19 answers
Erika
Student
Woodside, NY
1
Question
Updated
530 views
What skills or technologies should I prioritize learning outside of the standard coursework that helps me stand out and be a high value candidate?
With the rise of AI there is a lot of fear mongering occurring in our world where many people are fearful they may not have a job in the next couple of years. However, after speaking to many professionals many say that AI is rather like a tool useful to be more efficient in their everyday work. With that, skills like excel that used to stand out within candidates are now being taken over by AI. This means the skills that allow candidates to stand are different now, and I would like to know what that is.
I am currently a freshman in college. I am an accounting major with a minor in psychology and I would love to know what are your thoughts on AI, and how you think technology will continue to grow and expand, and how that will affect our careers.
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19 answers
thierry panico
Sales Manager
1
Answer
Grenoble, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France
Updated
thierry’s Answer
Hi Erika,
The AI revolution will change the way we work. In my view, AI will not replace the fundamentals. You will still need to learn foundational disciplines and use AI intelligently to augment and accelerate your contributions.
The AI revolution will change the way we work. In my view, AI will not replace the fundamentals. You will still need to learn foundational disciplines and use AI intelligently to augment and accelerate your contributions.
Jessica Martinez
Consulting
5
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Learn about Claude as much as possible! There are free certifications you will get that will 100% make you stand out from everyone else.
Mansi Sehgal
Project Delivery Manager
4
Answers
Monroe Township, New Jersey
Updated
Mansi’s Answer
Great question! AI is more likely to change how jobs are done rather than eliminate them, including in accounting. AI is focusing on decision-making and analysis, while repetitive tasks are becoming automated. This means that doing tasks is getting cheaper, but deciding what's important and explaining it well is becoming more valuable. My advice is that for you its important to focus on AI fluency, advanced Excel, and critical thinking, especially since AI can be fast but also prone to errors and biases. Your minor in psychology is a big plus. It helps you communicate better, build client relationships, and understand decision-making. As technical tasks get automated, human skills are more important than ever. Good luck!
Paul do Forno
Consulting
1
Answer
Columbus, Ohio
Updated
Paul’s Answer
A very important skill to have is the ability to present and communicate clearly. No matter what job you have, learning to present well and communicate effectively is crucial.
Mike Quintal
Technology Leader
11
Answers
La Quinta, California
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Think less about specific computer languages, etc., and think mathematics, analytics, statistical analysis, etc. These are core skills that will support whatever tools you are learning to help solve problems with.
Sandeep Khandelwal
Software Engineer
133
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Helo Erika,
To stand out today, focus on skills that help you analyze data and make decisions, not just perform routine tasks. For an accounting major, learning data analysis, financial modeling, and tools like Python or Power BI can help you turn financial data into insights.
AI will likely automate repetitive work, but professionals who can interpret data, understand business strategy, and communicate insights will remain valuable. Combining accounting knowledge with technology and analytical skills can make you a much stronger candidate in the future
To stand out today, focus on skills that help you analyze data and make decisions, not just perform routine tasks. For an accounting major, learning data analysis, financial modeling, and tools like Python or Power BI can help you turn financial data into insights.
AI will likely automate repetitive work, but professionals who can interpret data, understand business strategy, and communicate insights will remain valuable. Combining accounting knowledge with technology and analytical skills can make you a much stronger candidate in the future
Nabia Kalia
IT Consultant
5
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Nabia’s Answer
Hi Erika,
I'm going to echo a couple of folk's answers here and say that AI is definitely here to stay. I've personally seen AI being used to accelerate research and put together decks in minutes that used to take hours. I think to stand out in this changing world, you need to take step and understand AI better than others. Just as with selling products on Google, Google Optimization is used, which has now become a skill and art of it's own, with AI, learning to prompt is an art. I've seen folks ask AI to make their search prompts better before prompting. I would highly recommend getting into this skill!
I'm going to echo a couple of folk's answers here and say that AI is definitely here to stay. I've personally seen AI being used to accelerate research and put together decks in minutes that used to take hours. I think to stand out in this changing world, you need to take step and understand AI better than others. Just as with selling products on Google, Google Optimization is used, which has now become a skill and art of it's own, with AI, learning to prompt is an art. I've seen folks ask AI to make their search prompts better before prompting. I would highly recommend getting into this skill!
