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What skills are more valued in tech fields now that AI is everywhere?

What skills can I or should I learn to prepare for a potential career in tech in a world where AI is doing so much of people's work?

technology computer-science coding software-engineering cybersecurity careerdevelopment computerscience ai datascience techcareers problemsolving automation criticalthinking adaptability digitalskills dataanalytics cloudcomputing machinelearing productmanagement promptengineering
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

As AI becomes more widespread, the most valued skills in tech combine strong technical ability with human judgment. Pursuing computer science, a field that is highly in demand, equips you with essential skills in programming, databases, cybersecurity, software engineering, AI, machine learning, and cloud computing, all of which are critical for designing, evaluating, and managing AI-driven systems. Equally important are problem-solving, critical thinking, adaptability, and communication, as AI cannot frame complex problems or collaborate effectively.

To stay competitive, you should constantly update yourself and master AI, developing both technical expertise and data literacy while honing human-centered skills. With computer science offering future-proof career opportunities in areas like software engineering, AI, cybersecurity, machine learning, and cloud computing, combining technical skills with strategic thinking, continuous learning, and human judgment positions you for a successful, sustainable, and resilient career in tech.
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Neh’s Answer

Human skills will be most valued - Human skills like creativity, leadership, empathy, effective communication, decision-making, judgement, emotional Intelligence, ethical reasoning, collaboration to name a few. Staying curious and committed to lifelong learning will ensure you keep pace with new AI advancements. Ultimately, combining a strong foundation in core tech skills with flexibility and an ethical mindset will prepare you well for a successful career in tech in this AI-driven world.
Thank you comment icon Your humanity will be your biggest competitive advantage! Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
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Sandeep’s Answer

Hello Owen,

This is such a good question and a lot of people are thinking it but not saying it out loud.

AI isn’t really eliminating tech jobs, it’s shifting what matters. Knowing how to code is still important, but just writing code isn’t enough anymore.

I would focus on strong fundamentals and get comfortable with one programming language, understand data structures, and learn how software systems actually work. At the same time, build data literacy and at least a basic understanding of how AI/ML models function. You don’t need to be an AI expert, but you should know what AI can and can’t realistically do.

Also, don’t ignore communication skills. The ability to explain technical ideas clearly and work well with others is becoming even more important in an AI-driven world.
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Divyanshu’s Answer

Here are five things I would recommend:

1) AI will touch virtually every industry and role, so learning the fundamentals now will help you stay competitive:
- AI and Machine Learning fundamentals
- Natural Language Processing (NLP) basics

2) You will need to be fluent in at least one programming language. I recommend starting with Python.
Python is the main language used in AI.
Start with:
- Variables, loops, functions
- Working with files and data
- Common libraries later like pandas, numpy, scikit-learn

3) Certifications can strengthen your resume and improve your chances of landing a job by showing verified, job-ready skills.
Target an Alteryx certification, it is a powerful code-free data analytics tool.
Use the following link to start learning for free:
https://www.alteryx.com/sparked/learning-programs/students
I am recommending the Alteryx certification because:
- It is a widely recognized data analytics tool
- There are free online lessons and certifications provided by Alteryx
- Knowledge gained from Alteryx certification is useful in various roles

4) Strengthen your communication skills, they will help you perform better in interviews and set you up for success at work.
In Technology you often need to explain complex ideas simply. Work on:
- Storytelling, explaining the “why” behind your work
- Public speaking and presentation
- Active listening and asking good questions

5) Build experience through volunteering, internships, college projects, and competitions.
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Steve’s Answer

Great answers and being additive: think like a maager - learn to delegate, think strategically, question and validate, constant improvement, scaling. This is what all professionals will do whether they manage people or not because we will all be managing intelligence doing our work for us.
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Ibrahim’s Answer

AI is changing tech, but it doesn’t replace the need for real technical skills. If you're preparing for a tech career today, I’d recommend focusing on a few key areas.

First, build strong programming fundamentals. Learn one main language well (Python, JavaScript, or Java) and practice problem solving.

Second, understand core computer science concepts like data structures, algorithms, databases, and how systems work. These skills are still very important even with AI tools.

Third, try to learn how AI and data work, not just how to use AI tools. Basic knowledge of machine learning, data analysis, and statistics can be very helpful.

Also focus on skills AI can’t easily replace, such as critical thinking, system design, and understanding real-world problems.

Finally, build projects. A few real projects (web app, data project, small AI model, etc.) will teach you much more than just theory.

In short: strong fundamentals, real projects, and understanding how AI works will keep you valuable in the tech industry.
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Nexvora’s Answer

In today’s tech landscape, where AI tools are widely available, the most valued professionals are those who know how to work with AI rather than compete against it. AI literacy has become essential, meaning a basic understanding of how AI models, automation tools, and large language models work. Employers appreciate individuals who can effectively use AI tools to increase productivity, improve workflows, and generate smarter solutions. Knowing how to write effective prompts, evaluate AI-generated outputs, and apply AI strategically is now a competitive advantage.

Data-related skills are also in very high demand because AI systems rely heavily on data. Professionals who understand data analysis, data engineering, machine learning fundamentals, and tools like Python and SQL are especially valuable. Beyond technical expertise, strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills are more important than ever. AI can generate answers, but humans are needed to ask the right questions, verify accuracy, and make strategic decisions based on results.
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Anjan’s Answer

That's a great question! When computers first came around, many believed they would take over jobs because they could process data and perform tasks faster than humans. However, over the past 40 years, we've actually seen more jobs created in the tech field. I think AI will have a similar impact. With tools like GenAI, tasks like coding, graphic design, and content creation can be done much quicker, but we'll always need humans to guide and manage these processes. It's a good idea to focus on areas where your skills are needed, like prompt engineering, using AI platforms, or data science, as these fields continue to grow. Jobs involving repetitive tasks might be replaced by AI, but fields like cybersecurity are always in high demand because companies need to protect their data from hackers. I hope this is helpful!

