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What human skills would you encourage people entering the workforce to focus on developing alongside AI skills?
What human skills would you encourage people entering the workforce to focus on developing alongside AI skills?
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15 answers
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Critical thinking and analysis will still be essential. AI will enable fast and efficient access to more inputs to make critical decisions and drive behavior. Understanding how to process that is critical.
- Interpersonal skills will be paramount… human skills around communication, relationship development, negotiation, etc. We need those with consulting skills earlier in their career than ever before. Also those that are AI native. That combination will be differentiating.
- Study human behaviors and what motivates those behaviors. Then train AI to produce results/responses that mimic those behaviors.
- Interpersonal skills will be paramount… human skills around communication, relationship development, negotiation, etc. We need those with consulting skills earlier in their career than ever before. Also those that are AI native. That combination will be differentiating.
- Study human behaviors and what motivates those behaviors. Then train AI to produce results/responses that mimic those behaviors.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I would encourage the art of asking good in-depth questions. Instead of asking yes or no questions, understand how to ask questions that dive deep into the problem you are trying to solve and/or will prompt follow up questions.
I’d encourage people entering the workforce to focus on strengthening skills that complement AI — particularly critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and storytelling. As AI takes on more analytical and repetitive tasks, the human edge lies in our ability to ask better questions, connect insights to context, and build trust through empathy and communication.
In practice, this means learning how to interpret AI outputs with curiosity and skepticism, translating data into meaningful recommendations, and fostering collaboration across diverse teams. The combination of human judgment + AI insights will be the differentiator in how organizations innovate and deliver value.
I’d recommend balancing AI/technical literacy with deeply human skills that amplify the value of AI rather than compete with it.
I’d encourage people entering the workforce to focus on strengthening skills that complement AI — particularly critical thinking, adaptability, emotional intelligence, and storytelling. As AI takes on more analytical and repetitive tasks, the human edge lies in our ability to ask better questions, connect insights to context, and build trust through empathy and communication.
In practice, this means learning how to interpret AI outputs with curiosity and skepticism, translating data into meaningful recommendations, and fostering collaboration across diverse teams. The combination of human judgment + AI insights will be the differentiator in how organizations innovate and deliver value.
I’d recommend balancing AI/technical literacy with deeply human skills that amplify the value of AI rather than compete with it.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Active communication, collaboration, team work.
Alongside AI and technical skills, I would strongly encourage people entering the workforce to focus on relationship skills, the human abilities that help you connect, collaborate, and build trust with others. As work becomes more virtual and tools increasingly replace face‑to‑face interaction, skills like communication, empathy, active listening, and emotional awareness matter more than ever, especially for those who are naturally more introverted. Technology can increase efficiency, but it does not replace the human virtues of companionship, caring, and compassion.
At the same time, strong relationship skills don’t mean being passive. Learning how to be appropriately assertive and discerning is critical, especially early on. Being kind, thoughtful, and compassionate does not mean allowing others to overstep boundaries, take credit for your work, or place unfair demands on you. Healthy workplace relationships, just like healthy personal ones, are built on mutual respect, clarity, and the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Assertiveness allows you to protect your time, your values, and your contributions, while still treating others with dignity.
Being effective at work, and bringing out the best in others, comes from establishing rapport, creating genuine connection, and knowing when to serve and when to stand firm. The same skills that foster strong relationships at home strengthen teams at work: trust, honesty, clarity, and accountability. In an AI‑driven world, the ability to balance compassion with confidence is what makes you not just productive, but resilient, respected, and truly impactful as a human being.
Alongside AI and technical skills, I would strongly encourage people entering the workforce to focus on relationship skills, the human abilities that help you connect, collaborate, and build trust with others. As work becomes more virtual and tools increasingly replace face‑to‑face interaction, skills like communication, empathy, active listening, and emotional awareness matter more than ever, especially for those who are naturally more introverted. Technology can increase efficiency, but it does not replace the human virtues of companionship, caring, and compassion.
