Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says
The landscape of the global workforce is on the cusp of a profound transformation, driven by the accelerating capabilities of artificial intelligence. Much like the internet fundamentally reshaped daily life and professional paradigms decades ago, AI is poised to integrate itself into nearly every facet of human endeavor. According to Robert Seamans, a distinguished professor of management and organizations at the NYU Stern School of Business and a leading economist specializing in the economic impact of AI, individuals who cultivate a specific set of skills will be best positioned to thrive in this evolving environment. Foremost among these are the abilities to articulate how AI tools function in easily digestible terms, harness the technology to enhance personal performance, and actively engage in the testing and training of AI systems.
Seamans’ central thesis posits that AI will not merely create a niche industry but will become an intrinsic component of virtually every worker’s future. The analogy he draws with the internet is particularly insightful. When the internet first emerged, it was seen as a specialized tool for tech professionals. Over time, however, its pervasive influence led to the creation of entirely new roles – from web developers and digital marketers to cybersecurity specialists – while simultaneously augmenting existing professions across every sector. Accountants began using online platforms, retailers embraced e-commerce, and educators integrated digital learning tools. Similarly, AI’s impact will be broad and deep, affecting occupations in myriad ways, requiring a universal adaptation rather than isolated specialization.
In this paradigm shift, the workers most adept at navigating the generative AI revolution, exemplified by tools like ChatGPT, will be those who not only grasp the technology’s potential but also understand its practical application. This includes a deep understanding of how to leverage AI to maximize individual output, how to scrutinize AI for accuracy and bias, and how to effectively educate others on its use. This necessitates a blend of technical literacy, critical thinking, and advanced communication skills – a truly interdisciplinary approach to professional development.
One of the most critical roles Seamans anticipates emerging is that of the "AI explainer" or "AI translator." These professionals will serve as crucial bridges between highly technical AI development teams and the broader business functions within an organization. Their primary responsibility will be to demystify complex AI algorithms, machine learning processes, and data-driven insights for managers, stakeholders, and end-users who may lack a deep technical background. Imagine a marketing director needing to understand why an AI-powered campaign optimization tool is recommending a particular strategy, or a finance executive requiring clarity on how an AI model is forecasting market trends. The AI explainer would step in to provide a simple, layperson’s understanding of the "black box" – what’s happening "under the hood" – without requiring the audience to become computer scientists. This role demands not only a foundational understanding of AI concepts but also exceptional communication skills, the ability to simplify complexity, and a talent for storytelling to convey technical information compellingly. They don’t need to be the foremost experts in building large language models, but their competence in the area must be clear, enabling them to confidently engage with diverse audiences.
Another vital position expected to gain prominence is the "AI auditor." As AI systems become increasingly integrated into critical decision-making processes – from hiring and loan applications to medical diagnostics and legal judgments – the need for robust oversight becomes paramount. AI auditors will be tasked with scrutinizing these systems for potential biases, factual inaccuracies (often referred to as "hallucinations" in generative AI), and adherence to ethical guidelines. This role requires a sophisticated understanding of AI mechanics, including how data is collected, processed, and used to train models, and how different algorithms might inadvertently perpetuate or amplify existing societal biases. They would need to know what benchmarks to apply, how to design and run tests, and how to interpret the results to determine if an AI system is fair, reliable, and compliant. Given the growing regulatory landscape around AI, individuals with a legal background, combined with AI literacy, could find themselves particularly well-suited for this critical compliance and ethics role. The consequences of unchecked AI systems can be severe, ranging from discriminatory outcomes to significant financial or reputational damage, making the AI auditor an indispensable guardian of trust and accountability.
Beyond explanation and auditing, the demand for "AI instructors" or "AI trainers" will also surge. As companies invest in AI tools, the existing workforce will require comprehensive training to effectively integrate these technologies into their daily workflows. These instructors will be responsible for developing and delivering educational programs that teach employees how to utilize a company’s specific AI applications, understand their capabilities and limitations, and adapt their professional practices accordingly. This involves not just technical instruction but also fostering a mindset of continuous learning and adaptation within the organization. The goal is to empower every employee to become an "augmented worker," leveraging AI to automate mundane tasks, enhance problem-solving, and unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency. For workers, students, and early-career employees, Seamans offers a straightforward, yet profound, piece of advice: "My encouragement would be for everyone to play around with AI and not assume there is one specific way you should be interacting with [AI]. Interact in a variety of ways because you’ll get different answers." This hands-on, exploratory approach is crucial for building intuitive understanding and discovering novel applications.
The broader implications for the labor market are substantial. While concerns about job displacement are valid, the dominant narrative emerging from economists like Seamans is one of job transformation and creation. Routine, predictable tasks are most susceptible to automation, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex, creative, and interpersonal aspects of their roles. This shift will likely increase demand for skills that AI cannot easily replicate: critical thinking, emotional intelligence, creativity, complex problem-solving, and cross-cultural communication. The "augmented intelligence" paradigm suggests that AI will serve as a powerful co-pilot, enhancing human capabilities rather than simply replacing them. This will necessitate a workforce that is not only comfortable with technology but also skilled in collaborating with it, understanding its outputs, and steering its direction.
Educational institutions, too, face an imperative to adapt. Curricula will need to evolve to embed AI literacy across disciplines, not just in computer science departments. Business schools, humanities programs, and even arts faculties will need to consider how AI intersects with their respective fields, preparing students for a world where AI is a ubiquitous tool. Lifelong learning will transition from a beneficial practice to an absolute necessity, as the pace of technological change demands continuous upskilling and reskilling throughout one’s career. Companies will likely invest more heavily in internal training programs and foster cultures of continuous learning to keep their workforces competitive and relevant.
In conclusion, the future of work in the age of AI is not about becoming a roboticist or a machine learning engineer for everyone. Instead, it emphasizes a broader set of skills centered on understanding, explaining, auditing, and leveraging AI effectively. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts simply, to ensure the ethical and accurate functioning of intelligent systems, and to empower others through education will be paramount. As Robert Seamans articulates, the journey with AI is a dynamic and evolving one. By embracing curiosity, experimenting with the technology, and cultivating these critical human-centric and interdisciplinary skills, individuals can not only secure their place in the future workforce but also actively shape the positive trajectory of AI’s integration into society. The year 2025, as this article highlights, marks a crucial juncture where these shifts are not merely theoretical but are rapidly becoming the lived reality of professionals worldwide.
