But do you really think AI is stealing all the jobs? Think again.
- Story of a career in IT and how it led to AI
- Prediction of a massive demand for AI and prompt engineering jobs
- Comparison with IT job boom in the late '90s and early 2000s
- Importance of getting AI training now
- Insights into how companies will adapt and train employees
- The critical role of communication skills alongside AI skills
- Launching a community to help people navigate AI job opportunities
My IT Journey to AI and the Upcoming Job Boom
I started my career in information technology, which eventually led me to virtualization, automation engineering, and now a pivot to AI. This isn't just my story but a prelude to a larger point: we are on the brink of a huge shortage in AI-related jobs, especially in prompt engineering.
Talking to industry insiders, whether consulting for government agencies, corporations, or startups, there's a clear consensus: a significant demand for AI talent is coming. If you're a millennial or even a bit older or younger, you might remember the late '90s and early 2000s IT job boom. Back then, advertisements claimed a massive shortage of IT professionals, pushing people to get Microsoft certifications, virtually guaranteeing a job.
The IT Job Market Back Then
In the early 2000s, the IT job market was chaotic. Every low-level IT job was just called an IT analyst. HR departments didn't know how to define these roles properly. Companies just wanted someone who knew computers, and that was my entry into the industry. Fast forward to today, we're on the cusp of a similar scenario with AI.
The Future of AI Jobs
We're going to see massive growth in AI jobs over the next two to five years. This means if you're naturally good at using tools like ChatGPT or Claude, or if you have subject matter expertise that you can combine with AI, you're in luck.
Training and Upskilling: A Necessity
Just like the old days when companies trained their employees due to the high demand for IT skills, the same will happen with AI. We're already seeing high salaries for AI product owners and directors, but this will trickle down. Directors who understand AI will need employees who also get it. Last year, I was contacted multiple times to provide on-site training for companies. Though I declined due to travel fatigue, I create videos to reach more people without leaving home.
Job Market Dynamics and Predictions
Some skeptics predict that AI will lead to AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and ASI (Artificial Super Intelligence), resulting in a jobless future. While AGI might take more than five years to become mainstream, there will be an increasing number of AI-related job postings until then. These jobs will range from prompt engineering to API integration and AB testing, among other skills.
Building Foundational Skills in AI
The current difficulty in building AI workflows, agent frameworks, and models is comparable to the challenges of installing Windows XP back in the day. However, this struggle is beneficial. By learning the fundamentals now, you'll be ahead of the curve when the technology becomes more user-friendly.
Importance of Communication Skills
AI literacy alone isn't enough. The ability to communicate effectively is crucial. Whether in meetings, presentations, or negotiations, being able to explain complex AI concepts in simple terms will set you apart. This skill is invaluable when talking to executives, managers, or business people who need to understand AI's impact on their operations.
The Broader Impact of AI on Job Roles
Expect a surge in job roles requiring AI literacy at all organizational levels. Companies will need AI-literate supervisors, mid-level managers, and senior engineers. The demand isn't limited to the tech industry; other sectors will also require AI expertise.
The Value of Getting in Early
Investing in AI skills now, whether low-level tasks like building neural networks or high-level prompt engineering, will pay off. The knowledge you gain today will make future advancements easier to grasp and implement.
Conclusion: Embrace the AI Revolution
The AI job boom is imminent. To navigate this new era, focus on building both AI and communication skills. Stay updated, keep learning, and be ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. To support you on this journey, I'm launching a community to help you prepare for AI job opportunities. Stay tuned for the launch details.
