Editor’s note: The following is a guest post from Charman Hayes, EVP, people and capability, technology at Mastercard.
The intersection of AI and human ingenuity is redefining the future of work. To thrive in this new era, embracing a culture of continuous learning and adaptability is essential.
During the 78th United Nations General Assembly, I had the opportunity to join a discussion on AI and the future of work. Conversations with peers, industry leaders and nongovernmental organizations showed that the AI evolution demands a reimagining of work, calling for enhanced creativity, innovation, new skills and support for workers from diverse backgrounds.
In navigating the digital transformation surrounding AI, I've seen firsthand the necessity of fostering an environment that values human and intersectional skills and inculcates a commitment to lifelong learning to stay apace with technological advancements.
There are three critical aspects of AI’s impact on tech careers, which offer a set of considerations for both employees and employers to navigate this transformative era.
The enduring value of human skills
In the era of AI, the spotlight shines brighter on human skills, which have become increasingly indispensable. Communication, problem-solving, ethical judgment, discretion and collaboration skills are at a premium, forming the irreplaceable core of innovation and effective decision-making.
These skills empower professionals to excel in roles where AI provides data-driven insights and outputs but lacks the nuanced understanding of human contexts.
In fostering these crucial abilities, organizations and educational systems must prioritize holistic development programs that emphasize critical thinking, empathy and ethical considerations. Workshops, mentorship programs and collaborative projects can bridge the gap between technical expertise and interpersonal skills.
Nurturing human skills can also help create a more inclusive approach to AI development that prioritizes making its benefits accessible to all.
Fostering diversity in AI development teams is critical to mitigating biases in AI systems and ensuring that they serve a broad spectrum of needs.
Employers can accomplish this by pursuing corporate social responsibility programs focused on STEM education, scholarships for underrepresented students and partnerships with organizations dedicated to diversity in technology, such as apprenticeship programs.
Lifelong learning: the key to evolving with AI
The trajectory of technological advancement underscores the vital importance of lifelong learning. The dynamic nature of AI and its influence on the job market calls for a proactive approach to skill-building.
Beyond traditional education paths, certifications and micro-credentials obtained via targeted bootcamps and industry-specific training programs are crucial for professionals seeking to navigate the shifting landscape. Employers should invest in bite-sized real time on-demand learning that employees can do on the job for constant upskilling in compressed amounts of time.
Employers must also ensure that these programs are supporting individuals from both traditional and non-traditional backgrounds in mastering AI-powered work.
For example, Mastercard launched an internal opportunity network, “Unlocked,” to help connect employees to projects, positions, mentorship, and volunteer programs to develop new skills and gain exposure to the broader organization.
The new career frontier: hybrid skills for AI-driven roles
AI is not just redefining existing job roles. It is creating new ones that demand a hybrid set of skills.
Data scientists, AI ethicists, and machine learning engineers are becoming commonplace titles in the tech industry. However, as generative AI takes on the role of information “synthesizer,” there is an observable shift towards more strategic, analytical and consultative roles.
Businesses need professionals who can interpret AI outputs and integrate them into strategic decision-making, opening new opportunities for non-traditional candidates in AI governance, strategy and product management.
Expertise in technology ethics and governance will be crucial as AI becomes more embedded in our daily lives and its legal and ethical implications are increasingly coming to the forefront.
The development and deployment of AI technologies must be guided by frameworks that ensure data protection, accountability, transparency and fairness.
Teams that can foster a collaborative approach to AI governance, can help their organizations harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its risks, ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in ways that reflect shared values and ethical principles.
The role of AI facilitators and strategists, who bridge the gap between technical teams and business units, illustrates the evolving nature of tech careers.
These developments highlight the need for educational institutions and organizations to provide interdisciplinary training that combines data literacy with strategic holistic business skills to prepare individuals for the multifaceted roles emerging in the AI-driven economy.
