Both technical and non-technical professions are adding skills related to Artifical Intelligence (AI) to their LinkedIn profiles. 

According to the 2024 Work Trend Index from Microsoft and LinkedIn, 66% of leaders will not hire an applicant that does not have any skills related to artificial intelligence (AI). Given this, it is no surprise that there was a 142x increase in 2023 in LinkedIn members adding AI skills to their profiles. 

In fact, the 2024 Work Trend Index reveals that this trend has been observed across different industries and occupations. The following industries have the greatest percentage of members who have added AI aptitude skills to their LinkedIn profiles:

• Administrative and Support Services – 16%
• Real Estate – 15%
• Entertainment Providers – 13%
• Retail – 11%
• Professional Services – 10%
• Construction – 10%
• Technology, Information, and Media – 10%
• Hospitality – 10%
• Consumer Services – 10%
• Wholesale – 9%

With regard to occupations, the following have the greatest percentages of members who have added AI aptitude skills to their profiles: 

• Content Writer – 33%
• Graphic Designer – 27%
• Marketing Manager – 24%
• Front-End Developer – 19%
• Entrepreneur – 19%
• Product Designer – 18%
• Operations Manager – 17%
• Web Developer – 16%
• Account Manager – 14%
• Business Development Manager – 13%

How to Upskill in AI

Given the high value that is being placed on AI skills in the job market, it is crucial for professionals to upskill in order to remain competitive. One way professionals can upskill is by participating in online courses on AI provided by open online course providers. These courses typically provide a certificate or diploma as proof of participation in a course. 

Coursera offers a wide range of AI courses, including Introduction to Artificial Intelligence, Introduction to Generative AI, and AI for Business. Udemy, on the other hand, has courses such as The Beginner’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning for Business. 

Those who want to take it a step further can opt for a certificate program or even a master’s degree in AI, which edX offers. It should be noted that, while some courses are free, there are those that charge a fee in order to participate. 

If professionals find online courses too costly, the government and industry groups have been providing training and seminars on AI. Earlier this year, the IT and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) industry announced the setting up of an AI Council. According to the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP), the purpose of this is to help more people upskill in generative AI. 

The Role of Employers in Upskilling

While more and more professionals show a willingness to learn more about AI, employees do not always get the necessary training from their employers. In fact, the 2024 Work Trend Index shows that only 39% of LinkedIn users have received any form of AI training from their company.

In order for professionals to upskill, remain competitive in the job market, and fill vacant roles in companies, employers should be willing to do their part. While professionals can upskill on their own, the support of employers through training and seminars will greatly help their employees upskill faster. 

Doing so does not just help employees improve their skills, it also helps companies look more attractive to top talent who seek the availability of support and training.