Since ChatGPT emerged in late 2022, artificial intelligence (AI) has become a powerful driver of business transformation. This shift has also influenced companies’ hiring priorities: In the last five years, demand for artificial intelligence professionals has skyrocketed by more than 75 percent, with business management services as a top growth area.
With so many evolving opportunities, which career paths should aspiring business leaders pursue? And which skills should they prioritize developing?
Business analysts and data analysts: Companies will continue to seek skilled professionals who can bridge analytics with strategic decision-making. This includes business analysts and data analysts, and AI-focused professionals such as AI strategists and digital transformation consultants. Their ability to interpret data, build AI-driven business solutions, and communicate insights to stakeholders enables organizations to make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Data scientists: Unlike data analysts, who focus on interpreting existing data, data scientists build predictive models and develop algorithms to uncover deeper patterns and forecast future trends. This expertise enables organizations to shift from reactive analysis to more proactive, data-driven strategies.
Financial and FinTech analysts: AI is at the forefront of innovation in areas such as investment analysis, credit risk modeling, fraud detection, and customer service. AI-savvy business students can thrive as financial analysts or FinTech specialists by leveraging machine learning, predictive analytics, and automation to enhance financial decision-making for customers and businesses.
Marketing specialists: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing marketing, and graduates who pair their digital knowledge with AI are uniquely positioned to lead business transformation. AI-savvy marketing specialists can leverage tools and algorithms to better understand consumer behavior, personalize content, optimize campaigns, and drive measurable, lasting results.
Product managers: AI-savvy business graduates are ideal candidates for product management roles, especially in technology-driven companies. They serve as the crucial link between technical teams and business stakeholders, helping to define, develop, and launch AI-powered products or platforms. Their understanding of both market needs and AI capabilities allows them to guide the development of innovative business solutions.
In today’s AI-driven landscape, companies seek to hire employees who can leverage AI and big data to enhance performance. This is the number one skills priority for large companies, according to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs Report, trumping 25 other hard and soft skill categories.