The IT sector has been hit hard by the wave of automation with Indian IT bellwethers and top employers reportedly downsizing heavily.
However, there are more takers for skills such as big data, machine learning, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality and robotics process automation.
A NASSCOM report suggests that if the tech workforce in India wants to survive then they have to reskill themselves over five years.
Another startling statistic is that India will lose up to 640,000 low-skilled jobs to automation by 2021 and the IT industry will shrink by 14 per cent by 2021.
In a webinar, hosted by Harish Subramanian, Director, Growth & New Product Development, Great Learning, the industry expert believes IT layoffs is not an overnight phenomenon.
'It’s been a long time coming and all the companies will adapt very quickly to the situation. We do know some of the factors that led to this,' he said during.
Macroeconomics, changing business mode, slack in the system and automation are some of the key factors that had resulted in the current situation.
According to Subramanian, knowing one thing and knowing it really well doesn’t work anymore.
'Increasingly single skills are becoming redundant, your one single skill starts to become more of a detriment rather than an attribute. What happens when people figure out a way to automate that and do it cheaper and faster,' he said.
He emphasised that the whole idea is to build new skills and competencies in technologies that are now sought after.
Some of these areas are:
* AI, ML, Data Analysis
* Automaton: RPA, Testing, Robo-calling, Robo-advisory
* Information & cyber security
* IoT connected everything
* Multi-platform UI/UX/HCI etc
* Fintech, blockchain for record keeping
For a working professional it can be difficult to step away from the routine to learn something new.
* Even more important than learning a specific skill is to develop a framework to constantly learn a completely new area every couple of years
* Inculcate the ability to pick up a new skill quickly and methodically
* Contribute to a community to develop reputational capital
* Work on an open source project you really enjoy
* Contribute to a community developed project
Today’s business environment requires a mashup of diverse skill sets. Whether it is effective interpersonal skills or possessing cross-functional team management skills, the ideal candidates are those who can work well in a team.
Soft skills such as collaborative problem solving, a deep understanding of the root of the problem and combining judgment and rigour can help one advance in their career. In the skills-based job approach, soft skills can also pave way for better employment opportunities for candidates.
courtesy: http://analyticsindiamag.com