Chaitra DR
Analyst
10
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Chaitra’s Answer
Concentrate on learning practical skills that are in high demand, such as coding with Python or SQL, data analysis, and using tools like Git and Excel. These skills make you valuable right away. Combine them with good communication, problem-solving abilities, and real project experience to become a standout candidate. You can do it!
Dana Maloof
3
Answers
Updated
Dana’s Answer
Focus on developing your people skills. AI will never replace human connection
Mahima Khurana
Support Engagement Lead (Technical Support)
5
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Mahima’s Answer
It's important not to overlook the 'simple' skills that we assume AI is replacing. Looking at something like Excel, AI isn't always as intuitive as many think it is. This means there will still be times when you'll need to rely on a basic VLOOKUP function or build a chart yourself to validate what AI has generated.
Often industries like accounting, which have incredibly strict requirements and rely on accuracy can also be the slowest to shift to newer tools, because they have a much higher threshold to be met before they can be adopted. I know a few people in finance that still rely on Excel and aren't able to use AI in their day to day tasks because of the possibility of hallucinations.
For some companies, AI use is only allowed if it's a specific LLM model that's been created for their specific internal processes. This means people are learning how to build their own models as well. So instead of looking at skills as being replaced by AI, shift the focus to what limitations AI may still have and what prompts or models could be used to overcome those challenges, so you're working with the technology.
Often industries like accounting, which have incredibly strict requirements and rely on accuracy can also be the slowest to shift to newer tools, because they have a much higher threshold to be met before they can be adopted. I know a few people in finance that still rely on Excel and aren't able to use AI in their day to day tasks because of the possibility of hallucinations.
For some companies, AI use is only allowed if it's a specific LLM model that's been created for their specific internal processes. This means people are learning how to build their own models as well. So instead of looking at skills as being replaced by AI, shift the focus to what limitations AI may still have and what prompts or models could be used to overcome those challenges, so you're working with the technology.
Maricela Mora
Project Manager
8
Answers
San José, Costa Rica
Updated
Maricela’s Answer
Hi Ericka,
Great question—and you’re thinking about this the right way. The goal now isn’t just to learn more tools, but to build skills that AI can’t easily replace and that help you stand out.
Here are the best areas to focus on:
Data skills (beyond basic Excel)
Learn how to analyze and explain data, not just create spreadsheets. Tools like Excel advanced functions, Power BI, or basic SQL are very valuable—especially for accounting and finance.
Understanding how to use AI (not compete with it)
Learn how to use AI tools to automate tasks, summarize data, and improve productivity. People who know how to use AI effectively will have an advantage.
Business thinking
Try to understand how companies make money, manage costs, and make decisions. This is critical in accounting and will set you apart from other students.
Communication skills
Being able to clearly explain numbers, insights, and recommendations is a huge advantage. This is something AI can’t fully replace.
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Companies value people who can analyze a situation, identify issues, and suggest solutions—not just follow instructions.
Basic automation skills
Learning things like process automation, workflows, or even simple scripting can make you more efficient and valuable.
In simple terms:
Don’t just focus on tools—focus on how to think, analyze, and communicate.
AI will change jobs (it's happening as we speak!!), but it will also increase the value of people who can combine technology with business understanding.
Great question—and you’re thinking about this the right way. The goal now isn’t just to learn more tools, but to build skills that AI can’t easily replace and that help you stand out.
Here are the best areas to focus on:
Data skills (beyond basic Excel)
Learn how to analyze and explain data, not just create spreadsheets. Tools like Excel advanced functions, Power BI, or basic SQL are very valuable—especially for accounting and finance.
Understanding how to use AI (not compete with it)
Learn how to use AI tools to automate tasks, summarize data, and improve productivity. People who know how to use AI effectively will have an advantage.
Business thinking
Try to understand how companies make money, manage costs, and make decisions. This is critical in accounting and will set you apart from other students.
Communication skills
Being able to clearly explain numbers, insights, and recommendations is a huge advantage. This is something AI can’t fully replace.
Problem-solving and critical thinking
Companies value people who can analyze a situation, identify issues, and suggest solutions—not just follow instructions.
Basic automation skills
Learning things like process automation, workflows, or even simple scripting can make you more efficient and valuable.
