The surge in generative artificial intelligence since late 2022 has significantly impacted many aspects of our lives, and the job market is no different.
In December of that year, the first consumer version of ChatGPT was launched, a remarkable app capable of crafting high-school, and even college-level essays in mere seconds. Since its debut, the developer OpenAI has introduced several updates to its groundbreaking software, amassing 100 million users within just a year. This success has spurred other tech companies to dive into the arena as well.
Naturally, this sparked concerns among the workforce. As companies began to explore how to integrate ChatGPT and similar AI technologies, questions arose: Is a robot coming for my job?
For now, the answer is no. However, the ripple effects of ChatGPT and other generative AI tools are undeniably triggering shifts across industries. It’s evident that AI is now a primary focus for many companies, prompting today’s job seekers to consider how they can leverage this technology for better career opportunities.
Mark Booker, the vice provost at the University of Phoenix, notes, “It’s no secret that understanding and utilizing AI is becoming increasingly vital for career advancement. Job seekers who can harness AI to boost their productivity will be valuable assets in the coming years.”
So, what should job seekers do to stand out? Tom Taulli, author of “How ChatGPT and Other AI Tools Will Revolutionize Business,” suggests that one doesn’t need to return to college. A foundational understanding of areas like machine learning and generative AI is key. Also important is an awareness of the current technology’s risks and limitations, and knowing when to apply different types of AI.
In essence, those who can adeptly navigate the evolving landscape of AI technology on behalf of their employers will secure a competitive edge. While ChatGPT remains a leading platform, familiarity with other applications like Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and BERT is becoming increasingly important. Recruiting and HR experts, as well as education specialists, emphasize that proficiency in tools like UiPath, Stable Diffusion, Automation Anywhere, TensorFlow, and PyTorch will be crucial for job candidates.
Taulli adds, “You should master constructing prompts with these tools to achieve the best text, image, and video results. Innovation is constant, so staying updated with the latest is essential.”
If the future seems uncertain, job seekers can find guidance by looking at the recent past. Marc Cenedella, founder of Ladders, a recruitment website, says, “Just as a computer became an essential office tool, AI will too. Enthusiasm for learning and using AI will grant a competitive advantage, akin to how early IBM employees thrived by exploring and understanding computers despite their previous experience with typewriters.”
In programming, those who integrate AI to speed up and improve their coding are at the forefront. Booker says, “As employers increase their reliance on AI, they’ll invest heavily in AI-driven data science and programming. Skills in relevant programming languages like Python, Java, Julia, and R will be advantageous.”
AI is revolutionizing application development the fastest. Programmers can now interact with their code for advice, assistance with syntax, and debugging tips. These intelligent co-pilots have markedly enhanced productivity and aided developers in learning new concepts. Taulli highlights, “GitHub Copilot, with 1.8 million subscribers, represents one of Microsoft’s quickest growing apps ever.”
Much like machines improved human productivity in the past, AI is similarly impactful today. Patrick Fan, a professor of Business Analytics at the University of Iowa, emphasizes, “The ultimate goal is effective collaboration between AI and humans. Earning certifications, such as Google’s Professional Machine Learning Engineer or IBM’s AI Engineering Professional Certificate, will be crucial.”
AI is also set to expand into various sectors, especially service-oriented roles like marketing, sales, business intelligence, HR, legal, and administrative jobs.
Deborah Piscione, co-founder of the Work3 Institute, points out, “Salesforce’s Einstein AI is already aiding sales and marketing professionals. AI certifications have become so sought-after that my son opted for an online Certificate in AI for Marketing from Cornell University over a traditional four-year degree. Beyond universities, prominent organizations and platforms like Coursera, edX, and IBM offer valuable AI certifications,” she mentions.
According to Taulli, while certifications are beneficial, they aren’t mandatory. LinkedIn Learning and Coursera courses can help candidates stand out. “Listing these courses on your resume and LinkedIn profile can illustrate to potential employers your proactive approach to learning about AI and enhancing your skill set,” he advises.
It’s essential to note that succeeding in an AI-driven world requires more than just technical skills. “Future job seekers will likely need increased interpersonal skills, not less,” Fan remarks. Traits like empathy, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and conflict resolution—skills inherent to humans—will be increasingly valued as AI takes over routine tasks. Human roles will shift towards management, negotiation, empathy, and creativity, areas where AI falls short.
To keep pace with such changes, Cenedella suggests, “Get your feet wet. Dedicate around 10 hours weekly to developing AI skills through research and experimentation. In your applications, you might include a note like, ‘I regularly explore the latest academic papers on Large Language Models, participate in OpenAI forums, and experiment with different models.’”
Ultimately, the most successful job seekers will be those who blend technical expertise with robust interpersonal skills. “AI tools enable us to achieve more in less time, which is exactly what employers value,” Booker says. “It’s about enhancement, not replacement.”
