Hi Career Gurus, I'm a 48 year old professional with an engineering and management background. I'm currently stuck in a reasonably decent paying but unfulfilling sales role in the construction equipment industry. I'm good with IoT/digital stuff, as a result of which I was often drafted into digitalisation projects in their incubation stages. I'm pretty confident that I can deliver in this field. With the advent of AI age, and given the background I have, what are the career avenues in AI/ML that could be worth exploring? I'm seriously fed up with the sales culture and every day is a constant struggle to keep myself sane. Please advise. Thanks in advance!

Ans: Thank you for getting in touch with me on Rediff Gurus. I completely understand how you feel today, especially with the rapid advancements in AI technology. However, there are still plenty of opportunities out there for someone like you with MBA background and interests to do better in life. Here are a few suggestions for you to consider upgrading yourself with technical skills in the fields like Blockchain Technology, Virtual Reality, Digital Marketing and Analytics, Project Management, Business Intelligence and Data Analysis, Product Management, Customer Experience (CX) Management, Data Science Manager where you can work as Data Science Manager, Blockchain Strategist, Virtual Reality (VR) Product Marketer , Sustainability Officer, E-commerce Strategist, Augmented Reality (AR) Product Sales & Marketing Specialist, Supply Chain Optimization Manager, Digital Transformation Consultant and Artificial Intelligence Ethics Advisor.

Please always remember, the key to success is to identify your core strengths & interests and align them with these emerging trends and job opportunities in the market. Consider exploring online courses, workshops, or certifications to enhance your skills and stay competitive in the selected field on your interest. Additionally, networking and seeking mentorship from top professionals in your desired field selected by you can also provide valuable insights and guidance as you navigate your career transition in the future. Best of Luck! Feel free to contact me on Rediff Gurus if you need further assistance or help.

Ans: Yes you should be conversant with AI. Traditional coding and testing jobs will be eliminated.

Ans: Digital Marketing is a good skill to have. I would not advise jumping into consulting, its not easy to get business.