In simple terms:
Don’t just focus on tools—focus on how to think, analyze, and communicate.
AI will change jobs (it's happening as we speak!!), but it will also increase the value of people who can combine technology with business understanding.
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
119
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Hi Erila,
Great question and my answer is going to be a bit unexpected and outside the box!
First of all AI is based on programing so that opens up a whole new world of tech careers. Second, AI may take over some of the low level programming but it will open up other opportunities.
The key is to be able to adapt and pivot. In my career, I changed directions many times, from high level application development to test engineering to BIOS/ firmware development to academia. The key is to always keep learning and keep up with new technology. Keep your skillset current and be adaptable.
Other critical skills include public speaking, problem solving, communication skills. You will be part of a big team.
Good luck and enjoy your journey!
Great question and my answer is going to be a bit unexpected and outside the box!
First of all AI is based on programing so that opens up a whole new world of tech careers. Second, AI may take over some of the low level programming but it will open up other opportunities.
The key is to be able to adapt and pivot. In my career, I changed directions many times, from high level application development to test engineering to BIOS/ firmware development to academia. The key is to always keep learning and keep up with new technology. Keep your skillset current and be adaptable.
Other critical skills include public speaking, problem solving, communication skills. You will be part of a big team.
Good luck and enjoy your journey!
Steven Graham
Chief Accounting Officer, Corporate Controller, VP Finance
29
Answers
Boynton Beach, Florida
Updated
Steven’s Answer
Erika-AI is here to stay and, if you want to be successful in a profession that is not one that is similar to a tradesman (which is very honorable), you have to be ready to adapt to its use. That being said, you have to take courses which will enable you to be conversant in and able to use AI in your everyday work. If you want to see how it’s affecting accounting, please see the following links. Good luck https://www.journalofaccountancy.com/issues/2026/feb/how-ai-is-transforming-the-audit-and-what-it-means-for-cpas/ https://www.wsj.com/cfo-journal/in-this-critical-part-of-audits-the-accountants-role-is-shrinking-fast-69c7f2bc https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/accountants-audit-inventory-tax-day-59b1b71f If you hit a paywall, please let me know and I'll copy and post the whole doc...
Thank you Steven, I have read the articles they were incredibly helpful.
Erika
Of course, AI's use in businesses is in it's infancy so, as your education progresses, make sure that you keep up with the trends in professional publications so that you can be a leg up on your competion when you graduate...good luck
Steven Graham
MaryAnn Ivan
Musical Director/Composer
23
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
MaryAnn’s Answer
HI Erika
I personally think AI is not a great idea as it will put people out of work. I heard a number today of 9 million on the radio. BUT that is pure speculation.
I would suggest going into a field where you are building the actual AI programming if you don't want to be left out of the job market.
I heard there will be people and there will be people with AI. Knowing AI is better in today's world as we are finally "here" and "it" is not going away.
I think the field of Psychology will always be needed as AI has no human emotion. It can count, however.
I would speak to your Dept. Head at your college and check in with student resources to see what the current scene is like on the subject of AI.
I am a musician and composer and all the AI music I have heard is excellent. Why ? It's like having at least 1 million of the top music minds working on ONE song. That is why it is outstanding. Will it ever replace the human element ? No. Will it raise the ability of musicians to be smarter and more creative ? Quite possibly it will raise the bar. It's an interesting discussion. But musicians are not generally happy with the advent of AI. We fear being replaced as well.
Good luck in your endeavors.
Mary Ann
I personally think AI is not a great idea as it will put people out of work. I heard a number today of 9 million on the radio. BUT that is pure speculation.
I would suggest going into a field where you are building the actual AI programming if you don't want to be left out of the job market.
I heard there will be people and there will be people with AI. Knowing AI is better in today's world as we are finally "here" and "it" is not going away.
I think the field of Psychology will always be needed as AI has no human emotion. It can count, however.
I would speak to your Dept. Head at your college and check in with student resources to see what the current scene is like on the subject of AI.
I am a musician and composer and all the AI music I have heard is excellent. Why ? It's like having at least 1 million of the top music minds working on ONE song. That is why it is outstanding. Will it ever replace the human element ? No. Will it raise the ability of musicians to be smarter and more creative ? Quite possibly it will raise the bar. It's an interesting discussion. But musicians are not generally happy with the advent of AI. We fear being replaced as well.
