opportunities to your advantage. Instead of seeing AI as an adversary, think of it as a helpful tool. This makes you more valuable at work, shows that you can work well with new ideas, and ultimately rounds out your skillset as holistically as possible.
