Fifteen years ago, I founded an organization aimed at helping individuals discover purposeful employment. Emerging from school during the aftermath of the Great Recession, I was motivated to offer the career guidance and resources that my peers and I lacked at the time. Since our inception, we have successfully assisted over 3,000 individuals in securing gratifying careers. Back in 2011, the economic landscape was fraught with uncertainty, and now, the rise of AI is making waves once again. Throughout our journey, we have pinpointed several essential skill sets that are resilient against the influence of AI, versatile across industries, and projected to gain significance over the next five years.
First on the list are communication skills. Every organization needs adept communicators to clearly articulate their mission and services, both within and beyond their walls. As AI simplifies the creation of vast amounts of content, the demand for effective content generators may diminish. However, the ability to determine what content should be produced will become increasingly valuable. Judging quality and fostering genuine connections with audiences will be essential. Practically, this can manifest in mastering social media, cultivating a newsletter audience, gaining public relations skills, or organizing in-person events.
Social skills come next. Most jobs demand some level of collaboration with others. Research conducted by Harvard economist David J. Deming indicates that positions requiring strong social abilities have experienced wage increases over time. While AI is enhancing its capacity for certain social interactions, the need for human connection remains crucial. As the pace of change accelerates, skills like rapport-building, understanding others' needs, recognizing emotions, and conflict resolution will only gain importance. Engaging with organizations like Toastmasters or exploring resources like "The Social Skills Guidebook" and "The Charisma Myth" can be beneficial.
Leadership, judgment, and decision-making capabilities are also vital. A study from 2017 examining the most sought-after skills highlighted that judgment and decision-making topped the list. As AI begins to manage more routine tasks—such as scheduling and data entry—the significance of determining valuable tasks intensifies. Consider the most decisive and trustworthy people you know; seek their insights on how they developed their skills.
Operations management is another crucial skill set. Every organization requires personnel to handle the daily grind, encompassing everything from recruitment to financial management and administration. While some routine administrative tasks are being automated, human judgment is key in more complex situations, particularly those involving interpersonal dynamics. As companies expand, they will increasingly need competent operations personnel to maintain structure. To enhance your operational acumen, collaborate closely with your company’s administrative experts and take on substantial projects. Alternatively, you might practice by managing a side project, such as event planning or an online venture.
Finally, acquiring AI-implementation skills is imperative. My singular advice would be to learn how to effectively utilize AI tools in practical applications. Currently, AI excels in well-defined tasks but struggles with more intricate activities involving prolonged coordination among large teams. There is undeniable value in being a "human-in-the-loop," capable of bridging gaps and making critical evaluations. Enhancing this skill involves understanding the capabilities and limitations of existing AI models, creating specifications, developing error-checking systems, and identifying the most pertinent problems to address. Coding knowledge can be beneficial but isn’t strictly necessary. A great way to pave your path in this area is to start applying AI tools within a field that interests you.
Benjamin Todd, the founder and president of 80,000 Hours, authored "80,000 Hours: How to Have a Fulfilling Career That Does Good" and possesses a Master's degree in Physics and Philosophy from Oxford. If you're looking to advance your career, mastering the art of small talk is essential. CNBC’s new online course, "How To Talk To People At Work," offers expert strategies for leveraging everyday conversations to enhance visibility, cultivate meaningful connections, and accelerate your career trajectory. Enroll today!
