Every brilliant concept encounters its moment of brilliance. Extraordinary ideas may have multiple chances to stand out, like giving precedence to knowledge over ancestry during the recruitment process.
In a recent interview with Fortune, Ginni Rometty, the current leader of the mentoring initiative OneTen and former CEO of tech giant IBM, highlighted this viewpoint. Noted as IBM’s first female CEO and a prominent figure on Forbes’ influential individuals list, Rometty is best known for advocating a hiring strategy at IBM that prioritizes skills over traditional qualifications or work history. A decade ago, she introduced the “Skills First initiative” at IBM, a significant shift in the company’s hiring practices aimed at creating opportunities for previously overlooked candidates and nurturing a skilled workforce without conventional degrees. Initially labeled as “new collar jobs,” these positions are now more appropriately termed capabilities-first, reflecting their increased significance in today’s environment. This evolution can be attributed to various factors, including rising education costs, a volatile job market leading to recruitment difficulties, and the reflective pause prompted by the pandemic.
Ahead of her participation at the World Business Forum in New York, Rometty, in her conversation with Fortune, highlighted two critical moments that propelled the skills-first approach from theory to practice. She identified the aftermath of George Floyd’s tragic death in the summer of 2020 as the first turning point. This event triggered a push for fair hiring practices and reinforced corporate commitments to diversity and inclusion. It brought attention to systemic racism and encouraged proactive steps towards enhancing job opportunities, aligning with the ethos of OneTen—an alliance of CEOs committed to training and employing one million Black individuals without traditional four-year degrees in the next decade.
Rometty believes we are on the brink of another transformative phase where advancements in artificial intelligence will significantly reshape the skills landscape. She emphasized the necessity for individuals to adapt to the evolving AI-dominated environment, stating, “One’s going to have to change their knowledge with Gen AI.” This underscores the urgency for individuals to adjust to the rapidly advancing AI technologies like ChatGPT, Bard, and DALL-E.
In this era of swift technological progress, Rometty envisions a more inclusive and democratic skills-based model that transcends conventional boundaries. She stressed that the skills-first approach is no longer limited to specific demographics but is evolving into a universal necessity. Drawing from her IBM experiences, where she led efforts to upskill employees and foster a culture centered on skill development rather than traditional credentials, Rometty acknowledged that the skills-first strategy is inherently inclusive and extends beyond diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Amidst uncertainties stemming from technological disruptions and economic challenges, the skills-first philosophy is gaining momentum as a viable solution. Rometty highlighted the delicate balance between technological advancement and societal stability, underscoring the crucial role of skills in reshaping education and employment frameworks. She envisions a future where continuous upskilling and adaptation to new competencies become standard, marking a significant societal transformation.
While recognizing the enduring value of a college education, particularly in terms of career opportunities, Rometty concurred with the evolving perception of the diminishing importance of traditional degrees in light of skills-based programs. She emphasized the significance of soft skills such as critical thinking, judgment, and collaboration—qualities that are inherently human and not solely reliant on formal education. As AI continues to redefine the skill sets required for various roles, Rometty advocates for a culture of lifelong learning and skill enhancement to thrive in an era where adaptability and agility are paramount.
