As artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize industries across the globe, it is crucial for young professionals entering the workforce to develop skills that will keep them relevant and adaptable in the face of rapid technological advancements. While the integration of AI may raise concerns about job displacement, it also presents abundant opportunities for those equipped with the right skill sets.
Below, Young Entrepreneur Council members explore several key steps young professionals can take to not just survive but thrive in an AI-dominated work world. By honing their skills, they can position themselves to leverage AI as a tool and remain competitive in the ever-evolving job market.
1. Learn To Code
Even as I watch AI transform the notion of “work,” I remain a strong advocate for learning to code. Code serves as the lingua franca of the AI revolution, acting as a modern-day superpower that enhances an individual’s capacity to create, innovate and prosper. Coding nurtures a mindset grounded in logic, critical thinking and problem-solving through the syntax and grammar underpinning it all. It fosters a distinctive way of thinking deeply rooted in these intellectual skills. Achieving fluency in code leads to a more profound understanding of AI’s true potential and the countless ways it can be harnessed for transformative change. – Joey Burzynski, MarketKarma
2. Develop Adaptability
My advice to young people entering the workforce would be to focus on developing adaptability as a core skill. In an era where AI is dominating the work world, it’s critical to be able to pivot quickly and navigate through uncertainties. By building adaptability, you’ll be better equipped to learn new technologies, take on new challenges and thrive in a constantly changing job market. Being adaptable requires being open to feedback, embracing change and being comfortable with uncertainty. This skill will not only make you a valuable asset to any organization, but it will also help you navigate through various personal and professional challenges that you’ll face in your career. – Kyle Goguen, Pawstruck
3. Understand Prompts And Use Cases
As solutions like ChatGPT and Auto-GPT become the standard in different organizations, learning prompts and use cases can be valuable assets to new hires entering the workforce. Copywriting won’t disappear overnight, but writers and editors frequently use AI services to supplement quotes, statistics, comparison studies or even complex formulae in no time and with limited skills. Engineers using GitHub Copilot can quickly generate working functions and libraries for their software. Sales reps generate briefs and outreach emails. Understanding the art of prompt generation can empower you to achieve more and increase your velocity even while you’re still learning the ropes of the job. – Mario Peshev, DevriX
4. Cultivate A Growth Mindset
My answer may seem cliché, but hear me out: Cultivate a growth mindset. Why? Because the rise of AI means that the nature of work is changing and will continue to do so. The jobs of tomorrow may not even exist today, and the skills needed to thrive in them may not either. A growth mindset—one that embraces challenges, sees failure as a learning opportunity and is open to continuous learning and development—is crucial for staying relevant in this shifting landscape. AI may automate some tasks, but it cannot replace the ability to adapt, learn and grow. So, young people entering the workforce, take note: Hone your growth mindset and prepare for a future of endless possibilities. – Sujay Pawar, CartFlows
5. Learn Advanced Research
While AI is an incredible tool for shortcuts, it’s important that young professionals learn how to do the research themselves. That way, they can easily verify information instead of being entirely reliant on technology to give them the answer. The more they can research, problem-solve and think critically for themselves, the better equipped they will be to fix issues whenever they reach the limits of AI in their roles. – Firas Kittaneh, Amerisleep Mattress
6. Use AI To Your Advantage
One way young people entering the workforce can stay relevant in the years to come is to experiment with different AI tools and learn how successful business owners and marketers use them to their advantage. If you understand how popular programs ought to work, you’ll be in a much better position when you land your first big job. I believe this is important whether you plan on getting into the tech industry or not because we are already seeing businesses that are not at all tech-based using these tools to grow their brands and create better customer experiences. – Daman Jeet Singh, FunnelKit
7. Invest In Data Literacy
In the data-driven world, it has become increasingly essential for employees to work with data. In doing so, you should be able to analyze and understand data efficiently and implement it in your tasks. You can do that by investing in data literacy. Young professionals who have just joined the workforce should do that as well in order to stay relevant in the market. This can help them become smart decision-makers and boost their problem-solving and communication skills, all of which are absent in AI. Remember, it’s human intelligence that makes humans superior to AI. Take full advantage of it. – Andrew Munro, AffiliateWP
8. Develop Emotional Intelligence
One skill I’d recommend young people develop is Emotional Intelligence (EI). As automation and AI take over routine tasks, the human touch becomes increasingly valuable in the workplace. EI involves the ability to recognize, understand and manage your emotions and those of others. It’s a critical skill for effective communication, teamwork and leadership. High EI enables you to empathize with colleagues, navigate complex interpersonal dynamics and make better decisions in emotionally charged situations. By cultivating emotional intelligence, young professionals can differentiate themselves from AI, excel in their careers and contribute to a more collaborative, innovative and empathetic work environment. – Devesh Dwivedi, Devesh Dwivedi
9. Build Strong Relationships
As AI takes over routine tasks, problem-solving and creative thinking become increasingly valuable skills. Young professionals who can analyze complex problems, think critically and come up with innovative solutions will thrive in the changing work environment. Adaptability fosters a mindset of embracing challenges, thinking outside the box and finding creative approaches to problem-solving. AI may excel at certain tasks, but it cannot replace human interaction, collaboration and effective communication. Young professionals who can build strong relationships, work well in diverse teams and communicate effectively across various mediums will continue to be in demand. Adaptability enhances interpersonal skills and enables professionals to connect and collaborate effectively. – Candice Georgiadis, Digital Day
10. Engage In Problem-Solving
I’d recommend young people entering the workforce build their problem-solving skills. Problem-solving is a key skill that will never go out of style, regardless of how much AI technologies evolve. It’s important to be able to think critically and creatively to identify and solve issues, and this kind of skill is something AI can’t replace. Plus, it’s a great way to stand out in the job market. – Rachel Beider, PRESS Modern Massage