When you begin to write down your New Year's resolutions, remember to give professional growth first priority. Artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the rapid advancement of technology. Upskilling is therefore essential to maintain momentum and compete in the labour market.

In this blog post, we provide you with professional guidance to help you kickstart your career in 2024.

How to upskill your career in 2024

Here are four simple ways that you may begin your upskilling journey in the new year:

1. Become familiar with AI and learn how to make use of it

According to Indeed's latest AI at Work Report, almost all jobs in the United States will be impacted by generative AI. 

Of those occupations, 20% are deemed "highly exposed," which means AI can complete between 50 and 80% of the skills necessary for those jobs; in contrast, 46% of roles are deemed "moderately exposed," indicating AI can complete 80% or more of the abilities required for those job posts. 

While some find this concerning, especially those in more technical fields like software development or math, Hulce emphasised the benefits, saying it's less likely that AI would completely displace professions. Alternatively, technology might improve or streamline particular tasks, boost productivity, and let you rethink your position in ways that make it more satisfying.

AI, according to Hulce, "is going to change the workforce." No matter where we are in our professional lives, we will all need to continuously pick up new abilities. Although change can be unsettling, it also presents an opportunity to pick up new skills. We can only hope that as our job changes, it will become more meaningful and increasingly something that only people can accomplish. 

Additionally, you could discover ways to benefit from AI: According to over 70% of job seekers in Indeed's Global AI Survey, people use AI for everything from company research to creating cover letters and interview questions. You may utilise AI technologies to your advantage in your next job search after you become familiar with them. 

2. Identify areas you need to upskill in

Understanding your areas of improvement is essential for upskilling, and AI may assist. One question to pose to ChatGPT is, "What are the skills needed for the position you want?" "What skills do marketing managers need?" is one example. ChatGPT will share a high-level job description and a list of necessary skills that successful candidates typically possess.

Examining job descriptions for trends is another method for determining skill deficiencies. Hulce revealed that her team recently examined the skills that are in demand for marketing managers and found that familiarity with marketing automation platforms like Pardot and Marketo is becoming more in-demand and correlated with higher compensation. Gaining those abilities might hasten the advancement of your profession. 

Related Article: 6 Best Job Sites In 2023 To Make Money Online Through Tutoring.

Finally, make use of your network. Hulce advised doing a 360-degree evaluation to identify your ability deficiencies. In this assessment, you grade yourself and compare the results to the input from your coworkers. 

You might also find out from your peers or an online community what kind of skills are necessary to succeed in the field or career you want.

3. Work on your soft skills

Soft talents, including leadership, creativity, emotional intelligence, and negotiation, are among the qualities that are constantly in demand.

According to Hulce, "it's important to invest in learning these skills because they are highly transferable across roles." "Employers are highly emphasising the need to find these exponential human skills more and more."

Mullane recently highlighted a similar idea in a Forbes piece, saying that while ChatGPT can't lead, you can. "At its foundation, leadership is a human endeavour," he said. Frequently, it involves the "gut." AI that is generative lacks a "gut." That will work to your benefit. 

To progress in a manner that AI cannot, concentrate on strengthening your soft skills. 

4. Take online courses

Enrolling in an online course is one way to build soft skills. There are many different ways to study, ranging from five-minute YouTube videos to multi-week courses and full-year online degrees. 

After identifying your skill gaps, choose the experience that would best fit your learning objectives, time and budget constraints, and available talents. Gaining such abilities will frequently benefit you in ways other than your CV. 

According to a recent City Square Associates poll, 42% of participants in HBS Online courses saw an average pay rise of $17,000, or a ten-fold return on investment.