Today marks the release of Open to Work: How to Get Ahead in the Age of AI. In an era where technology frequently captures the spotlight, discussions on LinkedIn often reflect a human concern: how will AI impact jobs and careers?
In the past, career paths seemed more straightforward. Job titles clearly defined roles, and career advancement resembled climbing a ladder. However, this model has been evolving, and AI is speeding up this transformation.
The key takeaway during this period is that the future is not predetermined. The new landscape of work is being constructed now, through individual tasks, policies, and business decisions. It will be shaped by the choices of those actively participating in its creation.
This is the reason Aneesh Raman and I authored this book. Open to Work serves as a practical guide, drawing from global labor market trends and insights from tools used by millions daily. It is aimed at anyone pondering the future of their job, career, company, or community.
With contributions from experts and everyday LinkedIn users, the book provides guidance on engaging with AI proactively, adapting by focusing on controllable factors, and becoming indispensable by embracing what makes you unique.
These concepts are relevant not only to individuals but also inform how Microsoft and LinkedIn are approaching this period. At the junction of work processes and career development, the shared objective is to connect individuals to opportunities and transform everyday tools into platforms for collaboration between humans and AI. When executed correctly, AI can broaden opportunities and help individuals gain confidence and momentum in their careers.
We have always maintained that technology should serve people, and AI should assist humans, not vice versa. Achieving this requires intentional effort from everyone involved.
For more insights on Open to Work, listen to my discussion with Microsoft President and Vice Chair Brad Smith on his podcast, Tools and Weapons. The book is now available at linkedin.com/opentowork.
Ryan Roslansky is the CEO of LinkedIn and Executive Vice President of Microsoft Office, overseeing engineering for products such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Copilot. In these roles, Ryan is helping shape the future of work to unlock greater economic opportunities for the global workforce.
