Five ways to keep professional skills sharp in the age of AI

As AI transforms the workplace, skills that once lasted a decade now need refreshing every two to three years. Professor Nick Wailes, Dean of UNSW, Lifelong Learning and Director, AGSM shares his five ways to stay relevant and future ready. 

Historically, professional development was something that people in niche roles needed to undertake. Think accountants, engineers or other specialists who have to keep up to date with new regulations and industry requirements.

For everyone else, learning largely happened on the job, absorbing through experience, observation, and if you were lucky, the occasional course. However, that model no longer fits in the current world of work.

With technology transforming roles at an unprecedented rate, professionals are now expected to combine core industry knowledge with essential soft skills, including communication, collaboration and adaptability.

Success is dependent on fostering a culture of continuous learning and rethinking not only how work gets done but what skills will be most valuable in the future.

AI is changing the rules

Over the past few years, AI has been reshaping how we work. Tasks once seen as technical are now automated, giving professionals a new opportunity to create, communicate and problem solve.

Those who have actively embraced digital tools are already working faster, getting deeper insights, and freeing up more time for creativity and learning.  

According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), the half-life of skills is rapidly shrinking. In fact, the research shows that skills that once lasted a decade now need to be refreshed every two to three years.

Waiting five years to undertake your next training program is too long. To succeed, continuous learning must become part of the way we work. 

Five steps to future-proof professional skills

1. Embrace shared learning

The best organisations are investing in leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that drive both personal growth and company resilience, the benefits of which are two-fold when these learnings are shared.

Success not only strengthens workforce capabilities, but employees are more likely to stay in their role when they feel challenged, supported, and able to learn.

Organisations play an equal role in offering courses and creating environments where people feel safe to experiment, fail, and grow. More importantly, they can cultivate a mindset that embraces this learning and adaptation. 

A great example of this is the team at Kal Tire, who benefited from the impact of professional development to strengthen team alignment.

2. Turn AI disruption into opportunity

AI is already part of most jobs, whether we notice it or not. The priority for organisations is learning about AI, which means training teams to understand how these tools can help them work faster or smarter.

By automating mundane tasks, they can streamline decision-making and have more free time for creative activities.

Beyond these efficiencies, there is a real opportunity for professionals to embrace and learn with this technology. Using AI to act as a personal coach or development partner can help prioritise learning, track progress, and uncover insights that would otherwise take much longer to discover.

3. Differentiate between human value and AI

One thing is certain: AI will keep getting better at routine, repetitive tasks. If a professional’s current value proposition fits into this category, they could be in trouble.

In a digital world, being able to partner with AI to deliver value for your organisation is a must. 

It’s also crucial to consider the key differentiators that set humans apart, including communicating and collaborating, creatively thinking and storytelling.  

They’re the human skills that bring meaning, connection, and innovation to work and give us our competitive advantage. 

4. Make learning a daily habit 

Don’t wait around for someone to give you a learning opportunity. By scheduling just 15 minutes a day into your diary, you can read, watch, or practise something new.

It might sound small, but it adds up. Over a year, that’s more than 60 hours of learning, which is equivalent to a full course.

By consistently investing in skills and capabilities, professionals will be actively positioning themselves as future ready throughout their working life. 

5. Engage in structured learning 

We all have access to learning, but those who make the most progress often follow a plan. Structure provides the framework that helps with focus, accountability, and momentum.

By participating in a course through AGSM Executive Education, you can get feedback and insights from others, helping you to stay accountable and push you outside of your comfort zone.

For opportunities to enhance your skills in 2026, visit the UNSW Course Catalogue.