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If you could become exceptionally skilled at one thing over the next 10 years, what would it be, and why? ?

Examples:

Building businesses
Software development
Engineering
Medicine
Public speaking
Football
Music production
Writing
Scientific research

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Ilan’s Answer

With AI on the rise, and uncertainty of a lot of jobs and the impact AI will have on them in the future, it would make the most sense to be skilled at building business.

This skill is a bit hard to define, as there are so many options, but it is definitely a skill I would say would translate better long term and would provide the most certainty at least in terms of distribution.
In terms of financial stability, I would say medecine would be the safest bet, at least certain part of it. For example, we see that AI can sometimes read X-rays and MRIs better than some 20 year veteran doctors in a split second. The technology is not 100% there yet, but definitely will only get better from here.

However, there are a lot of niche medical expertise that it would be impossible to replace with AI, or maybe robotic will come to it, but more to enhance the day to day than to replace the doctor completely.

Nevertheless, I would advise to just focus on what you enjoy, feel like matches your skill set, or maybe start learning a whole new skill set you believe suits you better.
A job should be there so you can enjoy your actual hobbies in life. It is rare to be able to work in a field that is also your hobbie but that does not mean it is impossible to occur.

Put pen to paper, try to see what you like, dislike; do a pros and cons list, understand the time you will need to study for each one of these fields, what are the ramifications and work opportunities for each, and the try to focus on the skill sets required for each.

I hope this helps you in your career.

Good luck!
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Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer

Start by thinking about what you love, what you're good at, and your dreams for the future. Pick a skill that truly matches who you are and stick with it. It's important to choose something that aligns with your passion and strengths because that's what keeps you excited over time. Consider what matters most to you, whether it's making an impact, being creative, having stability, or earning money.

If you enjoy creating and solving puzzles, especially in tech and AI, software development might be perfect for you. If you're curious about how things work and have patience, scientific research could be a great fit. For those who want to help people and have a stable career, medicine is an excellent choice. If you love sharing ideas and influencing others, writing and public speaking might be your path. Business is great for those who enjoy solving problems, taking risks, and creating value. Creative fields like music production are ideal for those driven by expression and originality.

The most important thing is to choose the path that feels right for you and stay committed. True mastery comes from focusing on what aligns with your purpose over the long term.
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Jennifer’s Answer

As demand for tech and AI skills grows, it's crucial not to overlook people skills. Knowing how to communicate without relying on technology is important. Even as we rely more on tech, people skills will become even more valuable. Those who can build and maintain real-life relationships will stand out. Challenge yourself to engage in situations where you meet new people or make new friends. These skills will always be important.
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Preetham’s Answer

AI is about artificial intelligence and everything connected to it. It also includes data center technologies.
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Daniel’s Answer

Solving problems. 

People who solve problems with or without technology is a skill that will always be needed. I am sure there will be a lot of people saying AI, which is not incorrect. However, technical skillsets can always be developed. You can and should always be learning and developing especially now. 

But practicing being proactive and solving problems will never be a skill that can be replaced. The more your practice the more you realize bringing the right people together to solve the problem is also an important skill and over time you can develop that into a great leadership quality.
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Shelly’s Answer

If I had to choose one skill to become exceptionally good at over the next 10 years, it would be problem solving. In my experience, the ability to break down complex problems, think critically, communicate solutions clearly, and adapt to new situations is valuable across almost every profession, whether in business, consulting, technology, healthcare, or entrepreneurship. Technical skills and tools will continue to evolve, but strong problem solvers remain in demand because they can learn new technologies, navigate uncertainty, and create value regardless of how industries change.
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Ali’s Answer

If I could become really good at one thing in the next 10 years, it would be public speaking. This skill can boost everything I do. Whether I'm working in business, leading a team, teaching, or anything else, being able to talk clearly and confidently is super important. Public speaking helps me share my ideas better, build trust, and make a bigger impact both at work and in my personal life. It also makes me better at leading, thinking critically, and feeling confident. When I speak well, I can organize my thoughts and influence others more easily. Unlike a technical skill that might only fit one area, public speaking is useful everywhere—like in meetings, job interviews, presentations, networking, and even just chatting with people. Getting really good at it over 10 years would give me a big advantage and open many doors that talent alone might not.
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Ladahvia’s Answer

Becoming skilled in anything takes time and consistent effort. If you have many interests, focus on the one that resonates most with you. Choose something you’re truly passionate about and dedicate your energy to developing that skill. Once you’ve built a strong level of mastery, you can move on to other areas. Trying to learn everything at once can limit your progress, so commit to one focus and practice it until it becomes second nature.
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Gregory’s Answer

Studying engineering helps you understand technology and how things work. Engineers are also good at solving problems, which is a useful skill in many areas.
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Shankar’s Answer

I love this question because it makes you focus on what's truly important. For me, it's all about understanding AI. Not about learning to code or becoming a data scientist, but really grasping how AI is changing finance operations, decision-making, and value creation.

