Rachel Moniz | July 16 2024
Artificial intelligence (AI) is shaking up the world of work, and the tech sector is going to continue to experience major changes. AI is set to accelerate innovation, enable more sophisticated data analytics, improve cybersecurity, and much more. Since AI-related skills are still developing, a lot of workers don’t possess them yet, making it a challenge to source in this space.
As a result, many tech organizations will need to reassess and adjust their hiring and talent strategies to get this in-demand talent. In this blog post we’re going to explore how the rise of AI is enhancing tech skillsets and share proven strategies on how organizations can source talent with these advanced AI skills.
Expanding knowledge of advanced technical skills will be critical for workers in the tech industry. This includes gaining machine learning and AI expertise, as workers will need to utilize this to design, implement and maintain AI-driven products and systems. Data modeling and analysis will also be crucial as the vast amounts of data AI systems generate will need to be interpreted and utilized in decision-making. Additionally, software development will be key and proficiency in programming languages including Python, Java and R will be essential as they’re commonly used in AI development.
Engineers and designers in tech will benefit from gaining skills and familiarity with AI-powered design tools that optimize system configurations and component layouts. Additionally, enhancing creative problem-solving skills will become more critical as AI will handle more and more routine tasks for workers.
Utilizing AI to both anticipate and prevent equipment failures will be essential, and as such, skills in predictive maintenance techniques will be in demand. In addition, skills in troubleshooting and resolving issues in AI systems to help ensure they continue to function properly will be critical.
Predicting and preventing cybersecurity threats will be advanced with the help of AI. Skills relating to understanding and applying machine learning algorithms will assist to identify potential cybersecurity threats. Deep learning skills will also help in creating advanced intrusion detection systems to detect complex cyberattacks.
To develop virtual assistants capable of understanding customer questions, NLP skills will be essential. Such developments will enhance customer support systems, improve user experience and increase operational efficiency.
Considering how new AI skills are, tech organizations may find it challenging to source workers using traditional routes. Typical qualifications like degrees or experience may not reflect AI knowledge, making it harder to find talent with these skills. But the good news is organizations can overcome these difficulties by adjusting their strategies and utilizing a skills-based approach to hiring.
Skills-based hiring involves focusing on specific skills as opposed to more traditional credentials like job titles, degrees and work history. Taking this approach offers several advantages as it allows organizations to expand their talent pools, increase candidate quality and improve workforce diversity.
When hiring for skills specifically pertaining to AI, organizations should focus on technical knowledge instrumental in AI development and deployment like data analytics, machine learning, and neural networks, in addition to soft skills like communication and critical thinking. Learn about the key steps to deploying a skills-based hiring approach in our blog.
Tech organizations can also bridge AI skills gaps by upskilling their existing workforce. To do this successfully, however, they need to carefully assess and determine what their goals are with AI implementation as a part of a coherent strategy. If not, they may risk focusing on the wrong skills, which could quickly become obsolete given the fast advancement and development of AI.
After setting a framework, organizations should foster a culture that emphasizes supervised and unsupervised learning to enable workers to acquire AI skills via engaging, educational platforms and programs. Taking this approach will not only help tech organizations gain the AI skills they need, but will also enhance the worker experience, improve talent retention and foster positivity within the workforce.
AI will continue to change the talent landscape in unprecedented ways. As tech companies are traversing these fast, ongoing shifts, they will need to change their approach to hiring to find in-demand talent and stay ahead of the competition.
Gain proven insights on successfully navigating the complexities of contingent workforce management and driving program optimization in the face of evolving workforce dynamics in our ebook.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog post is for informational purposes only and cannot be construed as specific legal advice or as a substitute for legal advice. The blog post reflects the opinion of Magnit and is not to be construed as legal solutions and positions. Contact an attorney for specific advice and guidance for specific issues or questions.