AI Skills Top Global Talent Shortage
For the first time, artificial intelligence and machine learning skills are the most sought-after capabilities by employers globally. A ManpowerGroup survey of 39,000 employers across 41 countries reveals that 72% report difficulty filling roles, with demand for AI talent now outpacing traditional engineering and IT skills.
- The demand for AI skills is reflected in the rapid growth of related job postings, with one report showing a 61% increase in AI-related job listings in 2024. Job postings for roles requiring generative AI skills have seen a more than 30-fold increase since January 2023. - Industries like healthcare and finance are being significantly impacted by the integration of AI. In healthcare, AI is being used for more accurate disease diagnosis through the analysis of medical images and for personalizing treatment plans. Financial institutions are using AI for real-time fraud detection and to automate trading and risk assessment. - The most sought-after AI roles include Machine Learning Engineers, Data Scientists, and AI Engineers. Key technical skills for these roles often include proficiency in programming languages like Python, experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, and expertise in data analysis. - Salaries for jobs requiring AI skills often come with a significant premium, with some markets seeing up to a 25% higher wage compared to other jobs. Projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show that employment for software developers is expected to grow by 17.9% between 2023 and 2033. - In Maryland, universities are actively working to address the AI skills gap. The University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business has launched a free online certificate program in "Artificial Intelligence and Career Empowerment". - Johns Hopkins University also offers a range of AI-focused programs, including an online Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence and a 16-week certificate program in Applied Generative AI. The university's Applied Physics Laboratory is also engaged in AI research for various applications. - The State of Maryland has established a 2025 AI Enablement Strategy, which includes plans to study the use of AI for job and business creation and to upskill the state's workforce. - Beyond purely technical roles, there is a growing demand for professionals who can bridge the gap between AI technology and business strategy, with an increasing need for skills in areas like AI ethics and responsible AI implementation.