At the same time, strong relationship skills don’t mean being passive. Learning how to be appropriately assertive and discerning is critical, especially early on. Being kind, thoughtful, and compassionate does not mean allowing others to overstep boundaries, take credit for your work, or place unfair demands on you. Healthy workplace relationships, just like healthy personal ones, are built on mutual respect, clarity, and the confidence to speak up when something doesn’t feel right. Assertiveness allows you to protect your time, your values, and your contributions, while still treating others with dignity.
Being effective at work, and bringing out the best in others, comes from establishing rapport, creating genuine connection, and knowing when to serve and when to stand firm. The same skills that foster strong relationships at home strengthen teams at work: trust, honesty, clarity, and accountability. In an AI‑driven world, the ability to balance compassion with confidence is what makes you not just productive, but resilient, respected, and truly impactful as a human being.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I would encourage developing critical thinking and ethical judgment. AI can generate insights, but it takes human discernment to question assumptions, recognize bias, and ensure decisions align with organizational values. Pairing technical fluency with these skills makes AI a true amplifier rather than a risk.
I would encourage people entering the workforce to focus on critical thinking, judgment, communication, and emotional intelligence alongside AI skills.
AI can process information, generate drafts, and identify patterns quickly, but humans are still essential for framing the right questions, interpreting context, and making nuanced decisions—especially when information is incomplete or ambiguous. Strong communication skills are also critical, as professionals increasingly need to translate AI outputs into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
Finally, adaptability and continuous learning are key. AI tools evolve rapidly, so the ability to learn, unlearn, and apply judgment ethically and responsibly will distinguish high-impact professionals from those who rely too heavily on automation.
I would encourage people to develop listening and communication skills which enable us to understand the problems the world is facing, develop good relationships through listening and also develop good writing and presentation skills to visualize and present your solutions and ideas. AI further helps improving presentation skills backed by deep analysis and reasoning.
I would encourage people entering the workforce to focus on critical thinking, judgment, communication, and emotional intelligence alongside AI skills.
AI can process information, generate drafts, and identify patterns quickly, but humans are still essential for framing the right questions, interpreting context, and making nuanced decisions—especially when information is incomplete or ambiguous. Strong communication skills are also critical, as professionals increasingly need to translate AI outputs into clear, actionable insights for non-technical stakeholders.
Finally, adaptability and continuous learning are key. AI tools evolve rapidly, so the ability to learn, unlearn, and apply judgment ethically and responsibly will distinguish high-impact professionals from those who rely too heavily on automation.
I would encourage people to develop listening and communication skills which enable us to understand the problems the world is facing, develop good relationships through listening and also develop good writing and presentation skills to visualize and present your solutions and ideas. AI further helps improving presentation skills backed by deep analysis and reasoning.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- One human skill that’s really helped me stand out with clients in an AI‑enabled environment is the ability to slow things down and create clarity.
With AI, there’s no shortage of data or outputs, and clients can sometimes feel overwhelmed by options. I’ve found that taking the time to pause, simplify the conversation, and help them focus on what actually matters to their situation makes a real difference.
Clients appreciate someone who doesn’t just bring information to the table, but helps them make sense of it — connecting the dots, explaining trade‑offs, and guiding decisions with confidence. That calm, thoughtful presence is something AI can’t replicate.
- Listening. Quite often someone may have an obstacle or issue, but they can't verbalize the true root cause. Listening to them explain it, looking for tells, keywords or subtle hints at the true nature of the problem can lead to a greater chance of solving it.
- In an AI-enabled environment, empathy and emotional intelligence have helped me stand out. While AI provides valuable insights, I focus on connecting with clients on a human level—listening to their concerns, framing solutions in ways that resonate, and building trust through genuine understanding. This balance of technology and human connection creates lasting impact.
With AI, there’s no shortage of data or outputs, and clients can sometimes feel overwhelmed by options. I’ve found that taking the time to pause, simplify the conversation, and help them focus on what actually matters to their situation makes a real difference.
