Over half of Americans see AI certifications as career currency, new research shows

More than half of Americans see AI certifications as the new “career currency” (57%), according to new research.A survey of 2,000 general population adults explored the excitement and pitfalls around artificial intelligence, finding that millennials (65%) and Generation Z (Gen Z) (64%) especially see the influence of AI as career-changing.Where the workplace is concerned, problem-solving skills (17%), adaptability (16%), communication skills (15%) and critical thinking (15%) are what respondents deem to be the most valuable qualifications as things shift in the next five years.Younger generations have a different mindset, with Gen Z highlighting leadership skills (17%), higher education (15%), time management (13%) and creativity (13%) as necessary.However, a survey conducted by Talker Research for Colorado State University Global (CSU Global) found that knowing how to use AI is most quickly climbing the charts for valued skills (18%).Generally, a little less than half of Americans have a favorable opinion about AI in the workplace (48%).Gen Z (58%) and millennials (56%) are more likely to hold this perspective than older generations.Further, 62% of employed respondents said they would use AI more often at work if they were more confident in its effectiveness, encouraged to use it more or had received training on it.“The main barriers to AI adoption in the workplace are gaps in employee confidence, organizational culture and training.

Educational opportunities and organizational leadership can help bridge that divide,” said Dr.Audra Spicer, CSU Global Interim President and CEO.

“As AI becomes a more widely used tool across industries, professionals need the grounding to use AI responsibly and efficiently.”Whether or not they already use AI, two-thirds of those in the workforce think it’ll have an impact on their career path within the next year.Half of respondents think it’ll be just six months before every new hire will be required to know how to ...