AI skills are a must for better career opportunities; here's why

Be it to draft emails or generate images, the advent of Artificial Intelligence or AI has undoubtedly simplified most of our daily tasks. Today, one can make a presentation using AI, edit pictures using AI-enabled applications, or even create music with the help of AI tools.

Although the fear of job losses due to AI is still ripe, experts suggest joining hands with the technology to improve work efficiency and productivity. Most companies today encourage employees to develop AI skills and use them to their best potential. This has made it necessary for employees â€" freshers and experienced, to understand AI and equip themselves with relevant AI skills.

"Companies across sectors are adopting AI rapidly. Further, AI is transforming industries at a fast pace. It is only natural for employers to expect employees to understand, collaborate with, and benefit from AI tools," says Sonia Kutty, senior vice president of people and Culture at Quest Global, an engineering services firm.

Adding to this, Ajay Yadav, co-founder of Simplified, an AI content creation startup, says, "Familiarity with AI is a big consideration for us in today's day and age. AI is on the path of being an integral part of our lives. We are already starting to live in an AI-driven world. When hiring new employees, I do expect applicants to possess AI skills. It shows if they are ready to accept the new technology."

Also Read: Artificial intelligence can assist, not replace us in treating cardiovascular diseases: Cardiologists

"As per the November 2023 report by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, only 26 per cent of organisations in India are fully prepared for AI, and 95 per cent of organisations have a well-defined AI strategy. The report is a positive sign for the young generation of the country. With the Indian government and national and international private organisations investing money into the development and upkeep of the AI infrastructure, India is on the path of becoming one of the world leaders in the area," shares Vinay Kumar, associate professor at Thapar School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology.

To understand the relevance of AI skills in one's career and how employees and freshers can develop these skills, Mid-day.com conversed with industry experts and educators who share tips on how to stay relevant in the AI-driven world.

What are the top skills employers look for in applicants?
Saras Malik, chief people officer, Artemis Hospital, Gurugram states, ‘When considering job applicants, the top five skills, including AI and technological proficiency, that are prioritised are adaptability, critical thinking, communication, technical expertise, and creativity."

Adaptability is necessary in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Critical thinking ensures problem-solving abilities, necessary for innovation. Effective communication fosters collaboration and clarity in conveying complex ideas.

Technical expertise, especially in AI and relevant technologies, is essential in many industries today. Lastly, creativity drives innovation and the ability to think innovatively, tackling new challenges and staying ahead in competitive markets.

These skills together allow people to thrive in dynamic work environments and contribute meaningfully to their teams and organisations.

Commenting on the relevance of AI skills, Malik stresses, "Possessing AI skills is increasingly important for job applicants due to the growing integration of AI technologies across various industries. AI skills enable individuals to leverage data-driven insights, automate processes, enhance decision-making, and develop innovative solutions. As AI continues to shape the future of work, job roles are evolving to require proficiency in AI tools, algorithms, and techniques. Whether in software development, marketing, finance, healthcare, or other fields, understanding AI fundamentals allows applicants to remain competitive, adapt to industry trends, and contribute effectively to their organisation's success in the digital age."

Also Read: How women in artificial intelligence are breaking stereotypes

Will AI lead to loss of jobs?
Kumar states, "Since AI systems can perform routine and mundane jobs with high accuracy and efficiency, they can pose a threat to the jobs. However, if employees keep up with their skills and learn new technological avenues, it will be easier to be relevant and employable in the challenging future."

Kutty further elaborates, "While some jobs will be automated, new opportunities will emerge. The key is to prepare for this change by developing adaptability, and critical thinking skills, and working effectively with AI technologies. New job roles focusing on developing, maintaining, and managing AI systems have already emerged. This includes data scientists, AI ethicists, and specialists in human-AI collaboration. AI can accelerate innovation across various industries, leading to the creation of new products, services, and entire industries, fostering new job markets."