Clients appreciate someone who doesn’t just bring information to the table, but helps them make sense of it — connecting the dots, explaining trade‑offs, and guiding decisions with confidence. That calm, thoughtful presence is something AI can’t replicate.
- Listening. Quite often someone may have an obstacle or issue, but they can't verbalize the true root cause. Listening to them explain it, looking for tells, keywords or subtle hints at the true nature of the problem can lead to a greater chance of solving it.
- In an AI-enabled environment, empathy and emotional intelligence have helped me stand out. While AI provides valuable insights, I focus on connecting with clients on a human level—listening to their concerns, framing solutions in ways that resonate, and building trust through genuine understanding. This balance of technology and human connection creates lasting impact.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
I am currently a Masters student doing research in Machine Learning and AI. My recommendation to those entering the workforce today would be to invest time in understanding the basics of how an LLM operates. It produces a distribution of next most likely words and suffers from in-deterministic behavior even with temperature set to prevent variability. This means you cannot always trust the outputs. But you can make significant differences in the quality/structure of your responses when improve your prompting. You can illicit CoT reasoning that helps to explain and defend a final conclusion that's produced. So take the time to learn a little about the black box. Your productivity will sky rocket and you'll be more sure of what you produce rather than relying on an unreliable companion! Best of luck!
Curiosity drives continuous learning and exploration, helping you ask better questions and uncover insights AI might miss.
Empathy, Curiosity, and Life Long Learning.
I think having a mindset that AI is a skill. Not being scared of the tech can be a skill.
Curiosity drives continuous learning and exploration, helping you ask better questions and uncover insights AI might miss.
Empathy, Curiosity, and Life Long Learning.
I think having a mindset that AI is a skill. Not being scared of the tech can be a skill.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Alongside AI skills, people should focus on problem framing, and critical thinking - because AI can generate answers, but humans must decide what questions to ask, when to trust outputs, and how to act responsibly on them.
An attitude of continuous learning and apprenticeship. It's so important to continue learning and sharing what we know with our teams.
As people enter the workforce, I would encourage them to focus on human skills alongside AI. Intellectual curiosity allows us to guide AI with clear intent and refine its output to get real value. Adaptability is critical because while AI keeps evolving, humans provide the judgment to shift direction when priorities or situations change. Communication ties it all together because AI generates content, but people shape how messages land and how understanding turns into action.
As you build AI skills, it’s equally important to strengthen the human capabilities that technology can’t replace. I would encourage people entering the workforce to focus on developing critical thinking to thoughtfully question and validate AI-generated outputs; strong communication skills to clearly explain ideas and insights; emotional intelligence to effectively lead, collaborate, and build relationships; adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning; ethical judgment to guide responsible decision-making; and resilience to perform under pressure.
AI is a powerful tool, but discernment, character, and meaningful relationships remain our lasting advantage.
An attitude of continuous learning and apprenticeship. It's so important to continue learning and sharing what we know with our teams.
As people enter the workforce, I would encourage them to focus on human skills alongside AI. Intellectual curiosity allows us to guide AI with clear intent and refine its output to get real value. Adaptability is critical because while AI keeps evolving, humans provide the judgment to shift direction when priorities or situations change. Communication ties it all together because AI generates content, but people shape how messages land and how understanding turns into action.
As you build AI skills, it’s equally important to strengthen the human capabilities that technology can’t replace. I would encourage people entering the workforce to focus on developing critical thinking to thoughtfully question and validate AI-generated outputs; strong communication skills to clearly explain ideas and insights; emotional intelligence to effectively lead, collaborate, and build relationships; adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning; ethical judgment to guide responsible decision-making; and resilience to perform under pressure.
AI is a powerful tool, but discernment, character, and meaningful relationships remain our lasting advantage.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
- Streamlining communication by asking ChatGPT to help me make emails or documents more succinct; using ChatGPT to find different ideas or ways to do something (like an ice breaker for a virtual meeting of a newly formed team).
