As colleges and universities modify curricula to match the rapid pace of technology and the changing needs of the workforce, a new batch of skills is becoming a golden ticket in the hiring process.
In a new report from LinkedIn, the social media and networking giant used three metrics to identify some of the fastest-growing (and most in-demand) skills in the job market:
- Skill acquisition: The rate at which LinkedIn members are adding new skills to their profile
- Hiring success: The skills members hired in the past year possess
- Emerging demand: Increased presence of a specific skill featured in a paid job posting
The No. 1 skill in this ranking is AI literacy, which further highlights the prowess of the disruptive technology. In fact, AI has impacted the workforce so much that computer science competencies, one of the most highly demanded degrees a decade ago, have changed.
Let’s get into some of the five hottest skills touted by job hunters today.
- AI literacy: Companies want professionals who can harness AI for their daily operations.
- Conflict mitigation: An ability to mediate conflict helps managers collaborate and build intergenerational teams. Two separate surveys found that employers are struggling to hire and retain Gen Z employees due to their entitlement and an inability to address and resolve conflict.
- Adaptability: Today’s students and even members of the workforce must embrace continuous learning and resilience to the changing winds of the job market. By the time college of engineering students graduate from Georgia Tech, half of what they’ve learned has become obsolete, said Steve Harmon, associate dean of research at Georgia Tech’s College of Lifetime Learning, in a webinar hosted in February.
- Process optimization: Organizations need to streamline their operations to drive sustainable growth, remain cost-effective and endure workplace changes.
- Innovative thinking: As business operations embrace automation, critical thinking skills and human ingenuity remain the X-factor.
“Historically, many four-year schools have been somewhat detached from the job market, focusing more on traditional liberal arts education,” said Jeff Dinski, chief strategy and corporate development officer at Ellucian, on the “The University Business Podcast.” “However, this needs to change. Schools should train students for specific jobs that are in demand.”
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To check out the other 10 skills LinkedIn highlighted, find the post here.
