Workers across all levels, from entry positions to the C-suite, are increasingly prioritizing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in their work environments. However, there appears to be a disconnect as organizational leaders are not investing adequately in tools to facilitate employee learning in this area.
According to LinkedIn’s latest workplace learning report, a significant majority, 80% of workers express a desire to enhance their understanding of AI and its practical applications within their roles. The report also reveals that 84% of global employees believe that AI proficiency will advance their careers, with 58% anticipating substantial changes in their work processes within the next year.
In contrast, only 38% of executives in the United States claim to be actively supporting their staff in becoming proficient in AI technologies. Despite this, approximately three-quarters of CEOs have identified generative AI as a primary area for investment, aiming to leverage AI to drive profitability, innovation, and security, as indicated by a recent KPMG survey.
Interestingly, a significant portion of workers are taking the initiative to self-educate in AI skills due to the lack of formal development opportunities. Around half of professionals worldwide currently utilize AI in their roles, with a third experimenting with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, based on LinkedIn data.
Employees are driven to incorporate AI technologies to streamline tasks, enhance productivity, and create a better work-life balance. They believe that mastering these skills will not only improve their efficiency but also foster continuous learning and enable them to focus on tasks they find most fulfilling.
To support this learning initiative, LinkedIn has made over 250 AI courses available for free until April 5, with a significant focus on generative AI. These courses, offered in multiple languages, cater to a wide audience—from beginners seeking foundational knowledge to professionals requiring advanced training in managing and training AI models effectively.
For individuals unsure of where to commence their AI learning journey, MIT professor Anant Agarwal recommends prompt engineering as the “single most important” skill to acquire. This skill involves refining text commands for generative AI programs like ChatGPT, significantly enhancing one’s ability to utilize these tools for various tasks such as email composition and presentation creation.
Mastering prompt engineering, a skill that can be acquired in just two hours, is available through online platforms like Coursera, Google, Microsoft, EdX, and LinkedIn, offering individuals the opportunity to enhance their proficiency in AI technologies and remain competitive in the evolving job market.
For those aspiring to secure their dream job by 2024, CNBC’s online course “How to Ace Your Job Interview” provides valuable insights into impressing hiring managers, mastering body language cues, effective communication strategies, and navigating salary discussions.
