Navigating the Age of AI: Stay Ahead with Key Skills and Trends

The unstoppable advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have long indicated that we are standing at the precipice of significant change. No wonder AI adoption has sky-rocketed. McKinsey’s 2022 Global Survey on AI showed that AI adoption has more than doubled in 2022 since 2017. Hence the demand for AI skills is increasing across sectors. For instance, the AI Index by the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence now highlights that 2023 has witnessed an exponential rise in AI-related job postings since last year. 

So, let’s understand the face of AI today, dissect some indispensable AI skills and learn how we may imbibe them. 

AI – the basics and applications

Given its constantly evolving and expanding nature and independence, there is no universally uniform definition for AI. However, Gartner defines it as applying “advanced analysis and logic-based techniques, including machine learning, to interpret events, support and automate decisions, and take actions.”

While AI is now classified as ‘reactive’ and ‘self-aware’ AI, depending on its likeness to humans, the more canonical system classifies it into:

The AI solutions depend heavily on the following:

1. Machine Learning (ML): ML enables automation by allowing AI solutions to identify and learn from patterns within extensive data sets organically. It utilizes various methods without being programmed to look at a particular detail. ML can help predict details like customer behavior.
2. Deep Learning: A method structurally inspired by the human brain, deep learning relies on multi-layered, large neural networks to identify even more complicated patterns in data sets. Deep learning has been undeniably helpful for things like sentiment analysis.
3. Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP refers to the ability of computers to consume, process, and generate human language. Algorithms that allow computers to interact with humans through written or spoken language represent the next level of NLP.

These are the key focus areas at Carvewing. It has helped to develop cutting-edge AI solutions for diverse industries like healthcare, finance, manufacturing, etc.  

So, what are some of the critical AI skills necessary to thrive in this age?

1. Data and analytics: It includes the ability to understand and communicate using data contextually appropriately. Understanding how and where data is constructed and a dextrous grasp on analytical techniques (including visualizing, exploring, and interacting with data) is indispensable in the AI job market.
2. Programming and AI development: Despite developing AI solutions that rely less on codes, fluency in popular programming languages like Python, Java, etc., is increasingly being sought by companies in prospective hires. To set the ground for making the most of the age of AI, some degree of experience in AI development and coding is vital.
3. Ethical considerations in AI: Ethically conscious decisions and calls will mitigate potential risks AI might pose to society. Open AI’s Chat GPT has already faced multiple allegations of gender-based bias. Concerns regarding AI surveillance and manipulation have also surfaced. Ethical responsibility, transparency, and accountability are crucial skills for moving forward.

Embracing new-age AI

Lastly, experts at Carvewing have the following actionable suggestions to recommend in the face of the future.

1. AI education and training: Companies and individuals must keep up with the times to mitigate losses. The central method for achieving this is ensuring that online resources, courses, and tutorials are readily accessible to employees. Forums and communities will allow employees to network and stay up-to-date. Gaining AI-focused certifications and specializations will ensure that employees are adequately prepared to face the challenges of tomorrow.
2. Building AI skills: Nearly half of the respondents on McKinsey’s survey are reskilling and upskilling existing employees instead of hiring again; industry leaders are regularly organizing capability-building programs. Organizations can ensure that their AI solutions are tailored to their employees’ needs by seeking more AI projects and investing in research and development.
3. Conscious communication: While leveraging AI for business growth, organizations must communicate responsibly with their employees to mitigate concerns about job displacement and AI-related biases by reinforcing ethical accountability. This ensures that AI is inculcated into the organization at each level and is readily embraced.

Within India, private and public sector companies and central and state governments have invested in AI across several spheres. With coding being a part of even school curriculums, it can easily be gauged that data literacy is a skill one cannot part with while stepping into the future. As AI becomes increasingly prevalent in the workforce, e-commerce platforms, and edge devices, it becomes imperative to view it as an investment essential in both personal and professional capacities, given its unmatched potential for returns. Carvewing is dedicated to ensuring that these returns are fully realized.