“Will AI take away my job?” – this is probably among the most searched questions about AI on Google this year. The paranoia is understandable, as these brainless tools can replace 29% of human jobs. But the good news is that these numbers can’t predict a definitive future.
You won’t wake up one fine day to find people AI taking away everyone’s job.
So, instead of wasting your time thinking about all the opportunities you will miss out on because of AI, you should start thinking of all the new ventures that are opening up because of this technological revolution.
The best way to turn around the situation is to stay ahead of the curve. I did a lot of research on how to beat AI in performing certain tasks, but the results were rather disappointing.
You certainly cannot match the speed and the efficiency it offers.
But, there are 11 AI skills to learn so that you can master the functioning of these tools. By doing this, you’ll position yourself as an ‘AI operator’ – a role that is nearly irreplaceable in every company that uses AI tools.
Consider this as your ultimate resort to save your job from AI, as I have compiled a list of which AI skills to learn in 2024, how to learn AI skills, and where to learn AI skills for the best output. So, let’s start.
Top 11 AI skills to learn in 2024
Let me share a fun fact with you. While you were busy worrying about AI getting you fired, I found that it has the potential to create 950 million jobs by 2030! However, to secure one of these jobs, you’ll have to invest your time in learning one of these AI skills.
I went through several AI courses over a period of 6 months and handpicked only the best ones for you. Here you go:
Consulting in the Age of AI
Have you understood why companies are so inclined towards AI? The speed is obviously one of the primary factors, but what tops that is the quantity of work that AI takes off one’s shoulder. But if these tools can tackle the biggest challenges, why would a company hire you? They would reach out to you only if you become the “father” of AI. No, I am not asking you to steal John McCarthy’s identity. I meant that you would have to learn AI inside out so that you can become an AI consultant for the said companies.
Your key role would be to advise companies if they’re in shape to adopt AI tools, which tools would best fit their operations, and guide them on how to use those tools. However, that’s not the end of your job.
You’d also have to stay behind and make sure that the implementation of the AI tool goes well, draft a detailed roadmap for the company, and regularly update the same for maximum output.
This seems like a lot, right? It won’t if you take up 10x Consultant’s ‘Consulting in the age of Gen AI’ course.
The course will prepare you for every challenge that you might face as an AI consultant. You’ll get to learn from the experience of the course’s host, Shen Pandi, who has extensive experience in the corporate world. The course also includes real-life examples which will give you an insight into real problems.
Lastly, the course is easy to understand and so full of tiny details that you’ll leave every class with all your doubts answered.
So, if you’re still struggling to find your identity among all the AI apps, you should give AI consulting a shot!
AI strategy consultant course by 10x Consultant [Source – 10x Consultant]
Programmer
Can you think of a job because of which AI exists? If the term “programmer” or “coder” popped into your mind, then you’re right! AI apps would cease to exist if there were no programmers constantly updating and tweaking their algorithms.
So, instead of depending on AI to make your job easy, I would suggest you make AI depend on your skills. The best way to do that is by learning programming languages like Python, Julia, R, Haskell, LISP, Javascript, C++, and Java.
In-depth knowledge of these programming languages would help you build innovative AI apps for new-age companies. I would suggest you create several demo apps during your learning process to further refine your skills.
AI skills programmers need [Source – Data Flair]
Data Modeling
Global experts keep saying that AI can’t replace humans, and their reasons are solid. AI lacks the skill of communication, and quick adaptability. So, here’s a gap that you can fill.
Data modelers work to fix core problems in a business. If you become one, you can help businesses understand their areas of growth and identify their pain points. Business owners are now investing mindfully, but they’re spending hefty amounts on data modelers.
The key reason is that a knowledgeable data modeler saves entrepreneurs money by reducing errors in their operation process.
In our list of best AI skills to learn, data modeling comes third as it is currently one of the highest in-demand roles. By 2031, there will be an increase of 9% in job openings for a data modeler. So, this is the best time for you to get started.
How much is the salary of a data modeller [Source – Zippia]
Data Scientist
If numbers get you going and you have fun finding trends and patterns from a pile of data, you may consider being a data scientist. The best part is you’ll have several options to choose from.
You may either learn statistical analysis, AI, and machine learning to become an analyst or use data visualization tools to improve the communication model of a business to improve their customer experiences.
It is also the perfect time to begin your journey as a data scientist, as by 2032, the field will get 59,400 new jobs.
Most in-demand AI skills [Source – Analytics Yogi]
Machine Learning and Deep Learning
While machine learning and deep learning slightly differ from one another, you can try to learn both skills simultaneously. The common point between them is that they revolve around training AI.
If you become a pro at Machine Learning, you can help companies train their in-house AI tool to perform specific mannerisms by observing patterns. For example, you can train it to scrap websites for only health-related data or to act like your social media manager and fetch the latest internet trends.
On the other hand, if you polish your Deep Learning skills, you can make AI behave more like a ‘human’ by tweaking their algorithm. It is the future of AI, as experts are striving to make AI more responsive to human emotions. So, this skill would place you among the top contenders of the field.
