A little more than a year ago, as machine-learning and deep-learning technologies continued to rapidly advance, many workers had significant—and legitimate—concerns that the increasing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in so many fields would lead to widespread job obsolescence.
One year later, it’s COVID-19—a virus, not a fleet of robots—that has decimated global workforces and accelerated the use of AI, particularly in fields such as medicine—where doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers can not only conduct virtual office visits, but monitor sick and/or chronically ill patients remotely in light of social distancing.
AI technology has been a huge benefit that will gradually render some jobs obsolete. However, workforce experts agree that AI works best to assist human workers—not replace them (again – think “telemedicine”). Accordingly, the most valuable workers are (and will be) those who can integrate technical knowledge along with the very human skills that AI can never replicate—skills including: systems-thinking, creativity, emotional intelligence, curiosity, problem-solving, innovation, and contemplation (such as for ethical implications). In other words, skills that MBS students hone—constantly—throughout their educational journey.
Emsi—a go-to analytics firm that tracks workforce data—recently detailed the importance of integrating human and technical skills, and listed the top 10 skills employers are seeking in three key areas:
- Human Skills (discussed above). NOTE: “Leadership,” took top spot, with the three skills that put “leadership” into action—influencing, accountability, and self-discipline—also listed.
- Technical Skills—Specialized skills like those MBS students learn via their academic concentrations.
- Hybrid Skills—Skills that blend both human and technical skills, such as strategic planning, advocacy, onboarding, and structuring workflow.
The “Top 10” human skills and hybrid skills are listed below (tech skills are specific to one’s academic background). There’s also a link to the full writeup, and a fun video recap brought to you by “Beer with Emsi.” Now, go out and celebrate being human! Happy Friday, and ENJOY!
