Growing AI Skills to Pay the Bills

In a rapidly evolving job market, standing out in a sea of resumes can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Yet, amidst fierce competition, there's one skill that's causing quite a stir among both job seekers and employers: Artificial Intelligence (AI).

With its transformative potential cutting across industries, AI has catapulted to the top of employers' and recruiters' wish lists worldwide. But why has AI become the Holy Grail of modern workforce demands? And, more importantly, is it here to stay, or is it just another buzzword on a job spec? Let’s dive into the world of AI and uncover the data supporting its meteoric rise.

Artificial Intelligence, once confined to the realms of science fiction, has blasted its way into our daily lives, reshaping how businesses operate and industries function.

It's been three years since the advent of OpenAI's ChatGPT, and since then, the market has undergone a rapid transformation. Businesses, both old and new, are embracing AI to streamline operations, revolutionize customer experiences, and unlock fresh revenue streams. According to McKinsey, a staggering 60% of companies have already deployed some form of AI tools in the workplace. And with approximately 14,000 AI startups in the US alone, AI isn't just a passing trend—it's the future.

Now that we've peeled back the AI curtain, let's get down to what's important: how does this translate to the job market?

Job search juggernaut Indeed has kept a keen eye on industry trends. Their analysis reveals a staggering 500% increase in AI-related job postings, with roles spanning from entry-level to executive positions. For employees, there's a palpable hunger for AI positions, evident in the jaw-dropping 6000% spike in job seekers eyeing AI roles.

LinkedIn, the world's largest professional network, consistently ranks AI-related roles among its top emerging jobs. A recent Workplace Learning Report showed that four out of five individuals are eager to learn more about integrating AI into their professions. Moreover, job postings mentioning AI have seen a 17% surge in applications compared to those without AI mentions.

Industry surveys conducted by organizations like the World Economic Forum underscore the pivotal role of AI in the workforce. A 2023 study compiled the viewpoints of 803 companies – collectively employing 11.3 million workers – across 27 industries and 45 economies from around the world. The report showed that 75% of companies are poised to embrace artificial intelligence, signalling a seismic shift in the job market. With half of them anticipating AI implementation to fuel job growth and a quarter bracing for potential losses, it's evident that AI is more than just a buzzword.

Google Trends back this up, with a 150% uptick in searches for "AI impact on jobs" and a 900% surge in "AI Jobs" year over year. This suggested that AI is swiftly becoming a top priority for hiring managers, who frequently encounter challenges in sourcing qualified candidates for AI-related positions.

Much like a shiny object attracts a magpie, AI holds an allure for employers as it furnishes them with a competitive advantage to capitalize in an ever-evolving market.

This year alone, business leaders are proactively future-proofing their workforce by allocating between 5.4% to 7.1% of their budget to AI. This injection serves as an innovation driver, as employers understand that fostering a culture of innovation requires a talented workforce capable of driving organisational growth. The secret to shining bright amongst the talent pool will be adaptability and knowledge. Let's tackle them both now:

LinkedIn’s "skills of the moment" report analysed skills with the most rapid growth over six months from 2022 to 2023. Among them, adaptability reigned supreme.

Employees will need to have a general understanding of AI technologies, leveraging their strengths to enhance productivity. Developing skills in areas like data science, prompting and programming will also help secure that all-important job offer.

Additionally, cultivating soft skills is an area that frequently gets overlooked in AI-driven rhetoric. Skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration are equally important as AI projects often require interdisciplinary teamwork and effective communication with stakeholders.

With the pace of change accelerating, adaptability is poised to become even more crucial for organisations and recruiters. According to LinkedIn, the skill requirements for various roles have surged by an average of 25% since 2015. By 2030, LinkedIn predicts this figure could surge to at least 65%. As of today, over half of LinkedIn members occupy roles that are on the brink of being transformed or enhanced by AI.

Like adaptability, a solid knowledge base of AI is equally important. Candidates will need to prove they have experience in and can utilise AI to its full potential. This is where professional certifications like Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (AIP) come into their own, helping professionals master the realm of AI, particularly in the prompting domain.

AIP has been designed to equip professionals with the essential skills needed to navigate the dynamic landscape of artificial intelligence to automate and optimize workflows. It’s aim is to assist various job roles, not by replacing them but by enhancing and accelerating them. With this course, candidates will learn how to use AI to achieve their goals by generating elements such as:

• Creative text
• Creative formats
• Digital art
• Translate languages
• Write creative content
• Use AI to automate and optimize your workflows

The good news is that AIP is 100% online learning, giving candidates the autonomy to learn at their own pace without pressure or deadlines. The program includes training modules, assessments, and practical exercises to ensure professionals have a comprehensive understanding of AI concepts and how to implement them in real-world scenarios.

Candidates will also receive lifetime access to the Artificial Intelligence Practitioner program, including weekly updates and membership of the AI Practitioner Discord community server, this is a gateway to the exciting world of AI prompt engineering and AI marketing. This means that as the program evolves, candidates evolve too. In the rapidly changing field of AI, having constant access to the latest tools, techniques, and updates is imperative.

The ascent of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in today's job market is undeniable. As businesses globally embrace its transformative potential, AI has become not just a trend but a necessity for staying competitive.

The data speaks for itself, with a significant increase in AI-related job postings and a growing demand for AI skills among job seekers. Adaptability and knowledge are key in this AI-driven landscape, and professional certifications like Artificial Intelligence Practitioner (AIP) offer individuals the opportunity to master AI technologies and stay ahead of the curve. By honing a combination of technical skills, domain expertise, and soft skills, individuals can position themselves as leaders in an AI world, seizing new opportunities and shaping the future of work.