How to future-proof your children’s careers against AI

August 15, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) is on the verge of transforming our world, and parents are increasingly concerned about preparing their children for a future where AI will shape careers and job prospects. As we embrace this technological shift, experts are urging parents and educators to take proactive steps in future-proofing their children's careers against AI.

The AI revolution has already begun, subtly integrating itself into our daily lives. From navigating directions on Google Maps to generating realistic human voices, AI is advancing rapidly, capturing the attention of scientists and industry leaders. While some experts raise concerns about the potential existential threat AI poses, many individuals are more focused on the practical implications it will have on their children's future job prospects.

To ensure their children's career readiness, parents must prioritise developing skills and knowledge about algorithms and AI. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI, such as its ability to generate texts and images, is essential for survival in a world heavily influenced by AI, as seen in platforms like Instagram and TikTok.

As the AI landscape evolves, coding and development are currently at the forefront of AI-driven job opportunities. However, experts warn that this might not always be the case. Critical thinking skills are becoming increasingly valuable, as coding proficiency could become less relevant with AI advancements handling programming tasks more efficiently. It is essential for students to be equipped with the ability to differentiate what AI excels at and where its shortcomings lie, as misinformation generated by AI becomes more prevalent.

For younger children and those not inclined towards technical skills, the focus should be on cultivating critical thinking abilities and understanding technology. Generative AI, with its ability to code more efficiently than humans, might eventually replace certain coding tasks. Therefore, fostering curiosity about algorithms, personalisation, and the inner workings of the internet can be valuable for their future.

As AI continues to disrupt the job market, certain sectors, such as call centres and customer service, may face significant changes or even become obsolete. The creative industries, including illustration, design, and journalism, will experience AI assistance in content creation but will still require skilled human input for enhancement and quality control.

While AI will handle more technical tasks, interpersonal skills, teamwork, communication, and leadership will remain highly valued in the AI-driven workplace. The human touch and soft skills might become more critical as automation becomes prevalent.

Looking ahead, AI productivity gains have the potential to create more opportunities to address global challenges, such as climate change and poverty. This shift could allow individuals to focus on personal pursuits and endeavours, leveraging AI's capabilities to benefit humanity.

Certainly, the AI revolution is inevitable, and it will undoubtedly reshape the job market. Parents can prepare their children for this future by focusing on understanding AI's workings, developing critical thinking skills, and emphasising soft skills that will be valued even in an AI-driven world. While the future may look different, the era of the robot is not yet upon us. By equipping our children with the right knowledge and abilities, we can ensure their success and resilience in an AI-powered world.