The evidence is growing — relationships and lived experience matter
How to future-proof your career in the era of AI
The evidence is growing that successful careers in the era of AI will be built on relationship-building skills and the perspective gained through lived experience. I wrote about this in my last post and proposed a few strategies to deal with this new reality.
The latest sign I’ve seen was in an August 26 Wall Street Journal article (there’s a link to the article below). It describes how AI is replacing younger software developers whose roles are primarily skills-based. It suggests that older software developers who “have learned how to work collaboratively with non-coders and deliver the product [a] company needs” are at less risk of losing their jobs.
While I don’t work with software developers, I’ve often worked with product managers and others who are at the interface of “the business” and technical experts. These clients have relationship-building skills and a diverse range of exposure and experience, and they almost always seem to be in demand. The still early evidence presented in the WSJ article suggests that they will continue to be, at least for the foreseeable future.
Even if you aren’t working in tech or a tech-enabled business, you probably need to consider whether you’re getting too focused on a technical or hard skill that can be automated away. Instead, focus on enhancing your relationship-building skills and other soft skills, and look for opportunities to collect a diverse set of lived experiences.
👉 Here’s the link to the WSJ article I’m referencing. It will likely be behind a paywall if you don’t have a subscription.
And when I’m not reading about AI and its impact on careers, I’ve been thinking about the end of the “slow” summer season (that never ends up being so slow). Soon, we’ll be in the fall season, with its jam-packed schedules and endless to-do lists. I’ll be in touch later this week about that equally anxiety-producing topic.
In the meantime, if the impact of AI on career planning and advancement is stressing you out (even a little), here’s a calming view from my early morning dog walk.
A perfect view for the end of the slow season.