Good luck in your endeavors.
Mary Ann
Diana Durnford
Senior Consultant
10
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Keep exploring and using AI. Find a couple of tools you really like and keep using them. Watch TikToks or YouTube videos to see how others use AI and what skills it can boost. AI is a fantastic tool, but its power depends on how you use it. People who know their subject well can use AI more effectively than those who rely on it to learn the subject. Think of AI like Wikipedia—helpful but sometimes unreliable—so always check with other sources. Remember, AI is here to stay, but there's no need to worry. Just like with any big tech change, jobs will adapt. Keep building your communication and people skills, and stay informed about your industry. As you keep learning, you'll keep growing. Even if jobs and titles change, there will always be a place for you.
John Easton CEng FIET FBCS CITP
Design large computer systems for companies
59
Answers
Winchester, England, United Kingdom
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Erika!
I actually think your question shows a maturity that is missing in many young people. AI is here to stay and will develop in its capabilities, but it is just another tool that people will use within their jobs. As such, jobs WILL change as the use of AI becomes more commonplace but at the same time, just as with other technological advances, new jobs will be created because of it. There is a lot of scaremongering in the media - usually because there is a particular perspective they are driving - that AI will destroy jobs. I simply don't see that. Most AI is not that smart and it's certainly not intelligent. Nor does it have emotion or empathy.
Many universities and colleges are in denial about it. I mentor students at a couple of local ones and I despair that these institutions are not preparing them for the realities of working with AI tools. I'm not saying that they should go all-in, but simply refusing to acknowledge the existence of such tools and helping students understand how to work with them is doing their students a massive disservice to my mind.
The technology is evolving so fast that I doubt anyone can really keep abreast of it right now. The key skills I think are worth developing would be:
- understand how to use these tools to help you do something faster / easier. Part of that is also knowing what tool to use when...
- be very critical in looking at the answers you get from an AI tool. DO NOT just accept what it tells you as being true or correct. Always verify the sources from which the answer was taken and determine whether you trust them or not.
- be prepared to rework the answer you were given by the AI. It may give you some good suggestions or answers, but you shouldn't just take these at face value / use them as-is.
- be aware of the ethical / legal position around the use of AI for certain tasks. For instance, in Europe there are various things you are not allowed to use AI for. Different geographies look at this differently so just be aware that these restrictions do exist.
Hope that helps?
I actually think your question shows a maturity that is missing in many young people. AI is here to stay and will develop in its capabilities, but it is just another tool that people will use within their jobs. As such, jobs WILL change as the use of AI becomes more commonplace but at the same time, just as with other technological advances, new jobs will be created because of it. There is a lot of scaremongering in the media - usually because there is a particular perspective they are driving - that AI will destroy jobs. I simply don't see that. Most AI is not that smart and it's certainly not intelligent. Nor does it have emotion or empathy.
Many universities and colleges are in denial about it. I mentor students at a couple of local ones and I despair that these institutions are not preparing them for the realities of working with AI tools. I'm not saying that they should go all-in, but simply refusing to acknowledge the existence of such tools and helping students understand how to work with them is doing their students a massive disservice to my mind.
The technology is evolving so fast that I doubt anyone can really keep abreast of it right now. The key skills I think are worth developing would be:
- understand how to use these tools to help you do something faster / easier. Part of that is also knowing what tool to use when...
- be very critical in looking at the answers you get from an AI tool. DO NOT just accept what it tells you as being true or correct. Always verify the sources from which the answer was taken and determine whether you trust them or not.
- be prepared to rework the answer you were given by the AI. It may give you some good suggestions or answers, but you shouldn't just take these at face value / use them as-is.
- be aware of the ethical / legal position around the use of AI for certain tasks. For instance, in Europe there are various things you are not allowed to use AI for. Different geographies look at this differently so just be aware that these restrictions do exist.
Hope that helps?
Thank you for the advice, John.
