Looking at jobs and skills data from over 1 billion professionals on LinkedIn — including over three million in Singapore — as well as from businesses across industries, one thing is certain: New graduates are entering a labour market that is rapidly changing at a rate we’ve never seen before.
The advent of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is at the forefront of this transformation in jobs and skills.
At LinkedIn, we’re already starting to see that play out as the demand and supply for workers with AI skills has increased. Globally, we are seeing more companies looking for talent who know how to use AI-related products, as indicated by the share of job postings on LinkedIn mentioning GPT or ChatGPT, which has increased by 21 times since November 2022. In Singapore, the share of AI talent between 2016 and 2022 also grew by a staggering 565%. The top skills needed to do any job are changing too. By 2030, according to our data, skill sets required for our jobs are expected to change by an average of 65% globally due to AI.
All these mean that in today’s ever-changing work environment, we need to take on the monumental challenge of anticipating the unexpected, mastering emerging trends – especially in AI – and constantly learning and honing new skills. For students about to enter the workforce, my advice is that the way to start planning for your career as well as adapt and thrive in the age of AI, is to adopt a skills-first mindset.
LEARN, UNLEARN AND RELEARN, INCLUDING FROM YOUR NETWORK
For 2024 and beyond, what is clear to us is that we are increasingly moving towards a skills-first world of work. We see that momentum is already building – employers are shifting their mindset to put skills at the centre of their hiring process and talent development, and members are investing in learning and showcasing their skills by adding these to their profiles more than ever before. AI will continue to accelerate learning, and many are already upskilling in AI, with time spent learning top AI courses on LinkedIn Learning up 65% globally this past year.
Besides picking up AI skills through courses, you can also embrace the experts and tap into your network. For example, I would encourage you to reach out to your network to share your learnings and stay up to speed on AI by following thought leaders and subject matter experts on LinkedIn.
You can also take advantage of tools, such as collaborative articles — knowledge topics published by LinkedIn with insights and perspectives added by the LinkedIn community. These articles begin as AI-powered conversation starters developed with our editorial team. It’s our way of bringing together nearly 10 billion years of knowledge and experience that our members have, to create a world-class resource for every career problem.
DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SOFT SKILLS
Developments in AI have transformed the way professionals view the way of working in the future. It may be interesting to note that according to LinkedIn’s recent survey looking into attitudes and sentiments of professionals towards AI, more than half of Singapore’s respondents believe that AI can make their jobs easier and therefore increase job satisfaction and help them achieve greater work-life balance. Professionals are also keen to invest their freed up time in learning new skills, and to focus on more creative and strategic work.
This also brings me to my next point: Soft skills paired with AI skills are essential for the future. As AI automates many areas within the workforce, soft skills will become increasingly important. I believe that professionals will navigate a world of work that is more human than before, where soft skills like communication, leadership, creativity, and problem-solving will become increasingly prized, alongside AI expertise. In Singapore, top skills that professionals in Singapore are picking up on include Speaking Confidently and Effectively, Project Management Foundations, and What Is Generative AI? This signals an exciting possibility, one where people skills become more essential to individual success and where people-to-people collaboration becomes more essential to company success.
In fact, LinkedIn data also revealed that tech professionals globally who have developed one or more soft skills – in addition to hard skills – are being promoted over 13% faster than employees who only have hard skills.
CHARTING YOUR COURSE AMIDST THE AI REVOLUTION
As AI-driven changes continue to transform the world of work, jobseekers charting their own career trajectories must adopt a growth mindset, demonstrating flexibility and an eagerness to learn and upskill. By recognising the value of AI, and leveraging it to advance your career, you can unlock a treasure trove of opportunities.
LinkedIn’s Chief Product Officer, Tomer Cohen, summed up the use of AI perfectly by saying that
one of the most powerful ways to think of AI is as your
co-pilot, your incredibly capable assistant, constantly at your side to help you excel at your task at hand and in your career
Lastly, I want to emphasise that feeling a little nervous or overwhelmed with new technology is okay. People felt similarly when the internet was introduced, and it’s important to remember that these changes don’t happen overnight. These are long-term changes, and you can do the work to be part of the change, not just be impacted by AI.
About the author: As the Head of Growth Markets at LinkedIn, Atul’s enthusiasm lies in advocating for digital and disruptive technologies, prioritising people development, and cultivating a culture of innovation and collaboration. Atul actively engages in external industry events and universities, where he shares valuable insights and best practices on topics such as talent acquisition, networking, and career growth. Connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aharki/
