Using generative artificial intelligence (AI) for work has become ubiquitous recently. From writing reports to sending emails, generative AI has become a handy tool for both employers and jobseekers. The question now is: will the use of generative AI have a positive impact on your career?

A recent study revealed that using generative AI has made workers feeling optimistic about their skills and career prospects. The research, which was conducted by business consulting firm Robert Half, showed that out of more than 2,500 workers in the United States, 41 per cent believe that generative AI will have a positive benefit on their career, compared with about 14 per cent who think it will make their skills obsolete. Meanwhile, about 26 per cent say generative AI will have little to no impact.

Among occupations that feel optimistic about generative AI, about 63 per cent of those in the technology industry and 54 per cent of those in the human resources industry say generative AI will create more demand for their skills. Among age groups, 63 per cent of those in Generation Z and 57 per cent of Millennials are more optimistic about generative AI’s benefits than 30 per cent of Generation Xers and 21 per cent of Baby Boomers.

"Given the hype around generative AI, it's natural for workers to question the impact it will have on their immediate and long-term job prospects," said Trisha Plovie, senior vice president of future of work at Robert Half. "What's important right now is for both workers and employers to prioritize and understand the capabilities, benefits and risks it may present."

According to the research, employees say the greatest benefits of using generative AI at work are automating time-consuming tasks (35 per cent) and increasing productivity and efficiency (30 per cent). In the Finance and Accounting department, the main benefit is automating data entry. In Human Resources, it’s writing job descriptions. In Administrative and Customer Support, it’s analysing and categorizing customer feedback. In the Legal department, it’s streamlining document review and analysis. In Technology, it’s processing large volumes of data to improve system performance. Lastly, in the Marketing and Creative department, it’s writing copy for campaigns, social media and/or communications.

How generative AI will be beneficial for your career

Generative AI has the potential to bring several benefits to various careers, including yours. Here's how it can be beneficial:

• Automating routine tasks: Generative AI can be used to automate repetitive and time-consuming tasks, freeing you up to focus on more strategic and creative aspects of your career. This could include tasks like data entry, content generation, report writing, and more.
• Idea generation and creativity: Generative AI can assist in brainstorming and idea generation. It can generate new concepts, designs, or solutions, which can be particularly useful in creative fields or when you're stuck in a creative rut.
• Content creation: If your career involves content creation, such as writing, designing, or composing music, generative AI can help generate drafts, designs, or musical pieces. While it might not replace human creativity, it can provide valuable starting points or inspiration.
• Personalisation: Generative AI can help personalize interactions and experiences for customers, clients, or users. It can analyse data to create tailored recommendations or responses, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.
• Simulation and modelling: In fields like engineering, science, and architecture, generative AI can assist in simulating and modelling complex systems. This can aid in predicting outcomes, optimizing designs, and improving decision-making.
• Learning and skill enhancement: Generative AI can provide personalized learning experiences by creating practice problems, quizzes, or interactive simulations. It can adapt content based on individual learning styles and progress, helping you acquire new skills efficiently.
• Design and prototyping: If your career involves designing physical or digital products, generative AI can aid in creating prototypes, mock-ups, or initial designs. This can accelerate the design iteration process and lead to more innovative products.
• Data analysis and insights: Generative AI can assist in processing and analysing large datasets, extracting patterns, trends, and insights that might be challenging to discern through manual methods alone.
• Language translation and communication: Generative AI-powered language translation can facilitate communication in global or multilingual environments, helping you bridge language barriers and collaborate effectively.
• Entertainment and gaming: If your career is related to the entertainment industry or gaming, generative AI can help create characters, storylines, game levels, and other elements that enhance user experiences.
• Medical diagnosis and research: In healthcare, generative AI can aid in medical image analysis, drug discovery, and disease diagnosis. It can assist medical professionals by providing insights and recommendations based on vast amounts of medical data.
• Forecasting and prediction: Generative AI models can analyse historical data to make predictions about future trends, which can be valuable for decision-making in business, finance, and economics.

It's important to note that while generative AI has significant potential, it's not without challenges and ethical considerations. It's essential to ensure that the technology is used responsibly, transparently, and ethically to fully harness its benefits in your career. Additionally, there might be a learning curve to understand and integrate generative AI tools into your workflow effectively.