Erika
Dwight Thomas
Consultant
38
Answers
Cedar Grove, New Jersey
Updated
Dwight’s Answer
Hi Erika,
I hope all is well! This is a great question! As an accounting major, the most valuable skills to build outside of coursework are the ones that make you more efficient and help you understand the bigger picture of a business. Strong Excel skills are essential such as being comfortable with formulas, pivot tables, and basic data analysis can immediately set you apart. On top of that, learning basic data tools like SQL or even beginner level Python can help you work with larger datasets and show that you are prepared for how the field is evolving.
It is also important to focus on skills beyond just technical tools. Understanding how to interpret financial data, communicate insights clearly, and think critically about business decisions will make you much more valuable than someone who only knows the rules. Exposure to tools like ERP systems such as Oracle and SAP along with familiarity with data visualization platforms like Power BI, Tableau, or even Cursor can give you an edge. The goal is to position yourself not just as someone who can do accounting tasks but as someone who can analyze, explain, and add value to a business.
I hope this helps answer your question and please reach out if you have any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
I hope all is well! This is a great question! As an accounting major, the most valuable skills to build outside of coursework are the ones that make you more efficient and help you understand the bigger picture of a business. Strong Excel skills are essential such as being comfortable with formulas, pivot tables, and basic data analysis can immediately set you apart. On top of that, learning basic data tools like SQL or even beginner level Python can help you work with larger datasets and show that you are prepared for how the field is evolving.
It is also important to focus on skills beyond just technical tools. Understanding how to interpret financial data, communicate insights clearly, and think critically about business decisions will make you much more valuable than someone who only knows the rules. Exposure to tools like ERP systems such as Oracle and SAP along with familiarity with data visualization platforms like Power BI, Tableau, or even Cursor can give you an edge. The goal is to position yourself not just as someone who can do accounting tasks but as someone who can analyze, explain, and add value to a business.
I hope this helps answer your question and please reach out if you have any additional questions. Hope to talk soon!
Thank you,
Dwight
Olufunbi Adebari
IT Consultant
4
Answers
Middletown, Delaware
Updated
Olufunbi’s Answer
Focus on building a strong mix of Excel, Power BI, SQL, AI literacy, and communication skills, because those are the tools that will help you stand out in accounting as technology keeps changing. I’d also use your psychology minor to strengthen your people skills, since the ability to understand behavior, explain ideas clearly, and make good judgment calls will matter even more as AI handles more routine work.
Liam Rielly
Data Center Technician
181
Answers
Manassas, Virginia
Updated
Liam’s Answer
I think if you take the average of all of the answers given here you will see they say the same things: its a powerful tool, you will likely be using it, it will not replace human work, it might render some niche jobs obsolete, maybe.
I think John Easton's answer was really great and is a good answer to your question with a nice follow up.
So far as AI integration with MS Excel, this was something that proved to be a bad implementation of AI. You would think that AI would be able to take numbers in a table and output predictions and forecasts like nothing else, the truth is it could not do simple math or even keep data organized. In fact it was so bad that MS Copilot has added to it's terms of service that Copilot is not for critical data, its for entertainment purposes only!
This is where we stand today though. Keep developing your skills as you go through school (AND PAST SCHOOL!) so you can keep up with whatever tech pops up in the future. If you are really interested in tech, LLMs (the stage of AI we are in currently, because it is a progression) will be a bump in the road we will likely look back and laugh at. Your education and skills will still be needed no matter where we end up. I think by the way you asked this question you knew that, I think by the way everyone answered this question we all agree to that.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-copilot/for-individuals/termsofuse - about 3/4 of the way down the page
I think John Easton's answer was really great and is a good answer to your question with a nice follow up.
So far as AI integration with MS Excel, this was something that proved to be a bad implementation of AI. You would think that AI would be able to take numbers in a table and output predictions and forecasts like nothing else, the truth is it could not do simple math or even keep data organized. In fact it was so bad that MS Copilot has added to it's terms of service that Copilot is not for critical data, its for entertainment purposes only!
This is where we stand today though. Keep developing your skills as you go through school (AND PAST SCHOOL!) so you can keep up with whatever tech pops up in the future. If you are really interested in tech, LLMs (the stage of AI we are in currently, because it is a progression) will be a bump in the road we will likely look back and laugh at. Your education and skills will still be needed no matter where we end up. I think by the way you asked this question you knew that, I think by the way everyone answered this question we all agree to that.
Liam recommends the following next steps: