The new world of work is here, and the modern employee cannot thrive without the creative and artificial intelligence (AI) skills needed to succeed.
When a skill becomes essential in business, there is no turning back. Workers should either adjust or risk falling behind.
Think of a work skill as simple as typing. Operating a typewriter was once a specialized skill reserved for only a few people. With the introduction of personal computing, everyone had to learn how to type, and it was even taught in schools. Today, this simple skill is a baseline requirement for everyone in the workforce.
It promises to be the same with AI. According to the 2024 Creative AI Jobs Report, generative AI will create 97 million new jobs globally by 2025, making AI literacy essential for future employment. This explosion of new AI-enabled jobs is redefining what it takes to prepare for and succeed in the workplace.
Bridging the Digital Skills Gap in an AI-Driven World
With all these AI jobs, it’s only natural that skills-based hiring must prioritise AI skills above all others. It is quite likely that those graduates who can show they know how to use AI creatively will have a significant head start against their peers.
The saying that “AI won’t take your job, someone who knows how to use AI will” has been attributed to the economist Richard Baldwin. It speaks to the importance of treating AI literacy as a crucial skill because it will soon become a baseline work requirement.
According to Alex Martin, Managing Director for SALT Recruitment Africa, regarding digital skills, “There will always be gaps. That’s why businesses have been searching for years because there is not enough critical mass in terms of digital skill sets.”
The 2024 Creative AI Jobs Report bears this out: some 40% of global employment activity is exposed to AI influence in 2024, and as many as 75% of knowledge workers use AI at work today.
Equipping Students for the AI-Powered Job Market
In this transformation, higher education can play a key role in helping students and job seekers find meaningful careers by equipping them with the right tools.
Understanding and integrating generative AI into education will ensure students are well-prepared to meet these emerging demands.
Back to the 2024 Creative AI Jobs Report: nearly 65% of U.S. human resource managers believe that cognitive skills like problem-solving and creativity, which can magnify the power of AI tools, will be essential as AI and automation become more prevalent in the workplace.
It is clear then that mastering AI literacy alongside essential skills like creative problem-solving, communication, and collaboration is key to thriving in this changing landscape. Embracing the potential of generative AI will empower individuals to stay competitive in the workplace.
Essential Skills for the Generative AI Era
What will it take to give early career starters essential AI literacy and creativity skills? Well, it will take continual learning and an acceptance of the importance of getting up to speed with AI.
According to Alex Martin, “If you did a degree in marketing 15 years ago, it wouldn’t have included any of the modern techniques at all. It would really have fundamentals around marketing, but the data and the ability to use analytics and AI, all those things didn’t exist back then.”
Students will need a combination of AI literacy and essential creative skills to succeed in the new age shaped by generative AI. That’s why there is a critical need for training programs to help workers and new graduates develop the necessary skills.
What key skills could an introduction to AI include? AI Literacy is one of the biggest skills required. This would teach students how to use generative AI tools effectively. This includes creative problem-solving, developing innovative solutions, and thinking creatively.
Communication is another crucial factor that encompasses clearly conveying ideas and collaborating with others. Critical thinking comes along with analyzing and evaluating information to make informed decisions.
How students can demonstrate their AI skills to employers
So, how could you stand out if you are a student preparing to enter the workforce? There are several important ways to prove to would-be employers that you have a head start:
Micro-credentials and certifications: This is the most obvious way to show a level of comfort with digital developments. Obtaining certifications and micro-credentials from reputable institutions or industry partners can strongly validate AI competencies.
Micro-credentials are laser-focused on particular skills. They’re flexible, often online, and can be stacked over time to build a compelling portfolio of expertise that stands out. Adobe is at the forefront of AI development and has created a slate of digital micro-credentials.
On example of a current skills gap is generative AI, which has become an industry expectation. Adobe has developed micro-credentials related to this competency that can put students ahead of peers who cannot otherwise prove they know how to apply generative AI.
Digital portfolios: Another way to showcase AI skills is to use AI tools to create digital portfolios showcasing projects, skills, and achievements related to AI. For graphic designers, this could mean making a portfolio of AI-based work. Statistics students could use AI to create and explain a predictive analytics model in their portfolio.
Capstone projects: Many courses culminate in a capstone project that demonstrates practical experience with the subject matter. Whether you are a web developer, front-end developer, or product designer, sharing an AI-enabled capstone project could convince new employers of your skills.
Conclusion
Staying ahead in this changing job market means embracing continuous learning and using tools that keep you competitive as a knowledge worker. AI skills are already a must-have in today’s world, and understanding how to apply these powerful technologies creatively is a sure way to boost career success.
To learn more about Adobe’s micro-credentials and range of AI-powered tools, contact Learning Curve for a discovery call.
Sources:
2024 Creative AI Jobs Report. Research conducted by Edelman, a global research and communications firm, in partnership with Adobe.
https://edex.adobe.com/credentials