I've worked in Finance Transformation for over 20+ years, and in every change I've seen—like ERP systems, shared services, and automation—the successful people weren't always the most technical. They were the ones who knew enough about the technology to ask smart questions, challenge assumptions, and make it useful for the business.

AI is the next big change, even bigger than before. Finance teams that used to spend weeks on tasks like closing books or creating reports are seeing those processes transform. We need people who can bridge finance expertise with AI skills. That's a valuable role.

Even as a CPA, my technical skills remain strong. But if I could focus on one skill for the next decade, it would be AI fluency, because it strengthens everything else I know.

My advice? Don't just focus on skills that are popular now. Think about skills that will enhance what you know in the future.
Thank you comment icon People skills Vartika Vats
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Viraj’s Answer

To tackle this question, try these three simple steps:

1. Focus on what excites you
Choose a skill or area that you are naturally curious about or eager to learn. Don’t worry about picking the "best" skill; choose something that matches your interests and strengths. It's important to know what you love before deciding on a path.

2. Relate it to your past
Think about times when you’ve already shown interest in this area. This makes your answer more personal and genuine.

3. Highlight its importance for your future
Connect the skill to the impact you want to have or the career you aim to build. Interviewers appreciate answers that reveal clear goals and motivation.

I hope this helps you feel more confident. Good luck!
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Débora’s Answer

If I'm being honest, my answer might surprise you: public speaking.

Not medicine, not software, not AI itself — public speaking.

Here's my thinking. We're heading into a world where AI will handle more and more of the technical, analytical, and even creative work that used to define careers. That's just the reality. But there's something AI genuinely cannot replace: a human being standing in front of other human beings and making them feel something.

I've watched this shift happening already. The people who stand out in meetings, in interviews, in pitches — they're not always the smartest in the room. They're the ones who can communicate with clarity and conviction. And as AI levels the playing field on technical skills, that gap is only going to widen.

Here's what most people don't talk about: public speaking is becoming rarer, not more common. We're spending more time behind screens, communicating through text and voice notes, outsourcing our words to AI tools. The muscle is atrophying collectively. So the person who actively builds that skill over the next 10 years won't just be good — they'll be exceptional by comparison.

And it compounds. Get great at public speaking and you naturally become better at leadership, negotiation, teaching, selling ideas. It bleeds into everything.

So yeah — if I had 10 years to pour into one thing, I'd bet on the skill that makes me irreplaceably human in a world full of intelligent machines.
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Nadia’s Answer

Hi Aarifeen,
that a really interesting question.
From a career perspective, I would go with medicine and AI (development) plus people-related skills such as negotiations, communication, and quick-learning using mnemonic, etc.
From a personal, but still career focused ones: languages (such as German, French), dealing with stress/resilience (extremely important in today's and future job market), job-hunt skills (mastering interviews, powerful resume writing, non-standard ways of finding a new job).
First, I wanted to add them somewhere else, but now I think networking and charisma (if we consider it as a skill) deserve a separate space. We still underestimate the value of both, but they can be critical in being successful in any industry.
From a side that is completely impossible for me, I guess mastering in any sports or music could be a nice option :)
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Cecilia’s Answer

It would be clear neutral communication.
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Rachana’s Answer

Hello,

I’d pick software development, because it lets you turn ideas into real tools that can help millions of people, and it combines creativity with problem‑solving.
It also gives you huge flexibility: you can work in almost any industry, build your own products, or start a business around your skills.
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Anita’s Answer

I would choose building businesses because it brings together many important skills like talking with others, leading, selling, planning, and solving problems. This path can help you make money and have freedom. It's also one of the rare skills where becoming really good lets you create your own chances instead of waiting for them.
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Sunil’s Answer

If you have a lot of experience, try teaching and supporting new students in this field. This will help the community grow and benefit everyone. You can also help by starting your own business, which will create more jobs in the area.
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Mary’s Answer

It is amazing that you are thinking so intentionally about what is important to focus on. From a business perspective, I with the rise of AI, I would recommend exploring this area to see if it is of interest. AI is not just about data - it is about leveraging it to optimize business. So, in essence, having AI skills can still allow you to pursue the things you are passionate about. My second recommendation is communication skills. Having strong skills in this area is going to always benefit you, personally and professionally. My last piece of advice is to figure out how to incorporate these into something you are passionate about. When you focus your career on the things you are passionate about, your job seems less like a job and your success will likely be easier to achieve. Good luck to you!
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Kathy’s Answer

I think careers in technology or AI are important and growing. Learning AI and all it can do is overwhelming, but also exciting, because it can save so much time on basic tasks and help eliminate mistakes once it is trained. Most companies are trying to figure out how AI can help their company, so if you are skilled in this area, you will be in high demand!
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Wong’s Answer

I would choose AI skills because they are becoming an important part of many industries and creating new opportunities for the future.

