Want to work in AI? Here are the skills to master, economist says.
The burgeoning landscape of artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the global labor market, and according to leading economist Robert Seamans, a professor of management and organizations at the NYU Stern School of Business, the key to navigating this transformation lies in a specific set of adaptable skills. Seamans posits that workers capable of articulating the complex functionalities of AI tools in an easily digestible manner will find themselves uniquely positioned for success in an increasingly AI-driven economy. He envisions a future where AI, much like the internet before it, becomes an indispensable component of nearly every profession, fundamentally altering the nature of work.
Seamans emphasizes that the workers best equipped to thrive as generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, continue to evolve the labor market are those who not only understand how to leverage this technology to optimize their own performance but also possess the aptitude for testing and training AI systems. "AI will change the vast majority of the work we do, but it will affect each occupation in different ways," Seamans remarked, drawing a parallel to the profound impact of computers and the internet on jobs and work methodologies decades prior. This perspective, solidified by the rapid advancements witnessed through 2025, underscores a pivotal shift in required competencies.
At the forefront of these emerging demands are roles Seamans terms "AI explainers" or "AI translators." These professionals will be crucial conduits between the highly technical world of AI development and the practical, operational needs of businesses. Their primary responsibility will be to demystify the inner workings of AI for managers and broader organizational teams, fostering understanding and facilitating strategic adoption. In an era where complex algorithms and machine learning models drive critical business decisions, the ability to translate technical jargon into actionable insights becomes an invaluable asset. This isn’t merely about basic communication; it requires a foundational grasp of AI principles combined with exceptional pedagogical acumen and an understanding of organizational goals.
"The job is to provide a simple layperson’s understanding of what’s happening under the hood," Seamans explained. He clarified that these individuals don’t need to be cutting-edge computer scientists capable of architecting large language models from scratch. Instead, their proficiency lies in possessing sufficient knowledge to demonstrate competence in AI, enabling them to confidently discuss its capabilities, limitations, and implications with a diverse audience. This role is pivotal for accelerating AI integration, ensuring that companies can fully harness the power of their AI investments without being hampered by a knowledge gap between technical teams and end-users. It also plays a vital part in building trust and reducing resistance to new AI implementations within an organization.
Beyond mere explanation, the ethical and operational integrity of AI systems presents another critical need, leading Seamans to predict the rise of the "AI auditor." As AI assumes more significant roles in areas such as hiring, promotions, and even medical diagnostics, the potential for bias and factual inaccuracies escalates. AI auditors will be tasked with rigorously scrutinizing these systems, identifying and mitigating inherent biases, and verifying the accuracy of their outputs. This role demands a unique blend of technical understanding, critical thinking, and potentially a legal background to navigate the complex landscape of data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and regulatory compliance.
An AI auditor would need a deep understanding of an AI system’s architecture to design and execute appropriate tests, employing specific benchmarks to detect and quantify bias or errors. Their work will be essential in upholding accountability and ensuring that AI serves as a tool for progress rather than perpetuating existing inequalities or generating misinformation. The legal implications of AI decisions, particularly concerning fairness and discrimination, mean that auditors with a legal perspective will be exceptionally well-suited to address the multifaceted challenges of algorithmic accountability. This role underscores the growing imperative for ethical AI development and deployment, safeguarding against unforeseen negative consequences and fostering public trust in AI technologies.
Furthermore, as companies integrate bespoke AI applications into their workflows, the demand for "AI instructors" will soar. These specialists will be responsible for training employees across various departments on how to effectively utilize new AI tools, maximizing their efficiency and ensuring a smooth transition into AI-augmented roles. The successful adoption of AI within an enterprise is not solely dependent on the technology itself but equally on the workforce’s ability to engage with it productively. AI instructors will design curriculum, conduct workshops, and provide ongoing support, transforming potential resistance into widespread proficiency. Their expertise will be vital in upskilling and reskilling existing employees, ensuring that the human element remains central to the AI revolution.
Seamans’ advice to workers, students, and early-career professionals is refreshingly direct and profoundly practical: "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]," he urged. "Interact in a variety of ways because you’ll get different answers." This hands-on, experimental approach is critical for developing an intuitive understanding of AI’s capabilities and limitations. It encourages individuals to move beyond passive observation and actively engage with AI tools, fostering a deeper appreciation for their potential applications in diverse contexts.
Experimentation allows individuals to identify how AI can specifically augment their own tasks, automate mundane processes, and enhance creative output. It’s about discovering personalized workflows and gaining a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving job market. This proactive engagement also builds critical thinking skills, enabling individuals to discern reliable AI outputs from unreliable ones, and to understand the ethical considerations inherent in AI usage. By fostering a culture of curiosity and continuous learning, individuals can proactively adapt to the demands of the AI era, transforming potential threats of job displacement into opportunities for career advancement and innovation.
Ultimately, the insights from Seamans paint a clear picture of a future where AI is not merely a technological advancement but a fundamental shift in the nature of human work. The skills to master are less about coding complex algorithms and more about bridging the human-AI gap: explaining, auditing, instructing, and innovatively leveraging AI for personal and organizational gain. As 2025 draws to a close, the trends indicate that adaptability, ethical awareness, and a proactive approach to learning will be the most valuable currencies in the AI-driven labor market. Those who embrace these principles, actively engaging with and understanding AI, will be the architects of tomorrow’s workforce, ready to harness the immense potential of artificial intelligence for unprecedented growth and efficiency.
