As Artificial Intelligence (AI) integrates into the workplace and redefines job roles, young professionals find themselves at a pivotal crossroads. On one side lies the immense potential of AI to drive innovation and professional growth. On the other, the challenge of preserving irreplaceable human attributes, creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, remains critical to maintaining our unique value in an increasingly automated world.
Success in this evolving landscape requires mastering technical skills while simultaneously cultivating soft skills that foster collaboration, agility, and ethical decision-making.
It is clear that learning extends far beyond formal schooling. Yet, for many young professionals, the transition from academia to the workplace often marks the end of structured education. The demands of starting a career, coupled with the pressure to perform, can make continuous learning a lower priority. This mindset must shift, as adapting to change requires a commitment to lifelong learning.
Employers and Learning & Development managers are at the forefront of creating cultures where lifelong learning thrives. In project management—a field where AI is transforming how decisions are made, and projects are delivered—continuous upskilling is no longer optional; it is essential. By equipping teams with both technical expertise and human-centric skills, organisations can ensure their professionals are future-ready.
Amid AI’s growing dominance, soft or power skills remain the cornerstone of human agency. While machines excel in data processing, pattern recognition, and predictive analytics, they cannot replicate emotional intelligence, creativity, or the nuanced decision-making required in complex human interactions. Employers increasingly recognise the value of these uniquely human traits, which are vital to navigating ambiguity and fostering innovation.
The challenge is not only to integrate AI into workplaces but also to ensure that human capabilities remain central to project and organisational success.
Organisations play a pivotal role in striking this balance. Pairing seasoned professionals with new project managers through mentoring fosters mutual growth, enabling the transfer of knowledge, skills, and fresh inter-generational perspectives. While experienced professionals share insights on power skills and organisational nuances, younger professionals can offer innovative approaches to technology adoption. PMI’s Chapters provide a valuable platform for facilitating these connections, offering opportunities for collaboration, networking, and professional growth within a supportive community.
Membership in professional organisations provides a sense of belonging and fosters the exchange of ideas. These platforms emphasise collective growth over individual achievement, nurturing a spirit of collaboration that ensures learning remains a shared priority.
As an organisation, we are leading the charge in equipping professionals with cutting-edge AI capabilities. Through significant investments in AI-powered tools and platforms, PMI is empowering professionals to adapt to the rapidly evolving technological landscape. Members benefit from free AI-focused courseware that equips them with the skills needed to integrate AI into their workflows. PMI’s acquisition of Cognilytica further demonstrates its commitment to helping project managers stay ahead of the curve and thrive in an AI-driven world.
As technology becomes omnipresent, individuals must also take personal responsibility for preserving their human legacy. This means not only adapting to change but actively shaping it. Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth fosters resilience and adaptability. Platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and PMI certifications provide accessible resources for continuous learning. By committing to consistent growth, young professionals can ensure they remain relevant in an ever-evolving job market.
A balanced approach to technology and soft skills is key. By embracing both innovation and human values, today’s youth can secure their place in the future of work—one where automation enhances, rather than diminishes, human potential, and innovation thrives alongside empathy.
George Asamani, Managing Director, Project Management Institute, Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Star