In spite of all the hype, the majority of people are genuinely unaware of how artificial intelligence could impact their employment in the near future. Will AI drive them out of their professions or help them perform better?
The lack of knowledge regarding the implications of AI for daily life is particularly detrimental to students who are about to make professional decisions. Which courses ought they to take in order to be relevant in the AI era? Where can I find these courses?
According to Joan Mbesya, an ICT specialist with in-depth understanding of AI, due to technological advancements, everyone will come into contact with AI in one way or another. She is giving professionals from a variety of professions advice on how to use artificial intelligence.
“What I would encourage you is to study AI applications within your expertise domain because the organisations you are going to work for are not going to proceed without integrating AI,” Mbesya stated at a youth forum .
Based on the University of Derby, AI will impact numerous businesses. Examples include virtual nurse aides keeping an eye on patients and AI assisting physicians in diagnosing illnesses.
To help with hiring and staffing, human resource professionals are probably going to use automation and computer-based intelligence more frequently.
According to that university’s Professor Chris Bussell, young people will grow up in a world that differs from today’s as much as the industrial age did from feudal society.
“AI is changing our world. Just as machine technology impacted our lives to create a world dominated by industry and machine manufacturing, the AI revolution will impact on human cognitive processing,” Stated Prof. Bussell.
NEW CAREERS AND JOBS
According to a World Bank analysis, generative AI will create new employment opportunities. By offering ideas and substitutes, generative AI models facilitate the creation of text, images, and videos by users. Generative AI models therefore enhance human inventiveness.
Developers can use generative AI to generate code snippets or templates for their software projects; designers can use it to make prototypes or models for their product concepts; writers can use it to create outlines, drafts, or summaries for their articles or novels.
“There will be a growing demand for professionals who can design, develop, train, test, deploy and maintain generative AI systems and applications,” according to the World Bank’s authors. “Asking AI applications the right questions and ‘prompt engineering’ will be a crucial skill.”
The good news is that people may take action to make sure their career goals adjust to the increasing usage of AI by businesses. Anybody in any field of competence should learn something about AI, according to ICT experts, in order to stay current. To begin started with AI, the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has established a set of steps:
1. Learn programming: AI has roots in the ICT world which, in turn, is driven by software. The core of software development is programming. If you want to become an expert in machine learning, it is crucial to learn programming languages such as Python, Java, C++ and R.
2. Embrace mathematics and statistics: AI and machine learning rely heavily on mathematical concepts. Many students wonder about the usefulness of algebra, calculus and probability theory in their lives. Now there’s a good reason to get interested: those topics benefit anyone intending to specialise in AI and machine learning.
3. Take up a course: Gain formal educational qualifications in AI through online courses or university degrees in data science, computer science or related fields. Both public and private institutions of higher learning in Kenya have embraced AI and are offering courses on the subject.
4. Real-world experience: As AI is a rapidly evolving field, follow blogs, research papers and conferences to stay informed on the latest developments. Participate in projects, internships and AI competitions. Practical experience is the only way to gain proficiency in AI techniques.
Unsurprisingly, surveys conducted by the Ministry of Labor and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) indicate a strong need for people with ICT qualifications. Those that create and enhance information technology systems, including digital databases, software, and hardware, are commonly referred to as ICT professionals.
UNIQUE SKILLS
The chief executive of FKE, Jacqueline Mugo, attests to the fact that employers are embracing new ICT innovations, including cloud computing, AI, AI analytics, and machine learning.
Employers are having difficulty filling positions with sufficiently qualified workers to manage the ICT systems, despite the rapid evolution of these technologies. Given that millions of people in this nation are in dire need of work, this is an intriguing situation.
The lack of jobs is not the only factor contributing to the unemployment crisis. It also has to do with job searchers not possessing the abilities that companies need. Using AI in your line of work can be the secret to standing out from the crowd and getting noticed.
Soft skills are equally important as technical ones. These include self-control, self-discipline, initiative, and flexibility. Individuals possessing both soft and technical abilities are highly sought after, according per an International Labour Organization briefing. Internships, apprenticeships, and, in certain situations, simulated job experiences are effective ways for young people to hone their soft skills.
The demand for ICT skills extends beyond proficiency with AI. Specializations in cybersecurity, big data analytics, cloud computing, mobile technologies, corporate networks, and the Internet of Things (which connects sensors, controllers, and household appliances to the Internet) are also beneficial and could enhance one’s professional prospects.