Anjan recommends the following next steps:

Prompt Engineering, using AI Platforms such as Claude, ChatGPT and Cyber Security is also a good profession to choose
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David’s Answer

This is a very important question and it is good to be thinking about this. I would say, for the majority of jobs, you should know how best to incorporate under your companies guidance in ways to automate or assist in repetitive and redundant tasks to reduce manual hours spent. So identifying these tasks is the first step, which can be considered a skill, and then figuring out how to best incorporate ai, which is the second skill (like prompting). If you are good at recognizing these areas (they can be simply like cleaning up emails, helping break down data, coming up with code lines, Excel functions, etc.), and you are strong with prompting ai to get what you need, you should have the tools necessary to succeed with ai.
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HP’s Answer

Having a good understanding of process, how to build a smooth, efficient system and then manage and streamline from start to finish.
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HP’s Answer

Soft or human skills! I work in learning and development at HP, and on top of AI training, an entire pillar of our learning opportunities are dedicated to focusing on them.
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Sam’s Answer

There's no good answer to this question, but there is a good way to keep yourself relevant in any professional setting. Customer service and technical knowledge are paramount to being successful in any industry. Learn to use whatever you can and then parlay it into new learning opportunities. Use AI as a tool to help you build what you want, not as a method to generate funny images and videos to send to your family. Think of it as a tool like the internet is a tool. Some people want to post pictures of themselves on Facebook, and some want to build their own websites. If what you want to do is build your own website, do so using free or cheap cloud-based trials and open-source software helped by AI, and make it something you yourself would want to use. Apply it to your career not by knowing exactly how to print hello world in javascript, but knowing what your customers want and how to give it to them. Unfortunately many companies are too short sighted to invest in talent the same way they used to, so this means you need to invest in yourself.

Sam recommends the following next steps:

Find something you want to build
Find out how to build it for free or for cheap with open source/licensed software (think AWS, Cloudflare on the Cloud side, tryhackme on the cyber side, or even libreoffice or google sheets if you want to learn about spreadsheets but don't want to invest money into an office subscription)
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HP’s Answer

People skills include being resilient, eager to learn, adaptable, and curious. They also involve using common sense, thinking critically, experimenting, and having good language and analytical skills. Designing processes and connecting with others to understand their needs are also important.
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Dima’s Answer

In a world where technology is driven by AI, the most important skills to have are soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability, along with strong knowledge in your field. These skills help you understand real-world problems, make sense of AI results, work well in teams with AI tools, and create solutions that truly meet what users need—things that AI can't do by itself.
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Jeana’s Answer

All the answers here have covered a lot of the technical side and mention soft skills, which are great! But I want to add something that often gets overlooked: project management and coordination skills. In IT, we don’t just build things. We build systems. And every system change, upgrade, security control, or deployment is a project.

We need people who can:

Break big goals into executable steps
Coordinate across multiple teams
Manage timelines and risk
Communicate clearly between technical and non-technical stakeholders
Follow through until completion

AI can absolutely assist with planning, documentation, and even suggesting solutions. But AI cannot replace human ownership, accountability, and judgment.

Someone still has to:

Decide what actually matters
Weigh trade-offs
Align work to business risk
Get buy-in from leadership
Ensure the right people are talking to each other
Recognize when something technically works but is not operationally realistic

Technology does not fail because we lack tools. It fails because we lack coordination, clarity, and accountability. If I were advising someone entering tech right now, I would suggest building both:

Technical literacy: You do not have to be the deepest engineer, but you must understand how systems work.
Execution skills: Planning, organizing, documenting, communicating, and driving work to completion.

These skills, in addition to a tech background, will survive the AI wave. The people who thrive in an AI-heavy world will not just be the ones who know how to use AI tools. They will be the ones who know how to integrate them responsibly into real-world systems and lead the work forward.
Thank you comment icon This is great advice. Project management is more than task management, and it will continue to be a valued skill in the future. Bringing people together and moving things forward will forever be a valuable skill. Kelly Fry, MBA, PMP
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Christa’s Answer

What an appropriate question, not just for tech fields and opportunities. AI is becoming more and more pervasive, and what I'm finding is that the skills that really stand out are the ones that mix what makes us human—like creativity and empathy—with the cool things AI can do or help us do. Some specific things to consider:

1. Problem-solving skills: While AI can crunch numbers and find patterns, it still needs people to figure out what problems to solve and how to solve them. Being good at thinking things through is important combined with the speed and analytical capability of AI.
2. Creativity: AI can be a great thought starter or idea generator, but it can't replace your imagination for coming up with new designs, apps or ways to use technology.
3. Empathy: Connecting with others and understanding how people feel and what they need is a super skill whether you're designing a product or working with a team.
4. A learning mindset: Technology changes fast and AI is always improving (sometimes faster than anyone predicted it would!). If you are open to learning new things and trying new tools and approaches, you'll bring value to the table.

Basically, the best skills are the ones that make you, you—your creativity, your ability to understand people, and your problem-solving skills—combined with learning how to use AI (or other technology) as a tool. Embrace that approach and you'll have success in tech and beyond!
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HP’s Answer

People who know how to use AI and people who demonstrate life long learning. Documentation. Know what you are writing and why you are doing it a certain way. Truly understand the value of whatever project you are working on.
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HP’s Answer

Always be curious, and follow new trends to stay on top of your game. AI unlocks immense potential and becoming increasingly more proficient with the various tools will make you more valuable.

Dig deep into data, look for insights, and identify /reduce friction wherever possible.
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