Automation, digitisation to affect careers,impact job security

Rapid technological advancements like automation and digital technologies are set to affect careers of professionals in the coming years and will have a significant impact on job security, a report said.
According to Simplilearn's State of India Technology Skills Report, that compiled inputs from over 9,200 mid-level IT/ITeS professionals, over 60 per cent believe that rapid technology advancements are set to impact their careers by 2017-18.
The World Economic Forum had also revealed that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is in progress and this development is expected to affect millions of jobs over the next 5-10 years.
Around 62 per cent believe that the impact will be due to automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies, 48 per cent believe the impact will be due to globalisation and changing consumer perceptions, the report that covered professionals working at tier-I & -II companies in Bangalore, Mumbai, New Delhi, Hyderabad, Chennai, Pune and Kolkata said.

With regards to digital technologies and its impact on job security, nearly half (49 per cent) believe their job is at risk due to the change introduced by emerging technologies, 32 per cent believe they already have the skills to cope with change brought in by emerging technologies, while 19 per cent of IT professionals think it would not impact their careers.
The impact would be more prominent on low and middle skilled jobs, which are under threat of replacement, accordingly experts suggest regular up-skilling to improve job prospects.
"More than 50 per cent of IT industry professionals believe that future growth is in emerging and new technology areas like cloud computing, big data, cyber security, data science and mobile and a vast majority of them are keen to upgrade their skills," Simplilearn Chief Business Officer Kashyap Dalal said.

Interestingly, 62 per cent did not invest into learning newer technologies in the last 12 months, however, going forward, more than 35 per cent respondents want to up-skill with online courses over the next 6 months and digital marketing, big data and analytics are some popular domains professionals want to build their skills.