There are plenty of fears around how AI will take away jobs, but ironically, it might help get them as well.
Naval Ravikant, the renowned angel investor and entrepreneur, recently offered a compelling perspective on the evolving job market in the age of AI. His advice is surprisingly simple yet powerful, suggesting that learning AI, even at a basic level, can dramatically increase your chances of landing a job. He believes that the speed at which AI is changing industries creates a huge demand for people who understand it, even if just a little.
“The fastest way to help somebody get a job right now,” Ravikant says, “the best thing you can do is say, ‘Hey, go download the AI tools and start talking to them. Just start using them in any way. Then you can walk into any employer in almost any field and say, ‘Hey, I understand AI,’ and they’ll hire you on the spot.”
Ravikant’s assertion highlights the immediate need for AI proficiency in the workplace. He sees AI primarily as “a productivity tool. It increases the productivity per worker. It allows them to do more creative work and less repetitive work. As such, it makes them more valuable.”
He acknowledges that “yes, there’s some retraining involved, but not a lot. These are natural language computers; you can talk to them and play in English. They talk back to you in plain English.”
Looking ahead, Ravikant predicts a surge in job creation driven by AI: “I think we will see job creation by AI that will be as fast or faster than job destruction. You saw this even with the internet. YouTube came along; look at all these YouTube streamers and influencers that didn’t use to be a job.”
His final piece of advice is a call to action: “Go brush up on your AI, learn a little bit, watch a few videos, use the AI, tinker with it, and then go reapply for that job that rejected you and watch how they pull you in.”
Ravikant’s perspective, while optimistic, reflects the rapidly transforming landscape of work. The rise of generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, and others has indeed made certain skills more desirable. Companies across various sectors are actively seeking individuals who can leverage these tools to enhance productivity, automate tasks, and unlock new creative possibilities. Just as the internet created unforeseen roles like social media managers and UX designers, AI is expected to birth entirely new professions.
However, it’s important to remember that simply knowing how to use an AI tool isn’t a guaranteed path to success. Developing a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of AI, data analysis, and critical thinking will be crucial for navigating the increasingly complex job market. While Ravikant’s advice offers a valuable starting point, sustained learning and adaptation will be key to thriving in the AI-driven future of work.