AI Skills Everyone Should Learn in 2025

Artificial intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It’s actively reshaping today’s job market by automating mundane tasks, enabling new business strategies, and more. Moving forward, companies will expect workers to meaningfully interact with AI tools. Here’s how to stay ahead.

Using AI Tools Like ChatGPT

Using AI tools like ChatGPT is becoming a regular part of work in many industries, but it’s not just about typing in questions—it’s about knowing how to ask the right ones. Prompt engineering means giving AI clear, specific instructions so it can give you helpful answers.

Think of working with AI tools in this way as being similar to using Google, but way more powerful. Whether you’re brainstorming ideas, drafting emails, or summarizing long documents, mastering AI tools will save you time. These skills are growing in demand and the best part is, they’re easy to practice.

Understanding the Tech Without Being a Techie

You don’t need to be a software engineer to understand how AI works, but you do need to be tech-savvy enough to speak the language. For instance, most AI systems run on programming languages like Python, and utilize spreadsheets and databases. Additionally, if you can learn how to sort and analyze data (even at a beginner level), you’ll instantly become more valuable in almost any role.

Knowing how to ask the right questions about data or being able to follow what the tech team is saying during a meeting can make all the difference. Consider taking a few tutorials in tools like Excel or programming languages at the beginner level, as it will set you apart from many other candidates and non-tech workers.

How AI Models Work

Machine learning is the part of AI where computers learn from examples, similar to how we learn through experience. For example, if you give an AI thousands of images of cats and dogs, it can learn to tell the difference. Indeed, that is machine learning in action.

The challenge is to keep the AI working properly, ensuring that it doesn’t break or start providing weird results. This process of maintenance is called Machine Learning Operations (MLOps). Even if you’re not the person writing the code, understanding this process can help you work smart with the tech team.

AI Ethics

Ethical AI adoption has become a boardroom concern. In the coming years AI skills will center around fairness and transparency, and you’ll be expected to think beyond bias. In other words, you’ll have to ask yourself: “What are the social and legal implications of implementing and using AI in the context of my role/organization?”

As AI makes its way into various industries, companies are investing in more “guardrails,” so to speak, so professionals who can spot bias, craft effective and balanced prompts, and explain AI “behavior” will be in high demand.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Although AI excels at pattern recognition, it lacks the ability to define problems and think critically, which is where you (yes, you!) come in. Employers value critical thinking as a core skill, especially when it comes to AI.

If you’re able to properly frame questions, pivot when new problems arise, and interpret odd or ambiguous output from AI, you’ll be considered a pro at directing AI. Remember, the ability to learn, adapt, and think critically is a key differentiator that AI cannot replicate.

Soft Skills

Even with our new AI overlords (just kidding) popping up all over the place, human skills matter now more than ever. Most employers cite adaptability, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution as vital skills—ones that AI can’t replicate.

Along with the soft skills mentioned above, communication is key. If you’ve become well-versed in AI systems and related tools, your ability to communicate effectively with the tech team will make you a valuable asset. For more on critical soft skills in the age of AI, check out our advice here.

Continuous Learning

AI is moving fast, and what’s considered cutting-edge now could be outdated next year. That’s why it’s incredibly important to adopt the mindset of continuous learning. Employers like to see that you’re curious, open to change, and eager to keep up with new tools and ideas.

Continuous learning in this context could mean reading up on current trends, taking a short online course, or simply experimenting with AI systems. You don’t need to know everything; just show that you’re willing to keep learning. This mindset will make you valuable in any industry.

You don’t have to become a full-time AI expert to thrive in today’s job market, but it would be advantageous to start looking into how AI fits into your current or future role. If you start building the right skills and knowledge now, it will benefit your career down the line.

Rob Porter is an editor at Vault.