Competing with AI in the Workforce Part 3
Guest writer Ron Wilson returns this week with part 3 of his series on competing with AI in the workforce.
Adopt an “AI-Augmented” Mindset
Stop thinking, “Will AI take my job?” Start thinking, “How can AI make me better at my job?”
- Be curious, not fearful
- View AI as a tool, not a threat
- Focus on learning how to use AI, not competing with it
Evaluate Your Current Role
Ask yourself:
- Which tasks in my job are repetitive, rule-based, or data-heavy?
➤ AI can help here. - Which tasks require creativity, empathy, judgment, or leadership?
➤ This is where you shine.
Example: If you’re in marketing, AI can author draft emails or analyze campaign data, freeing you to focus on creative strategy and client relationships.
Learn the AI Tools Relevant to Your Field
Start with free or low-cost tools and platforms to get comfortable using AI.
General Tools (all fields):
- ChatGPT / Claude / Gemini – writing, idea generation, planning
- Notion AI – summarizing, organizing, task automation
- Excel + AI – use Copilot to enhance spreadsheet analysis
Industry-Specific Examples:
- Design: Canva AI, Adobe Firefly
- Customer service: Zendesk AI, Intercom AI
- Education: Khanmigo, Quizlet AI
- Healthcare: Aidoc, Glass AI (diagnostics support)
Develop Key AI-Era Skills
Focus on skills that pair well with AI:
Complementary Skills
| Skill Type | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Critical thinking | Evaluating AI-generated output |
| Digital literacy | Comfort with tech tools and platforms |
| Prompt engineering | Asking AI the right questions |
| Project management | Orchestrating AI-human workflows |
| Communication | Translating AI insights into action |
Experiment with AI in Your Current Role
Start small:
- Use ChatGPT to summarize reports
- Use image generation tools for visual content
- Automate meeting notes and scheduling
Then build up:
- Create custom workflows (e.g., use Zapier + ChatGPT)
- Draft proposals, outreach, or scripts with AI support
- Analyze trends in your work using AI-based insights
Plan Your Career Path with AI in Mind
Ask:
- Is my field being disrupted, augmented, or reshaped by AI?
- Where is the opportunity to lead AI adoption in my field?
- What new AI-related roles are emerging (e.g., AI ethicist, AI trainer, automation strategist)?
Consider:
- Cross-training: Pair your industry knowledge with basic AI skills
- Certifications: Google AI, Microsoft Copilot, Coursera AI courses
- New roles: AI product manager, prompt engineer, AI consultant
Join Communities and Learn from Others
Stay plugged in:
- Follow experts: LinkedIn, YouTube (e.g., Allie Miller, Ethan Mollick)
- Communities: Reddit/Artificial Intelligence, Discord AI groups
- Webinars/Workshops: Local meetups or online events
Build a Portfolio of AI-Enhanced Work
Start documenting how you’ve used AI:
- Before/after examples
- Time saved or results improved
- Case studies of automation or insights
This will make you stand out when seeking promotions or new roles.
Final Thought:
The best way to stay ahead is to stop trying to “catch up” to AI — and start running alongside it. Those who understand both their craft and AI tools will shape the future of work.
Looking back, when a field service technician carried paper service manuals and a micro fiche reader to look up parts and service information and we transitioned to having laptop computers assigned to every service truck. We had some very experienced technicians leave their roles due to the disruption of the laptop computer. We must not be surprised the same impact can/will happen with the introduction of AI within the dealership and the various roles across the company.