As artificial intelligence continues to transform the workplace, especially impacting entry-level positions, college students and new graduates are questioning which skills will be most beneficial for their careers.
According to Aparna Nair, IBM's Chief Talent, Leadership & Culture Officer, there are two pivotal skills that young professionals should concentrate on cultivating now. "It is essential for entry-level employees to focus on developing critical thinking and judgment," Nair stated in an interview with CNBC Make It. She emphasized that while many aspects of work are evolving, there are unique human capabilities that remain irreplaceable, and individuals must invest in honing those abilities.
A survey released by IBM in September surveyed 1,500 Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) and nearly 8,800 employees globally, revealing that around 57% of CHROs view critical thinking as crucial in the age of AI, versus 49% of employees. Furthermore, 48% of CHROs highlighted the importance of judgment amid uncertainty and ambiguity, a view shared by only 29% of employees.
Nair explained that historically, individuals developed judgment through practical experience, which is now diminished as AI takes over many routine tasks. Instead, validating the inputs from AI systems is a new way to enhance judgment, according to Nair.
While employers increasingly value discerning skills, many employees feel these capabilities are dwindling. The IBM survey indicated that 75% of employees expressed concern that AI was diminishing their skills, particularly in critical thinking, despite 57% of executives asserting its significance for success.
There are various strategies for enhancing critical thinking and judgment, such as engaging in conversations in a different language, cultivating curiosity by asking more questions, planning several steps ahead, and learning from influential decision-makers in one's network.
To effectively showcase these competencies to potential employers, candidates can leverage platforms like LinkedIn to share insightful analyses on industry topics, thereby demonstrating their critical thinking skills, as suggested by Bonnie Dilber, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at Zapier. During interviews or take-home assignments, candidates should articulate their thought processes regarding task delegation between themselves and AI, illustrating their judgment in the decision-making process, Dilber advised.
While AI can assist entry-level workers with certain tasks, Dilber cautioned against relying on it for key decisions. Making decisions without a robust foundation of skills may hinder professional growth and expertise development. "It's crucial for individuals to invest time in acquiring knowledge, forming their opinions, and only then incorporating AI into their workflow," she stated. "Expertise is built through continuous practice."
Nair concluded that critical thinking and the ability to evaluate quality will remain critical skills, even as technical aptitudes rise and fall in demand. Staying open to continuously evolving and enhancing one's skill set is essential for long-term professional success. "Adopting a mindset of perpetual skill development is key," she said.
