Artificial intelligence (AI) isn't here to take your job away. Instead, someone who knows how to use AI effectively might. Generative AI, which includes technologies that create text, images, code and more, is revolutionizing the professional world, and the demand for skills in this area is skyrocketing.
The Urgency to Upskill
A report by McKinsey & Company highlights that AI-driven automation could necessitate occupational transitions for millions by 2030. This underscores the critical need for new skill sets. There is already a skills gap facing early career talent, with only 33% of employers rating recent graduates as well-prepared for entry-level positions, according to Gallup/Strada.
AI is not just a technological advancement; it is a career shaper. For university graduates, AI impacts academic pursuits, career plans and the skills necessary for success. Employers are actively looking for candidates with AI knowledge due to its contribution to innovation, process improvement and effective problem-solving.
Career experts acknowledge the anxiety that comes with rapid technological innovation, given the unknowns it creates. Students can either feel anxious about AI or empowered to use it to their advantage. A survey from Student Voice, involving 1,250 students from 49 colleges, reveals that AI significantly influences what students choose to study. The influence is even stronger among newer students, with the Class of 2027 showing the highest level of influence from AI (61%) compared to their senior counterparts. AI is also shaping career aspirations. The same survey indicates that 11% of students report AI has significantly influenced their career plans, with another 31% noting a moderate impact.
Key Skills
To keep up with the evolving demands of the job market, students must focus on acquiring both technical and soft skills that AI cannot replicate, such as:
- Creativity and innovation
- Empathy and emotional intelligence
- Ethical decision-making
The transformative potential of AI is not lost on college students, with reports suggesting that up to 40% of current jobs could be replaced by AI. However, this technological shift also opens new opportunities that demand human qualities such as ingenuity, creativity, empathy and ethics—attributes AI cannot replicate. Employers across various industries are seeking AI knowledge, making these skills highly valuable for graduates. In fact, 12% of recruiters are already creating new roles specifically tied to the use of generative AI. The role of Head of AI, a leadership position that has tripled in the past five years and grew by more than 28% in 2023.
To effectively prepare for this AI-centric job market, students must connect their classroom learning with real-world applications and that’s where our Workforce Readiness Fall programs come in. Find out which one is right for you.
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