Today, if we look at the global workforce, certain skills have emerged as not just valuable, but essential for navigating the turbulent waters of economic uncertainty. As we stand witness to significant layoffs in large organizations across various sectors, a clear pattern has emerged - ‘Those equipped with AI skills are not just weathering the storm, but thriving amidst it.’
A recent report commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS) sheds light on a promising trend: workers in India with AI skills are experiencing salary hikes of over 54%. This surge in demand for AI proficiency is not confined to a single industry; rather, it permeates through various sectors, with IT and research and development leading the pack in terms of pay increases.
The report commissioned by Amazon subsidiary AWS stated, “While most employers (97 percent) believe their finance department will be the biggest beneficiary, they also foresee IT (96 percent), research and development (96 percent), sales and marketing (96 percent), business operations (95 per cent), human resources (94 percent), and legal (92 percent) departments driving significant value from AI too.”
So we need to understand that the implications of this trend are profound as it underscores the pivotal role that AI is poised to play in shaping the future of work. We have to be more than ready now.
Furthermore, with 99% of employers envisioning their companies as AI-driven organizations by 2028, it is evident that proficiency in AI is no longer a mere asset but a prerequisite for staying abreast of the changing market dynamics and the jobs that are going to be created as AI advances.
Spreading Wings Further
The benefits of AI proficiency extend beyond mere financial incentives. Today, the employers expect to reap the various advantages stemming from AI integration which will support innovation and creativity on a whole new level. Such sentiments are echoed by workers themselves, with a staggering 95 percent expressing a keen interest in developing AI skills to accelerate their professional careers.
"At AWS, we are helping organizations such as Wipro, L&T Technology Services, Iris Software, and others, to upskill their employees to be ready for a future powered by generative AI," said Amit Mehta, Head of AWS Training and Certification, AWS India. “95 percent of Gen Z, 96 per cent of Millennials, and 93 percent of Gen X workers want to acquire AI skills, while 90 per cent of baby boomers — a demographic usually contemplating retirement - say they would enroll in an AI upskilling course if it was offered.”
However, amidst this upsurge in the demand for AI expertise lies a big challenge of skill gap.
So, despite the eagerness of employers to onboard AI-skilled talent, a staggering 79% of these organizations are finding themselves unable to source the needed talent. And hence to note that this dissonance between demand and supply underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts from governments, industries, and educators to bridge this gap.
Having said this, there is a hype in the enthusiasm for AI upskilling which transcends generational boundaries. From Gen Z to baby boomers, the majority of them expresses a willingness to acquire AI skills. And due to this collective eagerness to adapt and evolve, it speaks volumes about the resilience and adaptability ingrained within the Indian workforce.
Today, the most important thing would be to catalyze this upskilling revolution. Collaborations with leading organizations such as Wipro, L&T Technology Services, and Iris Software are aiming to equip employees with the necessary skills to thrive in an AI-powered future. Such initiatives should be taken into notice by smaller organizations as it exemplifies the proactive approach required to navigate the shifting sands of the job market.
So to understand, as we navigate the disheartening terrain of layoffs and economic uncertainty, the significance of AI proficiency cannot never be underpinned. This not just represents a skill set, but a guiding factor amidst adversity. We can call it a pathway towards a future brimming with opportunities; embracing AI skills isn't just about securing a paycheck; it's about future-proofing oneself in an era defined by rapid technological advancement.
Today and joining forward, we bear witness to layoffs that are currently reshaping the complete employment landscape and the attributes towards good talent acquisition. So, let us take a few moments to understand how to embrace the power of AI not just as a tool for economic prosperity but as a catalyst for personal and professional growth.
Upskill Your Knowledge
There is a huge demand for skilled AI professionals, wherein, staying relevant with today’s expectations of organizations is to upskill yourself. Here’s a list of the most popular AI courses online for beginners which includes AI Fundamentals by Udacity (Ishan Gupta, Managing Editor), AI Programming with Python by Udacity, Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) by Coursera (Raghav Gupta, Managing Director), Introduction to Artificial Intelligence by Quickstart (Kaushal Kanubhai Chokshi, Director), Artificial Intelligence (AI) by edX (Rishabh Jain, Enterprise Sales Lead), AI & Machine Learning by Coursera, Online Hands-on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence Program by FORE School of Management (Executive Education (B.B.L. Madhukar, Chairman), Deep Learning Nanodegree Program by Udacity, AI and Emerging Technologies by IIT Hyderabad (B. V. R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman), and Certification in Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning by Imarticus Learning (Nikhil Barshikar Founder).
