Navigating the AI Revolution: Upskilling for the Future of Work
Mar 12, 2025
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In this discussion, Guy Diedrich, Cisco's Senior VP and Global Innovation Officer, shares his expertise on the future of work shaped by AI. He emphasizes the urgent need for lifelong learning and reveals the challenges posed by the digital skills gap. Guy highlights successful initiatives, like Cisco’s Networking Academy, which aim to make essential training accessible. He encourages listeners to engage with technology actively and reassures those feeling intimidated by AI's rise, providing guidance on how to navigate this evolving landscape confidently.
Continuous learning and upskilling in technology are essential for professionals to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving job market due to AI.
Accessibility to training programs, like Cisco's Networking Academy, is crucial in addressing the digital skills gap and empowering the workforce.
Deep dives
The Impact of AI on Workforce Skills
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is set to significantly alter the landscape of job skills, with predictions suggesting that by 2030, 70% of skills in most professions will change due to AI advancements. This rapid transformation can be daunting, but it highlights the need for continuous learning and upskilling in technology. Historically, AI has been embedded in systems for decades, yet recent breakthroughs, like ChatGPT, have pushed it to the forefront of public awareness, emphasizing the necessity for professionals to adapt. Embracing AI not only provides an advantage in the job market but is becoming essential, as individuals knowledgeable in AI are more likely to secure positions over those who are not.
Closing the Digital Skills Gap
Currently, approximately 35% of the global population lacks access to the internet, exacerbating the digital skills gap as technology continues to advance rapidly. Programs like Cisco's Country Digital Acceleration aim to connect the unconnected, ensuring that more individuals can participate in the modern economy. For those already connected, accessible skilling resources are crucial; these must be affordable and practical to empower a workforce capable of utilizing new technologies. The Networking Academy, which has trained over 26 million students in various technological skills, exemplifies this commitment to making learning accessible and relevant in a quickly evolving job market.
The Future of Learning and Career Development
Continuous learning is framed as a lifelong journey rather than a finite process, urging professionals to adopt a mindset of curiosity and adaptability throughout their careers. As industries evolve every 18 months due to technological advancements, traditional education paths may not suffice for staying relevant in the workforce. Employers and organizations need to provide clear pathways for workers to transition into emerging roles influenced by AI and other technologies, ensuring that professional development is aligned with industry demands. Ultimately, the emphasis is on leveraging technology as a tool for personal and professional growth, rather than an intimidating barrier to entry.
In this episode of Get Hired, LinkedIn Editor Andrew Seaman sits down with Cisco's Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer Guy Diedrich to discuss the transformative impact of AI on the workforce and why learning new skills is not a one-time event but a lifelong process. Guy and Andrew explore the growing digital skills gap and the need for accessible training programs, such as Cisco's initiatives like the Networking Academy. Guy also shares insights into how AI is transforming industries and offers guidance to anyone who is interested in, or feeling afraid of, the advent of AI.
Key Points:
The role of AI in the future of work
Understanding the digital skills gap
How AI and quantum computing are changing industries
The importance of upskilling in a rapidly changing job market
How to upskill in AI and digital skills without getting a degree