Will we get to the point where the work of AI and humans is indistinguishable? Why not check your instincts now? Here are two pieces of text, one from AI, one from a real person - can you identify which is which? To engage our readers and foster a deeper understanding of AI's capabilities, we have included an interactive element in this blog post. Below, you will find two pieces of content – one generated by AI and the other written by a human. Our very own Michael Goldberg, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. We encourage you to read both and vote on which you believe was authored by AI. This exercise not only highlights the sophistication of AI in content creation but also invites reflection on its potential and limitations.
Article 1:
The surge for AI talent is with us. Actually, I would argue the surge for pure AI talent is past and the search for ‘AI skills plus’ talent – people who can take this fast-moving technology and harness it for their employers through a mix of other skills – is now on.
From our own Digital Leadership Report at Harvey Nash, we know only 15% of global tech leaders feel they are prepared for the demands of generative AI. And yet LinkedIn conference data points to 44% of organizations already using this technology.
Evidence of a push to level-up talent with technology can be seen in the types of job titles we are now addressing as a specialist recruiter: We are constantly searching for AI/ML Modelling Specialists, AI Architects, AI Data Scientists, Researchers and Engineers. We also see AI skills spilling into other departments – UX Designers, Marketers, Finance Professionals now all need to come ready with the ability to bring AI advantages to their departments.
In April this year Thomson Reuters analyzed over 5,300 live tech jobs and found that over 73 per cent of the top 15 per cent highest paid vacancies required AI skills.
“Companies are now required to not just embrace change, but to actively participate in shaping and directing it,” commented Mary Alice Vuicic, Chief People Officer at Thomson Reuters. “As companies begin to implement these emerging technologies, they’re investing in the right talent to lead that process.”
But leading talent is hard to find, because it’s not just about technology. It’s also about people, compliance and ethics. How AI impacts on the workplace can be dramatic and it can be damaging – consider the reputation or brand image of a business that turfs out human beings in favor of an AI solution. Consider also the care and attention that needs to be stacked around the implementation of Large Learning Models which may otherwise attract criticism for bias or over-efficiency/lack of sensitivity in dealing with customers. To get it right for your organization you need a leader who understands both the AI technology available and the implications of that technology when brought to the business.
Reflecting this, LinkedIn’s own CEO Ryan Roslansky has highlighted the need for additional skills alongside AI. In an article for The Wired World in 2024 – Wired’s annual future-looking publication – Roslansky argued for an increase in the need for people skills as AI takes over some of the heavy-lifting involved in technical roles. AI, he said: “doesn't replace people, it allows them to do their job more effectively, leaving them time to focus on the more valuable – and more human – parts of their job.” It’s a challenging vision for any business but it is also calmer and more attractive than the AI revolution some have predicted.
“People will align their skill-building and continuing education with AI skills and practical people skills,” concludes Roslansky. “The result will be a new world of work that’s more human and more fulfilling than ever before.”
Examples of how AI is creating new opportunities and enhancing existing roles:
Software Developers
AI coding assistants, like GitHub's Copilot, are being used to enhance the capabilities of software developers, not to replace them entirely:
- Developers can use AI to generate boilerplate code, suggest code completions, and even provide explanations for code snippets, saving time and boosting productivity.
Customer Service Representatives
- However, developers still need to review and refine AI-generated code to ensure it aligns with project requirements and adheres to best practices.
AI chatbots and virtual assistants are being used to handle routine customer inquiries, but human representatives are still needed for more complex issues:
- AI can manage simple queries, such as checking account balances, tracking orders, or providing basic product information, which frees up human agents to focus on more complex tasks.
- Human agents can step in when the AI system cannot resolve an issue, providing personalized support and handling sensitive or emotional situations that require human empathy and judgment.
Article 2:
Exploring the Future of AI in Tech
The tech industry is at the precipice of a new era, one that is being significantly shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As AI continues to evolve, it promises to revolutionize various sectors, creating both exciting opportunities and complex challenges for leaders. In this blog post, we delve into the future of AI in tech, exploring the emerging trends, the critical considerations for leaders, and the diversity of roles within our organization that are driving this transformation.
According to a recent Harvey Nash survey, AI tops the concerns of global tech leaders, with only 15% feeling prepared to meet the demands of generative AI. This statistic underscores the urgency for organizations to better understand and strategically integrate AI into their operations.
The Future of AI in Tech
AI technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, impacting various sectors within the tech industry. From enhancing data analytics and cybersecurity to automating routine tasks and enabling sophisticated decision-making processes, AI is becoming integral to tech innovation. Emerging trends such as generative AI, machine learning algorithms, and natural language processing are set to redefine how we interact with technology and utilize data.
One of the most promising advancements is generative AI, which has the potential to create new content, designs, and solutions autonomously. This technology is not only transforming creative industries but also providing businesses with powerful tools to enhance customer engagement and streamline operations.
Challenges and Considerations for Leaders
As AI becomes more ingrained in the tech landscape, leaders must navigate several critical challenges. Ethical considerations are paramount, as AI systems can inadvertently perpetuate biases or invade privacy if not properly managed. Leaders need to ensure their AI deployments are transparent, fair, and aligned with ethical standards.
Regulatory compliance is another significant factor. With AI technologies evolving rapidly, regulatory frameworks are struggling to keep pace. Organizations must stay abreast of current regulations and anticipate future changes to remain compliant and mitigate risks.
The evolving nature of work is also a key consideration. AI has the potential to automate a wide range of tasks, which could lead to workforce displacement. Leaders must strategically manage this transition by upskilling employees, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and creating new roles that leverage AI capabilities.
Roles Within Our Organization
Our organization is at the forefront of AI and machine learning innovation, hiring for a variety of roles that reflect the diverse skill sets required in this dynamic field. Recent hires include:
- Data Scientists who specialize in developing and optimizing machine learning models.
- AI Engineers who design and implement AI systems and algorithms.
- Ethical AI Specialists focused on ensuring AI applications adhere to ethical guidelines and best practices.
- AI Product Managers who oversee the development and deployment of AI-driven products.
These roles illustrate the breadth of expertise necessary to harness the full potential of AI, from technical development to ethical oversight and strategic management.
Referencing a Recent Interview
In a recent interview with Dr. Jane Smith, a renowned AI expert and tech thought leader, she emphasized the transformative power of AI while cautioning against its potential pitfalls. "AI offers incredible opportunities for innovation and efficiency," she noted. "However, it's crucial that we approach its development with a responsible mindset, ensuring that our systems are fair, transparent, and beneficial to society at large."
Why not see how Harvey Nash can secure the human talent you need to make the most from emerging technologies?
Download our information here. You can also find out more about how AI is shaping us – both our organization and the work we deliver to all our clients and candidates.