First, learning about AI would help you understand modern technology and how it can solve real-world problems. This knowledge will be useful in many areas of life.

Second, AI skills can open many career opportunities in business, healthcare, education, and other fields. It is a growing area with high demand.

You should also develop problem-solving and creative thinking skills while studying AI. These abilities are valuable in both work and daily life.
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Dalia’s Answer

When I read the options you listed in your question, I first looked for skills that are uniquely human and can't be replaced by other tools like robots or AI. This lead me to two answers:

1. I would choose public speaking in order to benefit my career because it could help me stand out amongst my peers when being considered for promotion. If you think about all the political leaders, business executives, celebrities, and professional athletes that you see in the news or on tv, they are all very well-spoken. They've been trained and had years of practice, and as a result they present themselves eloquently in public. This quality attracts positive attention, and oftentimes being a good speaker is a skill that is found in leaders in high-visibility roles.

2. For personal reasons, I would choose music production. I think this would be a fun hobby that I could pursue at any age, and it's important to have hobbies outside of work that help me to maintain balance in my life.
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Afsheen’s Answer

Many people might say "AI" is the skill to learn, and while using AI is important, it's not my full answer.

If I could become really good at one thing in the next 10 years, it would be learning and growing in areas that truly interest me. Technology will always change, but the ability to learn and adapt will always be important.

AI is a strong tool, but it's best when combined with real knowledge and experience. Someone who knows a lot about medicine, engineering, marketing, or another field can use AI to make a bigger impact than others might.

My advice is to focus less on trends and more on the difference you want to make. Keep an eye on where the world is going, including AI, but don't let trends decide your path. Build skills in something you care about, stay curious, and keep learning. This will help you succeed no matter what the future holds.
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Chinyere’s Answer

Hi Aarifeen,

This is a really thoughtful question because the answer says a lot about what you value and the kind of impact you want to make in the world.

If I could become exceptionally skilled at one thing over the next 10 years, I would choose the ability to help people learn, grow, and reach their potential. This includes communication, teaching, mentoring, and understanding people. The reason is simple: when you help one person grow, the positive effect can spread to many others. A student may become a scientist, an entrepreneur may create jobs, and a leader may improve the lives of thousands of people.

Many skills, such as business, software development, medicine, engineering, or writing, are very valuable. However, the ability to guide, inspire, and empower others can be applied in almost every field. It helps you build strong relationships, solve problems, and create opportunities for yourself and those around you.

My advice is not to focus only on which skill sounds impressive today. Instead, think about what genuinely interests you and what kind of life you want to build. The skill you stay excited about for many years is often the one you are most likely to master.

Remember, becoming exceptional at anything rarely happens overnight. It is usually the result of small, consistent efforts made over many years. Choose something meaningful to you, stay curious, and keep improving one step at a time.

Best Wishes!
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Matt’s Answer

I think some of the most important skills that you can learn over the next ten years are most likely going be anything in technology. So, software development and engineering are going to be huge. You're definitely going to want to know how to use AI and not just how to interact with it, but understand how they work, how the systems are built, and how to direct these systems to get what you want and need out of them. You'll need to know how to build stuff with AI and not just get answers from it.

Another one is definitely going to be public speaking and writing. I found in my career, it's one thing to have good ideas, but it's another skill entirely to be able to articulate those ideas in a way that gets people to buy-in to what you're trying to say. The better you can comfortably express your thoughts and ideas to your team or someone in leadership, the more likely they are to see you as someone who has ideas and someone who is forward thinking. On top of the skill set that you're building over time, being able to articulate your ideas and how you do things and what should be done next is going to be huge.

I think anything you choose to do; I think you need to be obsessive over it. Make it your passion. It's the only way that you can get better at something. You have to you have to love what you're doing. And if you can't see yourself doing something for an extended period of time during the day, then maybe that's not the thing for you, and that's okay. But find something that you love and something that you love to do often and where you just lose track of time. That's a pretty good indicator of what your passion is and if you can become exceptionally skilled in your passion, you'll be set.
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Betty’s Answer

Soft Skills is going to become incredibly critical to be successful in the future. It is already important today, but with many capabilities that will be/are already replaced by machines. Some core skills are Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Communication, having a strategic perspective and embracing transformation and disruption.
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Azaan’s Answer

One skill that will be really important in the in next 10 years as AI grows is interpersonal communication. The ability to clearly explain concepts ideas in a simple, understandable way will set people apart. Being able to translate complicated concepts into languages others can easily grasp will be key in being valuable in the job market.
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Jared’s Answer

I think story telling and public speaking / communication are critical skills in your career, but more importantly in your life. Having the ability to covey to an audience a message or purpose clearly and concisely will take you very far!

Jared recommends the following next steps:

I recommend participating in public speaking / communications courses and opportunities to practice and refine these skills.
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Alfred F.’s Answer

Building businesses without a doubt. You will gain the most valuable knowledge and be able to transfer that skill anywhere!
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