LinkedIn’s Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Shapero, believes that the AI revolution will rewrite and transform almost every role within organizations. From engineers to salespeople, marketers to finance professionals, and even lawyers, the use of AI will become a crucial part of their work. This transformation will require companies to rethink their hiring strategies and equip their employees with the necessary skills to leverage AI effectively.
Shapero considers this skills transformation to be the largest one we will experience in our lifetimes. Understanding how to harness the power of AI will become a vital skill for success in any job. Companies will need to adapt and prioritize hiring individuals with knowledge of using AI technologies.
The deployment of AI will amplify existing trends in the job market. Roles related to data science and platform engineering, for example, have already been highly competitive. However, Shapero believes that in the future, any company looking to deploy effective AI technologies will need to prioritize these skills.
LinkedIn, now owned by Microsoft, is also undergoing its own transformation by embracing AI. Shapero explains that the platform aims to become an AI-first product, just as it previously became mobile and social-first. This mission to integrate AI into every aspect of the LinkedIn experience has led to a shift in their product roadmap.
According to Shapero, AI technology has already produced practical applications that improve work processes. These applications range from helping individuals write messages to crafting attractive self-descriptions for employment. The availability of these AI technologies and their integration into various professional settings is unprecedented.
When asked about the potential gains in productivity resulting from AI implementation, Shapero agrees that it could potentially lead to a shorter workweek. Whether these gains translate into more leisure time or a focus on more fulfilling aspects of work remains to be seen. However, spending less time on mundane tasks could positively impact our lives.
Shapero encourages individuals to embrace AI tools, experiment with them, and become comfortable using them. Technical skills will continue to be in high demand, but so will human skills such as communication and creativity. Successful schools and learning experiences will prioritize fostering these skills, as they will be attractive to employers.
Lastly, Shapero emphasizes that the people we choose to work with can have a significant impact on our career. Being in an environment that shapes us into the person we want to become is often more important than the specific tasks or jobs we undertake.
In conclusion, the AI revolution will transform every role within organizations, making the ability to leverage AI a critical skill for success. Both technical and human skills will be in high demand. AI technology already offers practical applications that improve work processes, and the potential for future advancements is vast. Companies must adapt their hiring strategies and equip their employees with the necessary skills to navigate this AI-powered future.
