In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) skills has skyrocketed. As companies race to adopt AI solutions, the gap between available talent and the required AI skills continues to widen. Bridging this gap presents a significant opportunity for job seekers and professionals looking to future-proof their careers by taking advantage of these new technology resources.
By investing in your AI skills development, you can position yourself as an indispensable asset in the job market. Dahl Consulting offers insights to help you navigate the dynamic job market, including tips on AI usage and training. In this article, we’ll explore what the AI skills gap is, how to identify areas for personal growth, and where to access ten valuable training resources.
Understanding the AI Tech Skills Gap
The AI skills gap refers to the shortage of professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage artificial intelligence technology effectively. As companies increasingly adopt AI solutions, they struggle to find qualified individuals who can harness the power of these tools in their daily work.
Many employers are actively seeking talent with existing AI skills, leading to a highly competitive job market for individuals with these in-demand capabilities. Reports indicate that 95% of tech leaders are struggling to find skilled talent with top-notch AI skills, and 51% anticipate hiring challenges due to this skills gap.
However, there is a disconnect between companies seeking AI-skilled candidates and the availability of AI training opportunities. A global survey revealed that 86 percent of employees anticipated needing AI training, yet only 14 percent of front-line staff had received any upskilling.
This skills gap is further exacerbated by the rapid advancement of AI technology. As AI continues to evolve, new skills and knowledge are constantly required, creating a challenge for professionals to keep up with the latest developments. Additionally, many traditional educational institutions have yet to fully incorporate AI into their curriculum, leaving a gap in the market for specialized AI training programs.
The overall demand for these skills and the lack of candidates who have AI tech skills are resulting in significantly higher wages for roles that require them. Consultancy PwC studied advertisements, posted last year, for a range of jobs, including app programmers, lawyers, and accountants. It found that wages for AI-related roles were on average 25% higher than for comparable jobs in the same field that did not require those skills. Therefore, if you educate yourself on AI skills, you not only have a competitive advantage but also the opportunity to earn much more within your field of work.
Understanding the AI skills gap is the first step in equipping yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills to thrive in the modern job market.
Identifying Your Training Needs
To bridge your personal AI skills gap, you’ll need to identify the key areas where you need training. This involves assessing your current skills and knowledge and determining the specific areas where upskilling is required.
One way to identify your training needs is through self-assessments and skills evaluations. Online tools and quizzes can help you understand your proficiency levels in various AI technologies and pinpoint any gaps that need to be addressed.
Additionally, consider your career goals and the AI skills that might be relevant to your desired roles or industries. Researching job descriptions and industry trends can provide insights into the specific AI skills and knowledge that employers are seeking.
It’s also important to remember that as AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, your learning and development needs may evolve as well. Adopting a mindset of continuous learning and staying up-to-date with the latest AI trends and developments is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge.
Training Resources
Once you’ve identified your training needs, it’s time to explore the various resources available to help you upskill in AI. There are numerous options, ranging from free online courses to more comprehensive certification programs.
Our employment experts have compiled a list of AI training resources and courses, categorized by price point. These resources can serve as a starting point for your AI skills development journey:
Low-Cost Resources (Free to $)
- Introduction to Generative AI Learning Path (Google Cloud): This course provides an overview of AI concepts, including language models, ethical AI usage, and more.
- 8-hour course
- Free
- Building a Generative AI-Ready Organization (AWS via Coursera): In this course, learn the practical applications for generative AI for businesses and how to use these tools to drive organizational success.
- 1-hour course
- Free
- Introduction to AI (Udacity): Offered by Udacity, this course introduces AI concepts, techniques, and tools, and explores how businesses can leverage AI to drive innovation and growth.
- Free course, or $$$ monthly fee for full Udacity access
- AI for Business Leaders (edX): This course from edX explores the fundamentals of AI, its potential impact on businesses, and how organizations can develop an AI strategy.
- 2-week program, 1-2 hours per week
- Free, with optional upgrade available
Moderate Cost Resources ($$ to $$$)
- AI for Everyone (Coursera): Offered by Deeplearning.ai, this course is designed for non-technical professionals and aims to provide a basic understanding of AI concepts, applications, and implications for various industries.
- 6-hour program
- Free to enroll, $$$ for course
- Professional Certificate in Artificial Intelligence for Business (Wharton, University of Pennsylvania): This comprehensive program from Wharton covers AI technologies, applications, and strategies for integrating AI into business processes.
- 4-6 week course, 2 hours per week
- $$$
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Business (Udemy): This course from Udemy is geared toward managers, leaders, and entrepreneurs. Learn practical applications, AI disruptions in specific industries, and how you can apply AI and Machine Learning for business success.
- 6-hour course
- $$
High-Cost Resources ($$$ to $$$$)
- AI Foundations for Business (Microsoft): This course from Microsoft Azure is tailored for business professionals and covers topics such as AI principles, ethical considerations, and how AI can be applied to different business functions like customer service, marketing, and operations.
- 16-week program
- $$$$ program
- AI Certification Programs from Professional Organizations: Some organizations like the Association for Intelligent Information Management (AIIM) and the Institute for Robotic Process Automation & Artificial Intelligence (IRPA AI) offer AI certifications tailored for business professionals and non-technical roles.
- AIIM courses:
- Depends on course, 4 to 26 hours
- $$$$
- IRPA AI Courses
- 6-week on-demand program, 2-3 hours per week
- $$$$
- Artificial Intelligence Courses (Simplilearn): Simplilearn provides a variety of courses covering AI, machine learning, and deep learning. Their courses include use cases and practical applications of AI in various industries.
- 4-11 month courses
- $$$$
- AIIM courses:
Remember that the most effective training will be tailored to your specific needs and career goals. Consider your learning style, budget, and time constraints when selecting the appropriate training resources.
Additionally, don’t underestimate the value of hands-on experience and practical application. Look for opportunities to apply your newfound AI skills in personal projects, internships, or volunteer work. This practical experience can not only reinforce your learning but also demonstrate your capabilities to potential employers.
Showcasing Your AI Skills
As you progress through your AI training and develop new skills, it’s essential to showcase your expertise effectively. Update your resume and online professional profiles to highlight your AI knowledge and any relevant projects or certifications.
Consider creating an online portfolio or personal website to showcase your AI-related work and demonstrate your proficiency in various tools and techniques. This can be an excellent way to differentiate yourself from other candidates and demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field of AI.
Additionally, attend industry events, conferences, or webinars related to AI. These events provide opportunities to network with professionals in the field, learn about the latest developments, and potentially connect with potential employers or mentors.
By proactively building your AI skills and effectively showcasing your expertise, you position yourself as a valuable asset in the job market, equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities presented by the AI revolution.
Achieve Career Success with Dahl Consulting
Bridging the AI skills gap is not just a necessity for businesses; it can also be a personal investment in your career growth and future employability. Embrace the journey of continuous learning and skill development, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming an indispensable part of the modern workforce.
At Dahl Consulting, we are committed to helping professionals like you navigate the ever-changing job market to achieve career success. Connect with us today to learn more about how we can support your professional journey!