AI Job Market: Essential Skills and Criteria for Applicants

Companies are eager to integrate AI into their operations and are on the lookout for candidates with the requisite skills, offering high salaries and other benefits. This was stated by Nancy Xu, co-founder and CEO of the recruitment firm Moonhub, in a conversation with Business Insider. 

Aswini Thota, Director of data science at the financial company USAA, outlined the criteria used to evaluate AI specialists.

Technical Knowledge

Data specialists should be well-versed in Python and R, the most popular programming languages for creating AI models. Some companies also use C++ and Java. 

Basic knowledge of statistics, algorithms, and machine learning frameworks in Python and R is also desirable.

“The vast majority of organizations rely on cloud technologies for storage, analysis, and model creation, so practical knowledge for working with Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud Platform, Snowflake, Microsoft Azure, Databricks, and other similar platforms has recently become more important,” noted Thota.

Business Acumen and Communication

According to him, potential employees should possess strong business acumen, be able to quickly understand an organization’s problem, and find a solution. Communication skills will help in swiftly explaining work results to decision-makers.

Innovation

Thota mentioned that candidates with the potential to manage innovations are sought for leadership positions.

“Hiring employees with innovative thinking helps us anticipate and solve potential problems before they become issues, as well as develop groundbreaking solutions,” he said.

Other Skills

Ram Srinivasan, head of recruitment at consulting firm JLL, noted that working with AI requires flexibility—the ability to quickly master new technologies and methods. It is also important to collaborate with various teams such as data specialists, managers, and developers. 

Employees should identify potential areas for AI application across different industries.

Significant Opportunities for Technical Specialists

Srinivasan noted that major tech companies like Google, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Meta are competing to attract employees with AI development skills. This creates a “promising landscape for technical specialists.”

“AI talent is in high demand, and companies are offering impressive compensation. Some experts have received offers exceeding $1 million […]. This competitive market is driving up salaries and providing attractive financial incentives for technical workers,” he concluded. 

Previously, Meta posted a job opening for a specialist in its metaverse division to integrate AI into VR and AR games.

Earlier in July, major tech companies warned of the risks AI poses to their businesses.