The demand for professionals skilled in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) has surged, with job postings escalating from 519 in 2022 to over 10,000 since ChatGPT’s inception last December, marking a staggering 1,848% rise, reports labour analytics firm Lightcast. In 2023, AI-related job postings alone soared to more than 385,000, highlighting the expanding need for AI expertise.
Roles seeking GenAI proficiency primarily focus on developing new AI applications, spanning positions like data scientists and software engineers. Surprisingly, curriculum writers also witness high demand as educational institutions aim to integrate AI knowledge. Top GenAI employers encompass companies like FUD, Chugg, Meta, Capital One, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, and Amazon. The bulk of sought-after positions relate to AI development, notably in machine learning and AI engineering. This surge in job postings implies companies are actively innovating and advancing AI applications. Despite this, established AI technologies still dominate the market, with machine learning skills being requested in 163,559 postings, overshadowing generative AI’s smaller presence, as per Lightcast.
The rapid upswing in AI skill demand across diverse industries underscores AI’s integration into workplaces, signalling a strategic commitment by companies. This trend is likely to expand as organizations increasingly integrate AI into their operations.
Moreover, the demand for curriculum writers indicates a potential “second wave” of AI, impacting jobs beyond the tech sector. As AI reshapes work dynamics, understanding how humans collaborate with AI becomes pivotal. Employees from various job categories, including HR, engage with GenAI, hinting at its wide-reaching applicability across roles.
Workers appear increasingly open to AI integration, with nearly 40% foreseeing a positive impact on their careers, easing concerns of technology replacing jobs entirely. Experts highlight GenAI’s role as a complementary tool rather than a complete job substitute, emphasizing its ability to enhance specific job aspects.
Yet, there’s a growing need for employer guidance on GenAI, emphasizing the importance of upskilling initiatives that engage workers, especially in developing human skills like emotional intelligence and empathy. The integration of AI alongside traditional skills remains crucial for career growth in this evolving landscape.
