Tips to automation proof your IT jobs

Tips to automation proof your IT jobs

Automation will hit jobs hard. And it will hit the IT sector the worst. According to reports of an international consultancy firm, almost half of the current jobs in the sector will become invalid by 2022. This figure is damaging to the jobs of millions in India, not to mention the ones who are studying in the field at present will be in for a shocker if they aren’t better prepared by then. There are some things that will be beyond control and there isn’t anything that could be done about saving them from automation but there is some hope for others who are willing to learn, adapt and be prepared for the big change.

Here are some tips to stay prepared for the future

1. Sharpen your skills

Because that is going to take you places in the future when IT jobs start perishing. Training programs conducted by companies are extremely beneficial in re-skilling and up-skilling the current employees to stay in tune with the current trends. Whenever such an opportunity presents itself before you, make sure you don’t miss it.

2. Start envisioning

Make long term plans already! Start predicting and researching about the future needs of IT firms and start learning things that will make life easier for you later. These courses can prepare you better for automation. If there will be automated processes, there will still be need for those who know how to operate them. Train yourself for that.

3. Self learning

Companies select trainees and you may not always get the chance. If you feel left out of the circle, you can always go for online courses that are widely increasing for the IT sector. There are a number of free as well as paid online courses that will come handy for your job sooner or later. Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are a trend these days that one could safely follow.

4. Boot camps

If you are financially independent and can spare a good amount for courses, boot camps are to your rescue. They come up in every city these days and provide intensive short term trainings and courses that are very beneficial. They are in the business and know the skills that are required and hence very helpful at re-sharpening your IT skills.

5. Concentrate on hot areas

There are areas that will still be in demand after years. Start researching and focus your interest in those areas. These are the jobs that wouldn’t lose demand in the future even at the peak of automation. Some of these areas are:

• Security experts and cloud capacity managers
• Data architects, integration experts, Hadoop pros
• Hardware, software, analytics experts
• Programmers to tap internal, external power of APIs
• Tech experts to lay the groundwork for enterprise AI/robotics
• Broad and deep security chops
• Digital artisans and product designers

6. Plan a start-up

Easier said than done but it could be your saviour in the future when jobs start becoming scarce. Have an idea, a team willing to join in and some extra fund kept aside for this purpose. Having a plan B will not only bring you security and hope for the future but also make you strive harder to learn new skills and stay updated with the current trends of the sector.

Some IT gurus are of the view that automation will kill some jobs but also create new ones. To be on the safe side, you must stay in tune with time and think at least three years ahead.