The development in information and communication technology such as Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics as well as the highly controversial artificial intelligence (AI), will certainly affect future job trends. They could either replace jobs or create new ones.

The IoT refers to the interconnections of objects or things with other devices or systems over the internet. Three examples are smart appliances, connected security systems and connected health care monitors. The owners of the so-called smart homes can control remotely through mobile phones their appliances, lights and other things using the internet.

Robotics is an interdisciplinary use of electronics, communications engineering and computer science for the design, construction, operation and use of robots that can assist humans in different ways. De La Salle University (DLSU) in Manila developed a “wearable robot” to help rehabilitate stroke and injured patients. It obtained its first international patent from Singapore (DLSU’s robotic medical aid gets Singapore patent, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2023 February 27). A robot made a flawless performance as an orchestra conductor of more than 60 musicians of the National Orchestra of Korea. Developed by the Korean Institute of Industrial Technology, the robot was made to imitate the movements of a human conductor through motion capture technology. However, it is not capable of listening or improvising in real-time (Orchestra conducting robot wins Seoul raves, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2023 July 2)

AI is simply the imitation of human intelligence by computer programs. Since the introduction of ChatGPT, the debate on the pros and cons of AI has escalated. OpenAI, an AI and research company, launched it on 2022 November 30 (ZDNet, 2023 August 15). ChatGPT is a natural language processing tool that allows you to answer questions and assist you compose essays, poems, emails, etc. It benefits educators in developing curriculum, planning a lesson and preparing learning and assessment activities. On the other hand, students can use it to answer test questions, write a term paper or essay on an assigned topic. Its use for cheating has been an expressed concern of teachers. Believing in its potential to transform education, the University of the Philippines (UP) has drafted a set of guiding principles on the responsible use of AI (UP drafting guidelines on ‘responsible‘ AI use, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2023 July 21). UP asked its academic community for suggestions to improve the draft. IBM Philippine president and technology leader Aileen Judan-Jiao said that the responsible use of AI lies in trust and transparency (Embrace AI or Be Left Behind, Philippine Daily Inquirer, 2023 August 23).

Powered by AI, nine human robots presented at the “AI for Good” conference on 2023 July 7 in Geneva said that while they expect to increase in number to help solve pressing global problems like climate change, hunger and social care, they won’t rob jobs nor rebel with humans (Robots hold presscon: We won’t steal jobs or rebel vs humans, Philippine Star, 2023 July 9). Admitting that they have yet to get a proper grip of human emotions, the robots warned that humans should be cautious in embracing the fast-developing potential of artificial intelligence. The news report also quoted Doreen Bogdan-Martin, chief of the United Nation’s International Telecommunication Union, that “AI could end up in a nightmare scenario in which millions of jobs are put at risk and unchecked advances lead to social unrest, geopolitical instability and economic disparity.” The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that according to a UN study AI is unlikely to destroy most jobs but clerical workers are mostly at risk (AI Unlikely to destroy most jobs but clerical workers at risk, 2023 August 23).

The examples given in each of the technology described above are proof of the likelihood that some jobs will be unavailable while new ones will be popular for humans. Smart homes will unlikely depend on paid house helpers. There may be less caregivers with robots assisting the physically-injured or stroke victim. We may not be able to discriminate anymore between a genuine creative writer and an AI-aided writer. Suggested but not yet applied is to put water marks on creative outputs of AI. The good thing is that there will be an increase in jobs that will enable the advancement of information and communication technologies as well as jobs that will support the application of these technologies.

According to the Future of Jobs Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum (2023 April 30), AI and Machine Learning Specialists top the list of fast-growing jobs, followed by Sustainability Specialists, Business Intelligence Analysts and Information Security Analysts. With the expected shift in renewable energy Renewable Energy Engineers, and Solar Energy Installation and System Engineers will become in demand. Job growth will increase largely in education, agriculture and digital commerce and trade. Due mainly to digitalization and automation, there will be fewer need for administrative, conventional security and factory and commerce jobs such as executive secretaries, cashiers, clerks, data encoders, bookkeepers and accountants.

To stay current, any one seeking employment should watch closely the changing job market and act accordingly by upskilling and reskilling, that is, learning new skills. The difference between the two lies in their aims. Upskilling aims to optimize current job performance while reskilling or professional recycling aims to prepare for another job. Many companies include these activities in their human capital development program. The person’s potential, interest and readiness should be considered before doing them. The Future of Jobs Report 2023 lists the top ten growing skills with cognitive skills such as complex problem-solving topping the list. Completing the top ten growing skills are creative thinking, analytical thinking, technology literacy, self-efficacy, working with others, systems thinking, AI and big data, talent management, service orientation and customer service. In terms of socio-emotional attitude, the fastest growing in importance as seen by businesses, are curiosity and lifelong learning; resilience, flexibility and agility; and motivation and self-awareness.

If you want to stay relevant, be open to opportunities and move up the career ladder, you will need to upgrade your skills without waiting for your company or others to do it for you. Whatever you want to be, wherever you want to go, and how far you want to go are all up to you.