Anshul Sonak on Future Careers in AI Series
Anshul Sonak, a distinguished figure based in Silicon Valley and the first non-engineer Principal Engineer at Intel, recently shared his insights during the Youth in AI Series. His journey from rural India, where he was the first in his family to learn English and graduate from college, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and self-belief. Despite lacking an engineering degree, Sonak’s achievements highlight that with determination, anyone can reach great heights.
Sonak’s talk focused on the future of careers in the context of responsible AI. He began by emphasizing the importance of learnability, noting that regardless of one’s current status—be it student, entrepreneur, or employee—understanding and adapting to AI is crucial. Sonak, a social development expert, approached the topic from a societal perspective, particularly concerning education and workforce development.
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He leads Intel’s global program, Intel Digital Readiness, which prepares diverse groups, including youth, vocational students, and government leaders, for the digital economy. This program emphasizes responsible AI skilling, digital trust, and cybersecurity, aiming to bridge the gap between technology and society.
One of the key messages Sonak conveyed was the idea that AI is a transformative technology capable of significantly altering the workforce landscape. He quoted Gordon Moore, co-founder of Intel: “Whatever can be done can be outdone.” This principle is particularly relevant in the age of AI, where disruption is constant. Sonak warned that if individuals and organizations do not proactively innovate, they risk being overtaken by more agile competitors or even by AI itself.
AI, as Sonak explained, encompasses various technologies like computer vision, natural language processing, and generative AI. These technologies enable machines to mimic human intelligence, performing tasks faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost. The ability of AI to automate tasks across different domains raises critical questions about the future of jobs. He pointed out that over 50% of current job tasks could potentially be automated, prompting a need for a shift in how we approach work and education.
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Sonak underscored the importance of developing a mindset geared towards continuous learning and innovation. He highlighted the importance of asking the right questions and adopting a solution-oriented approach. This involves not just relying on machines for answers but engaging in creative problem-solving and local innovation.
He drew an analogy with the chessboard doubling story, illustrating how rapidly AI is advancing and reshaping industries. This rapid change necessitates that both individuals and organizations continuously adapt. Traditional career paths, where one might have one or two jobs over a lifetime, are becoming obsolete. Instead, people may now have multiple careers and jobs, often within the gig economy.
The impact of AI on education is profound. Educational institutions must constantly update their curricula to keep pace with technological advancements. Sonak stressed the unequal nature of this disruption, particularly affecting those from less privileged backgrounds. For example, the automation potential in the workforce could disproportionately impact women, necessitating proactive measures to mitigate these effects.
Sonak proposed a new blueprint for preparing for the future, emphasizing the development of “fusion skills”—abilities that enable humans to work alongside machines effectively. He outlined four categories of skills: those that only humans can do, those that only machines can do, skills that humans can do with the help of machines, and vice versa. Emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning, he encouraged adopting a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability.
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Highlighting practical examples, Sonak showcased how young students worldwide are already using AI for social good, from predicting heart health risks to tackling cyberbullying. These examples underscore the importance of democratizing AI knowledge and skills, ensuring diverse participation across genders, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
In conclusion, Sonak called for more commitment and communication to build an AI-ready society. He stressed the necessity of preparing for disruptions rather than fearing them. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation, we can ensure that AI benefits are widely shared, creating a more prosperous and equitable future for all.
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