Over the years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evolved from a niche skill to a mainstream skill set. For Gen Z and Millennials, learning and acquiring knowledge in the field of Artificial Intelligence has become the new normal for self-improvement.
Contrary to other forms of self-improvement activities that focus on personal development and other areas, such as personal productivity and wellness, Gen Z and Millennials are now investing valuable time and money to become proficient in AI.The reason for this is obvious. In the modern world in which AI is becoming more and more common in all aspects of life and work, acquiring knowledge and being proficient in AI is not a choice but a necessity.
Unlike in the past, when people waited for companies to start offering training in AI and for governments to start passing legislation pertaining to AI, Gen Z and Millennials have taken proactive steps to enroll in courses and become proficient in AI independently to ensure that they become competitive and productive in all aspects of life.
As per the Global Skills Report 2024 published by Coursera, there has been an astonishing increase of 1,060% in enrollments for courses related to “Generative AI,” and this is being driven by Gen Z and Millennials.
From personal growth to practical skill-building
This is a paradigm shift in the way self-help is being looked at, and this is being driven by new generations. While earlier generations focused on self-reflection and self-habits, now it is all about “self-skill,” and this is about skills that have an immediate impact on efficiency. AI skills are considered the foundation of the Gen Z generation and are considered a “must-have” skill set, on par with knowing how to use the internet and Microsoft Office.
In fact, according to surveys, 59% of Gen Z and 62% of Millennials believe AI skills are essential for career progression.
AI as a daily productivity partner
In addition to career progression, AI has also become the personal productivity coach of the newer generations. AI helps the newer generations of employees manage their daily work, study schedules, and data analysis and also helps them manage their personal lives through customized workout routines and self-reflection tools.
In fact, according to a study done by Flinders University, 66% of the employees belonging to the Gen Z generation have stated that the use of AI in the workplace has had a positive effect on their skill set.
Drivers behind the trend
Several factors are contributing to this swift adoption. For one, anxiety related to jobs is playing a major role. Two-thirds of Gen Z and Millennials are anxious about the prospect of being replaced by AI and automation.
Internal mobility is another factor that is contributing to the swift adoption of AI learning. Younger professionals are learning AI skills to create new opportunities for themselves and to show that they can adapt to new situations.
Thirdly, Gen Z and Millennials are digital natives and are naturally inclined to adapt to new technologies. For them, learning AI is an organic process.
The new “self-improvement” skill set
Learning to use AI is not an independent concept. While technical skills are paramount, younger professionals are cognizant of the need to pair them with human skills such as empathy, leadership, and adaptability.
For instance, 86% of Gen Z believe that human skills are vital in an AI-driven environment. The focus is on adaptability, and learning how to learn is an acknowledgment that AI is changing rapidly and that upskilling will be necessary to keep up.
Implications for the future workforce
The growing importance of AI as a means of personal improvement speaks to a larger trend in workforce readiness. Microsoft, Google, and IBM are currently offering AI learning paths, skill badges, and professional certifications, which are accessible to new learners.
This will help break the barriers for new learners and give them a better understanding of AI, which is applicable and based on the real world. This will further help them understand the significance of AI in real-life situations.
If young professionals are able to learn AI and also possess good communication and leadership skills, they can not only consider themselves AI practitioners but also think strategically to achieve the desired outcomes using AI. The learning of AI is no longer considered an area of interest but has become an integral part of personal and professional development for the next generation. Gen Z and Millennials are changing the definition of personal development by focusing on skills that can be used for better career mobility and productivity.Mr. Tarun Anand, Founder and Chancellor of Universal AI University