- One human skill that’s really helped me stand out with clients in an AI‑enabled environment is the ability to slow things down and create clarity.
With AI, there’s no shortage of data or outputs, and clients can sometimes feel overwhelmed by options. I’ve found that taking the time to pause, simplify the conversation, and help them focus on what actually matters to their situation makes a real difference.
Clients appreciate someone who doesn’t just bring information to the table, but helps them make sense of it — connecting the dots, explaining trade‑offs, and guiding decisions with confidence. That calm, thoughtful presence is something AI can’t replicate.
- Relentless curiosity, carving out time to learn emerging technologies, and teaching others.
- My empathy, compassion and willingness to learn.
- One human skill that’s really helped me stand out with clients in an AI‑enabled environment is the ability to slow things down and create clarity.
With AI, there’s no shortage of data or outputs, and clients can sometimes feel overwhelmed by options. I’ve found that taking the time to pause, simplify the conversation, and help them focus on what actually matters to their situation makes a real difference.
Clients appreciate someone who doesn’t just bring information to the table, but helps them make sense of it — connecting the dots, explaining trade‑offs, and guiding decisions with confidence. That calm, thoughtful presence is something AI can’t replicate.
- Relentless curiosity, carving out time to learn emerging technologies, and teaching others.
- My empathy, compassion and willingness to learn.
Andrew Boyd II
Technical Program Manager for Azure Cloud
4
Answers
Niterói, State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Updated
Andrew’s Answer
This is a very thoughtful question. There are many, but I suggest these three human skills to pair with AI skills:
1. Creativity
AI tools are making it easier than ever to turn ideas into real apps or products. Practice writing down ideas that you have for solving a problem as you go through your daily life. At the end of each week, you will have quite a list! This is the list that you can use to turn ideas into apps through vibe coding or AI-assisted development. No idea is too big or too small, make sure to write them down! This will be helpful in future career opportunities, or who knows, maybe you will come up with the next big idea!
2. Ability to follow through, consistency
Many people have ideas, but few people actually put in the work to turn them into reality. Along with creativity, it is important to put in the work to test these ideas and start building. It's ok if you do not get it right the first time! But as long as you are trying out putting these ideas to the test and taking the time to follow through on learning AI tools, you will find that you are making an impact in the area you are working in.
3. The ability to inspire others
Although AI is very capable, it still does not have agency, or the ability to choose a direction. That is a very human quality. Those that are able to inspire others to action (bring people together to achieve a common mission, lift other people up and encourage them, etc) are able to enact change.
Great question!!!
1. Creativity
AI tools are making it easier than ever to turn ideas into real apps or products. Practice writing down ideas that you have for solving a problem as you go through your daily life. At the end of each week, you will have quite a list! This is the list that you can use to turn ideas into apps through vibe coding or AI-assisted development. No idea is too big or too small, make sure to write them down! This will be helpful in future career opportunities, or who knows, maybe you will come up with the next big idea!
2. Ability to follow through, consistency
Many people have ideas, but few people actually put in the work to turn them into reality. Along with creativity, it is important to put in the work to test these ideas and start building. It's ok if you do not get it right the first time! But as long as you are trying out putting these ideas to the test and taking the time to follow through on learning AI tools, you will find that you are making an impact in the area you are working in.
3. The ability to inspire others
Although AI is very capable, it still does not have agency, or the ability to choose a direction. That is a very human quality. Those that are able to inspire others to action (bring people together to achieve a common mission, lift other people up and encourage them, etc) are able to enact change.
Great question!!!
Julie Falcon
Experience Programs Manager
4
Answers
Bogota, New Jersey
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Human skills will remain important as we enter the AI era. It will always be important to communicate effectively with coworkers, customers, stakeholders, and supervisors. AI can't build interpersonal relationships for you, and those relationships are vital to an effective workforce, and to upward mobility. Building strong relationships involves making connections, fostering trust, and developing mutual respect. Emotional intelligence, active listening, conflict resolution, and effective communication are the skills that will help you as you navigate professional relationships.
