That’s a very popular question and a good one. The short answer is that is entirely up to you. The truth is, if we plan to stay at the same level, and just hold a position to draw a salary, then in all likelihood we might lose our job to technology at some point in the not-too-distant future.
The truth is humans have always looked to develop tools to support tasks, and that has in some cases met with resistance – we have the example of the Luddites sabotaging machinery at the dawn of the industrial age, under penalty of death. But also, But also, technology has allowed people from diverse backgrounds and talents to get involved in jobs they traditionally would not have been able to. In fact, by some multilateral reports technology has been the primary vehicle to take people out of poverty in many regions of the world.
More recently, we have seen self-ordering kiosks and self-checkouts that are removing the need for cashiers. We see AI engines that are affecting jobs in the creative sector. Drones replacing fieldwork. And even more robotics to help with household chores.
I think its important that we recognize these technologies are built to solve specific problems, and in every instance someone, somewhere, saw the technology as a solution, and approved its fit to the work process, or was involved in its implementation. So it might replace jobs on one part, but it also creates job opportunities for others. And therefore persons have to work differently to match the pace of change.
If you build the skills to see technology as the tool that it is, you too can define the role technology plays in the workplace, and watch it work to achieve the goals you define.
And, with those skills, you can contract the technical expertise you need to make it work, with confidence while staying in control.
At PDMAcademy.com we developed the course Technology Fundamentals for Non-IT Professionals to help persons who have no tech background to learn about technology – the components, the drivers and the trends, so that they can easily move into positions where they can contribute to the integration of technology and its use.
What opportunities are open to persons through technology?
The fact that everything is more digital means that we can use data to be more to our clients, and do more with our scarce resources. Not only that, but it means we can look at remote work differently, and get access to even more people with a different perspective or work ethic, or more experience.
Also, we have seen new technologies coming into the mainstream. AI platforms like ChatGPT and others, Metaverse, NFTs, IOT, 3D printing, blockchain, crypto and digital payments…
These all create business opportunities and are creating entirely new business models… in particular they are allowing persons to create and deliver value to customers in new ways, and automate more so they can spend time on what matters to them, be it their core business, or more work-life balance like spending quality time outdoors, or just spending more time with friends and family.
We have seen with Chat GPT a barrage of content of persons on social media showcasing and highlighting business opportunities and automation using the Chat 4 platform. This is just 1 example.
One thing I like about the technology sector is the fact that its very democratic on the labour end. Business owners and executives want the technology to fit to work processes, they want users to be trained and supported, and for the technology to just work. Consumers are interested in the value from tech, not soo much the vendor. I just mentioned Chat GPT, no one cares what the developer looks like, or their gender, or anything. Once it works.
If you can show value as a tech-powered professional, no one cares what color you are. Or gender. You could be black or white or brown or yellow or a metallic fuchsia, it doesn’t matter. Doesn’t matter whether you are male or female. Or even if you have a degree. There is a lot more emphasis on competence. If you have it, if you have the experience, Fantastic. Lets get this to work.
The truth is all technology have some common building blocks that are pieced together in different ways to do different things.
Our view at PDMAcademy is that if you learn the core building blocks, and the trends associated with them, you can take control of the technology resource and put it to work for you, instead of you for it. And for a technology-intensive future, these skills give you the advantage to get ahead of the curve. Or build a curve of your own.
Whats the easiest way to get into technology without a tech background?
There are still a lot of persons who see technology as something foreign and maybe too complex to learn. Types of technology, settings, and jargon may seem overwhelming, or just demanding too much. If you think you are willing to try, then that’s a good start.
And in addition, we have noticed there’s still a lot of emphasis on computer literacy, or software competence based on a specific vendor. That’s ok, but today software can do a lot more on its own, and are giving more robust templates and so on. I think there is the need for technology literacy in a more holistic sense, so that persons can know which technologies to look at, to achieve what for which aspect of a business.
In terms of access to training, anyone who is even vaguely familiar with the internet can recognize there are tons of resources available – for free – to help someone learn a specific subject or a skill. Tons of resources. And if you have the time to go trawl through the internet, then great. Step-by-step youtube or pinterest, or through simple google searches are available and help to solve a specific problems, but doesn’t always close the skills gap. By that I mean if they have to do it again, it becomes a challenge of reinventing the wheel – trying to recall which site we accessed for what, etc.
For some people, they don’t have the time to sift through 2 million pages, and videos, with arguments and contradictions, trying to piece together some workable framework they can use. And chat gpt responses at good up to a certain level. There are those who want to engage in real business in real time, and get real returns. And they much rather spend the time using a skill to solve a problem rather than spending time building the skill.
Dr. Faheem Mohammed
March 14, 2023