Wondering if tech will eventually replace your current role? If you’re concerned that your job may be on the line in the upcoming years, the good news is you can take steps to future-proof your career.

Rather than waiting to see what the future workforce will look like or making a career switch, try these steps to ensure that you secure your place.

Change your mindset

Change is inevitable, and the key to keeping up is to constantly grow. And those who are most adaptable are generally those who will be able to make it. For instance, try to be more receptive to the changes around you. Embrace new trends in your industry instead of resisting change. This will help you to be more open to new challenges and to stay ahead of the trends.

Stay ahead of tech trends

Technology is the present and the future, so if you aren’t particularly tech-savvy, it’s important to brush up. This includes general tech-related skills as well as those pertaining to your specific career. For example, it’s important to know the basics of commonly used communication tools such as Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams.

You should also get acquainted with commonly used task-management tools such as Slack, Trello and Asana, as they are used across industries. For career-specific skills and trends, subscribe to trends newsletters or blogs related to your industry. Lastly, if you’re struggling with anything tech-related and specifically geared to your job, take an online course, watch a YouTube tutorial and keep practising.

Expand your skill set

The best way to ensure job security is to keep upskilling yourself. Taking online courses is a cost-effective way to acquire new skills and it’s advised to do courses related to your industry, and also to get training in industries that are most likely going to lead in future. For instance, learning new tech skills such as web or app development will work in your favour.

Online learning platforms such as Coursera, EdX, Udemy, Skillshare and LinkedIn Learning are good places to start. They have a variety of budget-friendly courses to choose from. If your current employer offers on-the-job training or courses, grab the opportunity!

Brush up on your soft skills

Communication, time management, problem-solving, leadership and collaboration are soft skills that automation and robots won’t be able to replicate. You can acquire or improve on these abilities with online courses, experience and mentorship. For instance, if you would like to grow into a manager at your company but struggle with leadership, ask your manager or someone more experienced to mentor you. Or, if you struggle with communication in the workplace, take a course on communication.

Grow a healthy network

Networking has been replaced with LinkedIn connections. And while making social media connections can help you collect business contacts, relationship building is more important. Keeping this in mind, don’t mindlessly add and connect with just anyone. Instead, send anyone you think would make a valuable connection a personal message introducing yourself. Alternatively, offer expert advice in groups to raise your profile and get noticed by the sort of people you want in your network. And with frequent communication, this will help you to foster relationships that could help you with future job opportunities, mentorship or expert guidance.