Sharing his thoughts, Yadav states, "The only thing AI will put at risk is anything that isn't ready to compete with the advancements. We are moving away from ‘who does the job' to ‘getting the job done'. If someone possesses a range of AI skills, that person may replace a person lacking AI skills. So no, I don't believe that AI will replace jobs, but rather those unwilling to view this as an opportunity."

How to develop AI skills?
The thought of developing or learning AI skills can be overwhelming. Kutty recommends doing the following:

1. Start with the basics. Explore specific areas of interest, and continuously practice and learn.

2. Make use of online courses, listen to podcasts and webinars and stay up-to-date by reading industry publications.

3. Participate in competitions like hackathons and ideathons.

4. Make use of platforms like GitHub to contribute to open-source AI projects. This allows you to learn from experienced developers and build your portfolio.

5. You can create personal AI projects to enhance your understanding and showcase your skills to potential employers.

6. Connect with people working in the AI field through online communities, meetups, or conferences.

7. The field of AI is constantly evolving. Stay updated with the latest advancements and keep learning new skills to remain competitive in the job market.

How can employees apply AI skills in their daily tasks?
According to Malik, employees can maximise the benefits of AI to improve their work efficiency by integrating AI-powered tools and techniques into their workflow.

This involves automating repetitive tasks to free up time for more strategic work, leveraging AI algorithms for data analysis to extract valuable insights, and utilising personalised recommendation systems to access relevant resources efficiently.

Furthermore, he adds, "AI-driven natural language processing tools can enhance communication and understanding, while predictive analytics allow proactive decision-making based on future trends. Virtual assistants and chatbots powered by AI streamline communication and customer service, further enhancing productivity."

"Additionally, continuous learning through AI-powered platforms allows employees to update their skills and stay updated on emerging technologies and industry trends, fostering professional growth and adaptability. By leveraging the power of AI in these ways, employees can optimise their performance, increase productivity, and contribute more effectively to the success of their organisations."

Also Read: AI in Healthcare: How Indian apps and platforms aim to transform healthcare using technology

How does this help improve career trajectory?
According to Malik, "Developing AI skills can significantly elevate a person's career path by enhancing their competitiveness, versatility, and value in the job market."

AI skills are in high demand across various industries, making people proficient in AI technologies highly sought after by employers. Possessing AI skills allows employees to contribute to cutting-edge projects, drive innovation, and solve complex problems, readying them for advancement opportunities and leadership roles within their organisations.

Additionally, AI skills empower employees to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving job market. As automation and AI continue to reshape industries, people with AI proficiency are better equipped to adapt to changing job requirements and emerging trends.

AI skills facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration and interdisciplinary problem-solving, allowing employees to work effectively with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and contribute to multidisciplinary projects. This enhances their professional network and opens up new opportunities for career advancement and professional growth.

By developing AI skills, employees can upskill, expand their career prospects, and position themselves as valuable assets in the dynamic workforce.

What factors must you keep in mind when using AI at work?
One common mistake that employees working with AI make, is having a generic approach towards the AI tool. Yadav says, "One must not be generic when interacting with AI models. You need to give the AI tools specific and detailed prompts to get the best results."

Further, Kutty shares, "When using AI tools, you must also ensure the tool you use adheres to data privacy regulations and handles sensitive data securely."

What are the limitations of AI?
Like any technology, AI has its limitations. Yadav points out, "The biggest limitation of AI is that it cannot do everything by itself. We're not there yet and maybe someday we will be, but people need to work with AI and view it as a symbiotic relationship where technology and humans partner up to make the output better."

Lastly, Kumar states, "AI models work on existing data. Although cutting-edge generative AI models are capable of generating text, images, audio and videos which are non-existent, these resources do not have the capability of thinking innovatively. A second major limitation is the non-availability of data in regional languages or art forms that hampers the capabilities of these AI models. However, with the fast-paced progress in the field, researchers will create solutions in these areas too."