The difference between machine learning and deep learning [Source – Levity]
If you’re still struggling to understand how everything is connected in the AI universe, then check this out:
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Wouldn’t it be so cool if you could speak AI’s language? You actually can, and that is why Natural Language Processing is on our list of top AI skills to learn.
NLP is a branch of Machine Learning that helps computers understand human language. So, your task will be to train AI how to communicate with humans easily. The demand for this role may go up by 22% by 2030!
If you’re looking for a free online NLP course, then I have got you covered. Check out these detailed video lessons by Coursera:
AI Ethics
You must have noticed that everyone is now raging against AI tools either for stealing their work or for producing inappropriate content. A few months back, Google’s Gemini got into big trouble for creating images of people of color in the wrong contexts.
Companies are thus being very careful about putting out AI content. You should take this opportunity to slide into their DMs and showcase your knowledge about AI ethics.
The best part is that you won’t have to dedicate separate time to learning AI ethics. If you invest in a good Deep Learning course, you’ll also have lessons on this topic.
AI Research Assistant
If you want to be in constant demand during a time where AI is taking over almost all fields, you should start making your creative juices flowing. That’s right. No one can replace you if you’re the inventor.
The demand for AI research assistants is growing as the field is constantly looking for unique innovations. However, to become a research assistant you’d have to dedicate 5 to 10 years if you are striving to become an expert.
Project Management
I know you will now come at me to include Project Management in the list of best AI skills to learn but hear me out first.
Now, imagine that AI takes away half of the jobs in your office. The programmer, the writer, and even your manager, who had a special thing for micro-management and big cheques, have been fired. So, now, who will make sure that all the projects are meeting deadlines?
Not only that, who has the skills to deal with an enraged client? Who knows how to get the work done by a lazy employee? A project manager. This is exactly why the demand for MBA courses is reaching the roof.
You’ll be surprised to know that by 2030, there will be a need for 2.3 million project managers each year. So, I would suggest that if you’re already in college or about to start your life after high school, you should give project management serious thought.
Communication Skills
If you have ever been impressed by the human-like communication skills of chatbots like ChatGPT, you must thank the trainers who made it possible. You can also become one of them by working on your communication skills.
Good communication skills are in great demand in the field of AI, as it is required not only to train AI models but also to explain to stakeholders complex AI concepts and to help with AI projects by making communication easier between teams.
It is one of the most important AI skills to learn for beginners, and its best part is you can get better at communication without spending a fortune on an AI course.
Critical Thinking
You may think that technical skills are the most sought-after AI skills, but you would be surprised to know that critical thinking is the most in demand.
To be honest, it’s not a bizarre finding as to supervise the brainless tools, one would need an expert who can assess and select the correct model for public use. Critical thinking comes in handy during data analysis, bias detection of AI tools, problem solving and also while making ethical decisions.
So, if you are planning to work on a soft skill, you can consider brushing up on your critical thinking skills.
How to learn AI skills?
If you have made up your mind to learn one of the AI skills mentioned above, hang on to learn about the affordable ways to do so. You may think that learning the skills would cost you a bomb, but there are several free resources that are available online. Let’s check them out:
Sign up for online courses
Several platforms offer affordable courses on AI skills. However, you should aim to find one that will provide your money’s worth.
For example, if you want to get into consulting in the age of AI, you can check out 10X Consultant’s course ‘Consulting in the Age of GenAI.’ The course is known for providing in-depth insight into AI consultancy along with real-world examples, which will help you gain more than just bookish knowledge.
It offers:
- Real-life examples of GenAI in Consulting
- Problem-solving with AI tools
- Project management using AI
- AI skill development, and much more!
Follow online influencers
The internet allows you to be in touch with the best minds around the globe, so you should take full advantage of it. If you want to learn about AI skills and advancements in the field, you should closely follow the influencers who are experts in the field.
For example, Fei-Fei Li, a Stanford professor, talks about AI solutions and new launches in the field. If you follow her, you’ll be up-to-date about what’s happening in the field of AI.
Then there’s Ian Goodfellow, a Deepmind research scientist who frequently talks about different aspects of Gen AI and how they work.
Just like them, there are other influencers like Nathan Lands, Demis Hassabis, and Andrej Karpethy whom you should follow to stay on top of all the advancements in the field of AI.
Follow Google updates
If you want to gain in-depth knowledge about AI and keep yourself updated on the latest happenings, then there’s no better place than Google Deepmind.
You can visit the website and look through the publications to find the topic you’re interested in, and you’ll have plenty of information just a click away.
Learning AI skills is a journey
You must understand that to catch up with AI, you’ll have to upskill yourself with every software update. The journey might be endless, but I promise it won’t be tiring. I’ve tried this myself. Once I learned a skill, honing it became an easy task.
The key is to not rush and to have strong fundamentals. Remember, only your knowledge will save you from this rat race. The above list of best AI skills to learn is to make your journey a bit easier. I’ve also added how each skill would help in your career.
So, without any delay, start your career growth today by choosing one of the best AI skills to learn in 2024!
