To say that Generative AI is reshaping how people work in 2025 will be an understatement. This is the first technology that has really had me asking very tough questions about my current position in the tech industry and the outlook. It's both troubling and weirdly exciting at the same time.
Understand the Impact of Gen AI on Your Field
One of the biggest concerns people have (I certainly do) about their careers is the fear of stagnation. As a software developer and manager, it's in my best interest to ensure that I'm aware of what's required to be productive at work; utilizing the appropriate technology where necessary. For instance with Copilot I'm able to generate code or unit tests which I can review and accept. This frees me up to do other high-level tasks such as strategic planning, systems design and stakeholder management.
Identifying Relevant Skills to Develop
Fast forward to the heart of this discussion; how do we determine what skills that we need to take us further? From my personal experience, I try to answer these questions below, tailoring the learning experience to meet my needs:
- What skills do I currently have?
- What skills am I interested in?
- How demanding are these skills?
- How much effort & time would be required to acquire these skills
- What projects can I build after acquiring these skills?
- How can I use Generative AI to speed up the learning process and build projects?
- What outcomes am I expecting after acquiring these skills?
- How can I use Generative AI to make me more productive?
By adopting a proactive approach and focusing on continuous learning, we can ensure that we remain competitive in this evolving landscape. Embracing this journey is essential for both personal growth and professional success.
