According to labor market expert Hannah Calhoon, employment trends in 2025 will focus on individuals with expertise in artificial intelligence (AI). Specialists in machine learning, crucial for advancing AI models, are predicted to be in particularly high demand.
Calhoon, the vice president of AI at Indeed, noted the tech sector experienced rapid growth during the Covid-19 pandemic, but growth rates have plateaued as the world adjusted post-pandemic. However, new positive signals are emerging within the IT job market, indicating a potential resurgence in demand for AI-related jobs. Furthermore, Calhoon emphasized that the demand for AI talent is not limited to tech companies; even general businesses are recognizing the value of professionals adept at utilizing existing AI tools to enhance their operations.
With organizations increasingly opting for existing AI tools rather than developing in-house systems, there’s a rising need for personnel knowledgeable in effectively selecting and integrating AI into various workflows.
‘What organizations need are individuals who understand both AI technology and business needs, enabling them to use AI to solve problems and create business opportunities,’ said Calhoon.
This trend highlights the anticipated labor market shift in 2025 towards professionals skilled in practical AI applications.
Hiring Trends in AI
Recently, Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, revealed plans to hire thousands of new employees to enhance sales, particularly in AI-related sectors. This news generated a remarkable response, drawing 9,000 applications for only 2,000 job openings.
In another significant development, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, announced a substantial investment initiative in the United States aimed at fostering job creation within the AI space. This effort is expected to lead to the establishment of over 100,000 new jobs in the next four years.
The Shortage of AI Talent
Despite the robust growth within the AI domain, a survey by recruitment firm Randstad indicates that hiring qualified AI and automation professionals remains particularly challenging—twice as difficult as in other sectors. While interest in AI technology is widespread, only 2% of employers worldwide explicitly seek AI skills in their job postings, in stark contrast to over 20% who prioritize fundamental computer skills.
Yet, AI job opportunities are seeing continued expansion, especially in the first eleven months of 2024, with sought-after positions including data scientists, software engineers, and research and development engineers.