Kari Newman
Program management
3
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Kari’s Answer
This is a wonderful question! I recommend taking a look at this article (https://www.salesforce.com/en-us/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/documents/workforce-innovation-playbook.pdf) from Salesforce about workforce innovation and what types of skills will be most applicable in the future of work!
Read the article :)
Kari recommends the following next steps:
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
132
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
The key to a good career is combining technical AI skills with unique human skills. AI can do tasks, but it cannot lead or strategize.
AI can write reports, but you need to be the person who can lead a negotiation, ask smart strategic questions, and influence people.
Your goal is to become a master operator of AI. Use AI to do the easy work. You focus on the hard, human parts. These human skills make you a high value leader, not just a worker.
AI can write reports, but you need to be the person who can lead a negotiation, ask smart strategic questions, and influence people.
Your goal is to become a master operator of AI. Use AI to do the easy work. You focus on the hard, human parts. These human skills make you a high value leader, not just a worker.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Learn,Learn,Learn.... Do not use AI tools for short cuts, use it to learn how to jump start any task you do. Also learn the suggestions your AI Agents/Assistane provide - challenge yourself to be better. Then the next time your agaent/assistant can go even deeper with suggestions/coaching etc.
Quality checking skills + problem solving.
Responsible AI prompting.
Trust but verify - everything and anything you get from the AI tools. Seed AI tools with your ideas first and then let it go do its thing. If you rely on AI to generate the initial ideas for you, there is a risk of over relying on AI and becoming over dependent which can be a risk to your value add.
Quality checking skills + problem solving.
Responsible AI prompting.
Trust but verify - everything and anything you get from the AI tools. Seed AI tools with your ideas first and then let it go do its thing. If you rely on AI to generate the initial ideas for you, there is a risk of over relying on AI and becoming over dependent which can be a risk to your value add.
PwC Impact
823
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Asking AI to challenge thinking and push back, but we can't concede on vision or conviction,
Be curious by asking what, why and how. Be creative by asking What If? Why Not? How About?
Being Magnetic, Spontaneous, and chasing JOY.
Collaborations skills for facilitation and mediation. Humans will be needed to guide diverse groups through complex discussions AI can’t “moderate” with sensitivity.
Collaborations skills for facilitation and mediation. Humans will be needed to guide diverse groups through complex discussions AI can’t “moderate” with sensitivity.
Creativity, keep learning, try without fear. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Ethics, compliance and Responsible AI.
Critical Thinking and Judgment: AI can process information but cannot discern context or ethics. People entering the workforce should focus on interpreting AI outputs critically—asking why, how, and what might be missing.
Be curious by asking what, why and how. Be creative by asking What If? Why Not? How About?
Being Magnetic, Spontaneous, and chasing JOY.
Collaborations skills for facilitation and mediation. Humans will be needed to guide diverse groups through complex discussions AI can’t “moderate” with sensitivity.
Collaborations skills for facilitation and mediation. Humans will be needed to guide diverse groups through complex discussions AI can’t “moderate” with sensitivity.
Creativity, keep learning, try without fear. Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving, Ethics, compliance and Responsible AI.
Critical Thinking and Judgment: AI can process information but cannot discern context or ethics. People entering the workforce should focus on interpreting AI outputs critically—asking why, how, and what might be missing.
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1058
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
I would highly recommend people ensure that not only are they focused on their technical or business skills, they need to ensure that they work on the following humanized skills that are extremely important in today's workforce:
1. Relationship building
2. Personal Interaction and/or touch
3. Emotional intelligence
4. Active Listening
5. Communication (Oral and Written)
6. Critical thinking
7. Ethics
8. Creativity and innovation
9. Leadership
1. Relationship building
2. Personal Interaction and/or touch
3. Emotional intelligence
4. Active Listening
5. Communication (Oral and Written)
6. Critical thinking
7. Ethics
8. Creativity and innovation
9. Leadership