With recent advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, the job market is already beginning to shift, making way for brand-new job titles such as ‘Prompt Engineer’, ‘Machine Learning Engineer’, and ‘AI Data Scientist’.
Whilst most of us won’t be required to pursue AI-specific skills in our jobs, it’s important to consider developing a forward-thinking skillset that will allow us to work and compete with AI as it develops.
Here, Ed Johnson, Co-Founder and CEO of leading online mentoring and career progression platform PushFar reveals four of the top skills employers are looking for across all industries heading into the future, and how you can effectively showcase them in your current role or job applications.
Data Analysis
Data analysis consists of gathering, organising and interpreting data to identify patterns, trends and correlations. It’s a skill that’s in high demand across industries and will help you use AI systems to make data-driven decisions, identify opportunities for improvement and optimise processes in any role.
No matter what role you may be working in, data analysis is a great skill to have, whether you want to become proficient in programming, all the way to training yourself up in data visualisation. Plus, as data continues to grow as an increasingly important asset for organisations, the demand for analytic professionals is likely to grow, providing job security in the field.
Problem Solving
Developing problem solving skills in the workplace brings numerous benefits that contribute to personal growth in a profession and benefit your workplace as a whole. Honing these skills will enhance you to identify, analyse and address challenges effectively. AI can play a pivotal role in augmenting problem-solving capabilities in the workplace, as they are equipped with advanced algorithms that can process large amounts of data, enabling swift analysis of complex problems.
By getting yourself clued up on AI powered tools, you can incorporate simple yet time consuming programmes by automating repetitive tasks and data analysis, helping you free up valuable time to focus on higher order problem solving tasks.
Editing and Fact-checking
One of the most popular applications for generative AI is content creation, but lots of workplaces still rely on human expertise to guarantee the accuracy, creditability, and quality of information. Tools like ChatGPT can rely on sources that are outdated, so by developing good editing and proofing skills will allow you to ensure high standards wherever AI is used, from internal documents to your company website.
Try to familiarise yourself with popular style guides, like the AP Stylebook, which will develop your eye for grammar, punctuation and writing style. You could also look to take ethical considerations into account, by growing your knowledge of intellectual property rights, inherent bias and privacy and data protection.
Critical Thinking
It’s important to remember, that whilst AI is an incredible tool, nothing is better than human intuition. Being able to identify new opportunities, anticipate potential disruptions and drive forward thinking initiatives are all skills that AI simply isn’t capable of just yet.
In the emergence of generative AI, companies require critical thinkers more than ever. Whilst the ability to obtain information from AI can prove beneficial, it can also lead to impulse decisions, superficial thinking, and lack of reflection. So, by developing your critical thinking skills, you’ll be able to generate more effective creative solutions and complex problems to benefit the work you’re completing.
Overall, if you can gauge a better understanding of AI and develop specific skillsets to work alongside this tool, you’ll be sure to stand out from your current employees to lead the way into the everchanging future of technology. Plus, if you’re looking to move into a new sector or field, advancing in these skills will set you apart from other applicants, helping you to secure that dream role.
