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IBM AI Chief Foresees Shift in Tech Employment Requirements: Soft Skills Prioritized Over Degrees.

New York, January 5, 2024 — Matthew Candy, Chief of Artificial Intelligence at IBM, has issued a warning that the traditional requirement of a computer science degree for tech jobs may become obsolete. According to Candy, the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to revolutionize the tech industry, making it easier for individuals without a technical background to actively contribute to the field.

In a recent statement, Candy emphasized that AI will streamline the process of building products, significantly reducing the reliance on traditional technical skills. The accelerated pace at which AI enables individuals to generate and test ideas is expected to reshape the job landscape, allowing for a more inclusive participation in the tech sector.

Candy contends that as AI takes over certain technical tasks, the focus will shift towards soft skills, such as critical and creative thinking. This shift will empower individuals to harness their creative thought processes, fostering a workforce that values innovation and problem-solving over specific technical qualifications.

Furthermore, Candy predicts that advancements in AI image-generation technology will extend beyond technical roles to impact fields like the arts. Designers, for example, could take on roles that traditionally required a graphic designer and art degree, thanks to AI's ability to automate certain creative processes.

This perspective aligns with the predictions made by Aneesh Raman, Vice President at LinkedIn, who anticipates that the rise of AI will place a greater emphasis on soft skills in the job market.

The cautionary note from IBM's AI Chief comes on the heels of a report from Goldman Sachs in March, which highlighted the potential disruption of over 300 million jobs by AI. IBM's CEO, Arvind Krishna, also weighed in, forecasting that approximately 30% of these jobs could be replaced by AI and automation within a five-year period.

As industries brace for the transformative impact of AI, the evolving nature of job requirements underscores the importance of cultivating a diverse skill set, emphasizing the need for adaptability, creativity, and critical thinking in the rapidly changing tech landscape.