Before November 2022, there was a lot of discussion about people who lost their jobs because of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, this debate became more serious when ChatGPT was launched on November 30, 2022, by San Francisco–based OpenAI. Research, education systems, and employment were divided into before ChatGPT and after ChatGPT. As we embrace this new era, we must equip ourselves with the skills necessary to thrive in a world where human-machine interaction is increasingly seamless and ubiquitous. Everyone should steer their skills such that they cannot be replaceable by Artificial Intelligence (AI). This article highlights the skills that everyone should have in the ChatGPT era.
First and foremost, it is imperative for all academic advisors to guide their students, who are at the critical juncture of choosing their career paths, towards becoming creators rather than mere consumers of AI technology. AI is presently employed in progressing domains outside of the realm of information technology (IT). It finds application in diverse sectors such as healthcare, finance, transportation, customer service, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Its widespread applications across industries are reshaping processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities. It is evident that there is a growing demand for skilled individuals proficient in AI. Consequently, in the foreseeable future, every sector will necessitate the inclusion of AI experts, such as machine learning engineers, prompt engineers, and data analysts, as integral members of their project teams.
Apart from the importance of studying IT and its demand in the market, there is no place now in the job market for people with digital literacy, regardless of their majors. In the ChatGPT era, digital literacy goes beyond basic computer skills. It involves the capacity to assess information critically, discerning between reliable sources and misinformation. Understanding how AI systems operate and their limitations is vital for effectively navigating this technology-driven landscape. Hence, digital literacy is a crucial skill for everyone to acquire.
In addition to the technical skills and digital literacy needed, employers are looking for soft skills in every employee, such as creativity, adaptability, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and critical thinking.
Instead of being worried about being replaced by AI, humans can benefit from the limitations of AI and develop the skills that AI cannot have. It is important to note that AI is not creative, at least to date. AI excels at repetitive tasks and data processing and is able to beat humans in this domain. However, creativity remains a uniquely human trait. Cultivating creativity enables individuals to envision novel solutions, think outside the box, and innovate in a rapidly evolving landscape. Creativity becomes a valuable asset in leveraging AI to its fullest potential.
Another crucial soft skill that every employee should have is adaptability. Technological advancements are reshaping industries and job roles at an unprecedented rate. Individuals must cultivate adaptability to thrive in this dynamic environment through upskilling and reskilling. Reskilling includes being open to learning new technologies, adapting to changing workflows, and embracing innovation, whereas upskilling includes taking the current skill to an advanced level. Without the ability to adapt to changes, an employee is at risk of being replaced by technology or another adaptable employee who can ride the wave and embrace change.
Emotional intelligence is another demanded soft skill in the job market. It pertains to individuals’ capacity to identify and regulate their own emotions and to react adeptly to the emotions of others. While AI tools like ChatGPT can simulate human-like conversation, they lack true emotional understanding. Developing emotional intelligence is imperative for effectively communicating and building meaningful digital connections. Empathy, active listening, and understanding non-verbal cues are essential to fostering authentic interactions. Moreover, effective communication is paramount in the ChatGPT era, where human-machine interaction is prevalent. Effective verbal and written communication that is clear and succinct is vital for expressing ideas, collaborating with AI systems, and building rapport with others in digital environments.
In addition to the aforementioned soft skills, critical thinking skills become indispensable. AI provides robust data analysis and valuable insights; however, the technology cannot evaluate and resolve intricate and distinctive situations. Individuals must be able to distinguish between fact and fiction and analyze information critically. This proficiency is essential for making well-informed decisions and avoiding manipulation within the digital domain.
In conclusion, the era of ChatGPT introduces both unparalleled possibilities and obstacles. While AI has displaced numerous jobs, it has created fresh employment avenues. Nevertheless, individuals must consider enhancing their expertise and acquiring new skills to remain competitive in the job market. This process of upskilling and reskilling prepares us for the future and enables us to leverage the capabilities of AI while upholding human values fully.
