- Analytical thinking and innovation
- Active learning and learning strategies
- Complex problem solving
- Critical Thinking and analysis
- Creativity, originality, and initiative
- Leadership and social influence
- Technology use, monitoring, and control
- Resilience, stress tolerance, and flexibility
- Reasoning, problem-solving, and ideation
Notably, a LinkedIn report puts special emphasis on learning soft skills in the age of AI.According to the report published by the renowned social networking site for professionals, the 10 most sought-after skills by employers in 2024 are:
- Communication skills
- Customer service skills
- Leadership skills
- Project management skills
- Management
- Analytics
- Teamwork
- Sales
- Problem-solving skills
- Research
- Adaptability
The rapid advancement of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, coupled with shifting industry demands, highlights a new set of competencies that are critical for career success. Take a look at the list of the pivotal skills to excel in the global workforce.
AI Skills
Artificial Intelligence has penetrated into every sector of the workforce, from healthcare to finance, manufacturing to education. It has fundamentally altered business operations. Whether through automating routine tasks, enhancing data analysis, or driving innovation, AI is reshaping roles and expectations across the board. For students learning AI is not a choice, it is a necessity to thrive in the global workforce. From programming machine learning algorithms to understanding AI ethics, students equipped with these skills, are deemed to earn brownie points from their recruiters.
Digital Skills
As technology advances, digitization is becoming the driving force behind growth and technology integration across all sectors and regions. This rapid trend is a major disruptor for businesses, compelling them to adapt to the increasing demand for digital solutions from customers, competitors, and market stakeholders. Digital skills are taking centre stage in the decision-making processes.
Sustainability Skills
Safeguarding the environment has been a focal point of leading businesses now. The business owners are looking forward to pursuing business operations that are aligned with environmental sustainability goals. Candidates having green skills, and an in-depth understanding of environmental sustainability will be highly preferred in the coming years.
Communication skills
As suggested by the LinkedIn report, communication skills have taken the front seat in every profession. Possessing abilities to articulate your emotions and opinions in a clear and coherent manner is essential,to say the least, especially for students who are looking forward to pursuing studies or taking up job options abroad. For them, developing proficiency in the native language is more important than ever as they need to be able to comprehend instructions and be able to respond aptly.
Adaptability skills
Recognized as the ‘skill of the moment’ for 2024 by LinkedIn, adaptability is increasingly vital for students. With the current climate of frequent layoffs and rapid technological advancements, being able to adjust to evolving work environments is key to excelling in one’s career. For Indian students seeking to study abroad, embracing new cultures, languages, and academic systems is essential for a successful transition.
Project Management
Whether you are managing a team or machines, having high levels of project management is essential. While business AI tools are not yet capable of high-level management tasks such as setting strategic goals and prioritizing resources, professionals in these roles have unique opportunities to leverage AI for tasks such as prototyping, research, scheduling, testing, and ensuring compliance. Job seekers must nurture project management skills either by earning certifications or by pursuing individual projects to hone project management skills.
Data Skills
As the AI revolution hinges on data, the ability to convert this data into actionable value is becoming crucial for business success. For AI to be ethical and reliable, especially in critical areas like healthcare and scientific research, it must be both transparent and understandable. Mastery of data science is vital to ensure that AI systems make trustworthy decisions based on comprehensible data.
Cloud Computing Skills
Estimates suggest that the global cloud computing market is projected to expand from $570 billion in 2022 to nearly $2.5 trillion by 2030. This growth will drive demand for professionals with expertise in cloud migration and technology. Those proficient in cloud computing tools and platforms will continue to be in high demand throughout 2024 and beyond.
Machine Learning Engineering
The rise of AI drives a growing need for skilled professionals in machine learning. According to the World Economic Forum Future of Jobs 2023 report, AI and machine learning specialists are among the fastest-growing job roles. Despite advancements in generative AI and self-replicating AI technologies, skilled human ML engineers will remain essential in 2024.
Cybersecurity Skills
With the rise in data breaches, cyberattacks, and hacking attempts, the need for robust cybersecurity measures is more critical than ever. The increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the severe consequences of inadequate data protection highlight the demand for cybersecurity expertise. In 2024, skills related to building security and resilience will be among the most sought-after.
