how learning AI skills can elevate your career.

Love it or hate it, you can’t ignore the rapid march of artificial intelligence (AI). Whether you’re excited or terrified by its possibilities, you’ll need to embrace this new tech to grow and stay ahead professionally. So, how can learning AI skills enhance your knowledge and career opportunities?

First, know that it’s not just the tech industry that needs employees with AI expertise. You’ll find a demand across most sectors, including:

• Media
• Healthcare
• Sales and marketing
• Financial services
• Government

Let’s look at some examples of AI skills that can take your career up a notch.

stellar programming skills = a potential dream job

When learning AI skills, gaining a high proficiency in programming languages can open up exciting new career paths. One of the most popular languages is Python, commonly used in AI development. An entry-level Python developer can expect to earn between $96k and $105k, according to Randstad’s 2025 salary guide. Work your way up to senior developer, and pay averages $124k to $135k.

how do I get started?

• Sign up for a course through Code Academy or Udemy.
• Search for Python developer posts on our job board.

machine learning engineering: a high-demand skill

One of the most in-demand AI-based careers, machine learning (ML) engineering involves designing algorithms that allow machines to learn from massive data sets. As AI booms, so will the need for experts in this field. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has predicted the number of data science jobs as a whole will grow a massive 36 percent in the decade up to 2033.

how do I improve my knowledge?

• Gain a basic understanding of machine learning with Microsoft’s introductory course.
• Check out the wide variety of courses on machine learning from Udemy, our learning partner.
• Boost your employment prospects with a professional certification from Google.

maximizing creativity with generative AI skills

Even if you’re never going to be tech whiz, sharpening your knowledge of generative AI tools can give you an edge professionally and improve your productivity. Did you know 75 percent of people use generative AI at work according to a 2024 Microsoft survey? They say it saves time, allows them to focus on their most important work and helps spark creativity. Even better? The majority enjoy their work more as a result.

If you’re a designer, for example, you might use AI to generate images, textures and patterns based on text prompts. AI can also help with color palette suggestions and layout ideas. Developing a prototype? AI can quickly generate and test design concepts, speeding up the process.

where do I learn these AI skills?

• Embedded in apps like Photoshop and Illustrator, Adobe Firefly lets you create images, generate custom graphics and remove unwanted background objects.
• If you’re a marketing professional, you might like to play around with Canva’s Magic Design AI tool, which can help you create social posts and presentations.
• Google’s AI Essentials is an excellent start for generative AI novices, guiding you through AI basics, prompt engineering and how to use AI responsibly.

In today’s tech-driven world, AI is no longer a choice but a necessity for professional growth and success. By learning AI skills, you can increase your knowledge, boost your productivity and open up rewarding new career opportunities.