Coursera’s latest job skills report shows an 866% increase in generative AI course enrollments over the past year, indicating a fundamental shift in the skills required for career success. Coursera CEO, Jeff Maggioncalda, states that generative AI fluency is becoming a prerequisite for most jobs, akin to language or math skills. Indeed, over 70% of leaders surveyed in the 2024 Annual Work Trend Index said they would prefer to hire someone with less experience who was proficient in generative AI, rather than someone with more experience but lacking AI skills.
Cybersecurity and risk management skills are also surging in importance, with six of the ten fastest-growing tech skills being cybersecurity-related. The report also highlights the growing importance of human skills such as risk mitigation, assertiveness, and stakeholder communication.
The findings emphasise the need for professionals to master AI tools while also developing uniquely human skills such as strategic thinking and relationship building. The competition for these skills is increasingly global, with India leading the charge in AI learning, followed by the US and Canada. Therefore, success in the AI era requires a dual focus on mastering AI tools and enhancing human capabilities.