Artificial intelligence and automation have added new dimensions to the employment landscape, and employees must do their best to stay ahead of the curve.

In the past, the job market was simple: you had an interest or a preference in mind, you studied for it, you applied for a job in a company or companies that had relevant openings, you got at least one offer, and you parked yourself at that job for a few years, at the very least.

The market, though, is evolving rapidly. Automation and job displacement have created a lot of disruption in recent years, but there has been no real change in the approach of those currently employed as well as those seeking jobs. It is almost as if they believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation will spare their jobs but disrupt most others.

An employee ought to view his or her career as a small business, which provides services to a single client. A business in such a situation would – or definitely should – be looking to diversify its skills and hence its potential client base. Come the time when a company decides to let an employee go, and the employee might be unprepared to find a new job or possessing outdated skill sets that do not make him or her employable. As an example, if you are a software engineer, you could upskill yourself with an AI certification, as AI experts are quite in demand and will be in need in the near future.

What, then, should be the strategy to not just deal with but flourish in a rapidly-evolving marketplace?

The following 5 Things Could Keep Your Career Relevant In The AI Age :

1. Future-ready or future unsteady?

If you love what you do, you will go the extra mile and take whatever steps are needed to be able to keep doing what you do. Figure out exactly where you currently stand, as a start to improving the resilience of your career. If you are too comfortable with your current position or role, it could well be the greatest sign you need to start learning something new.

Technology has evolved rapidly, and will continue to do so, obliterating the longevity that was seen in skills in the past. Never stop monitoring current job openings – these will tell you the skills in demand and the direction in which the industry is headed.

2. Get certified:

Previously, a period of learning would be followed by time spent monetizing the learning. Now, though, learning must be continuous, as upskilling never goes out of date. As a software developer, you could choose an AI certification , considering the way AI is becoming important in the world of today. This is an important step on the way to becoming an AI expert, by proactively updating your skills.

3. Never not network:

A friend in need may be a friend indeed, but possibly not in the talent marketplace. Professional relationships should be built and sustained not only when, say, you are desperately looking for a job, but also as an ongoing process. Invest in networking basis mutual interest, to keep your people skills sharp and your relationships strong.

4. Soft skills that are super:

Interpersonal skills are often a weak point in the modern workforce. Energy, charisma, and warmth are development needs for many, often being the differentiators in the chances of setting up the right career. These could also help you stay relevant in the face of automation of repetitive tasks.

As an example, AI experts do not just need to know about machine learning and deep learning, but also think quickly on their feet, be creative, and show strong leadership skills.

5. Mentor magic:

A good mentor can be of great help when one needs to develop soft skills, especially in a time of low pressure. Their experience also stands the mentees in good stead when tackling the dynamics of the employment landscape.