Artificial Intelligence (AI) is impacting business around the world.  From healthcare, supply chain, logistics to education and hospitality, almost every sector is harnessing the power of AI to some degree. In Canada alone, the market size of Artificial Intelligence is projected to reach C$9.79bn this year. The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2023 has indicated that the “demand for AI and machine learning specialists is expected to grow by 40%, or 1 million jobs, as the usage of AI and machine learning drives continued industry transformation.”  

As AI technologies continue to advance, they are not only automating repetitive tasks but also augmenting human capabilities, leading to significant shifts in job roles, skill requirements, and the overall workforce dynamics. From enhancing productivity and efficiency to creating new job categories and industries, the impact of AI on the job market is multifaceted and far-reaching. It is evident that companies are looking for AI skills, when hiring in 2024.  

If you are a jobseeker in the technology sector, AI will be a critical element shaping your career now and in future.  

BNN reported “Members of the country's tech community say finding staff who can develop AI-based products or use them to drive efficiencies is a priority as the global race to take advantage of AI deepens. “Further, everyone is looking for people who understand how to use AI," said Jenny Yang, a senior advisor at the MaRS innovation hub in Toronto, who helps startups navigate the challenges of growing the business and commercializing their products. 

"Some are companies that want to use (AI chatbot) ChatGPT themselves directly ... and then there are companies who are trying to really hire data scientists, who want to build AI products." 

 To stay relevant and grow in your technology career it is imperative to acknowledge the role of AI and develop your skills to meet the changing job market expectations.  

Here are the five AI skills our clients are looking for: 

Machine Learning (ML): Machine learning involves understanding and implementing various machine learning algorithms such as regression, classification, clustering, and deep learning. It is a subfield of artificial intelligence that focuses on developing algorithms and statistical models that enable computers to learn from and make predictions or decisions based on data. Machine learning finds application across various domains like finance, healthcare, marketing, and autonomous systems. To develop your skillset in machine learning you will need to gain expertise in frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn, etc.  

Deep Learning (DL): Deep Learning is a specialized subset of machine learning which involves neural networks with multiple layers. It is a branch of machine learning that guides machines to process data in a more humane way. Deep Learning models enable machines to decode and recognize complex text, pictures etc. Automated driving, medical research, healthcare, aerospace and defense, electronics and industrial automation are some sectors where DL is employed. Knowledge of architectures like CNNs (Convolutional Neural Networks), RNNs (Recurrent Neural Networks), and GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks) are crucial to develop your DL skills. 

Natural Language Processing (NLP): NLP is a branch of AI that enables computers to understand, interpret, and generate human language using computers. To learn NLP, knowledge of neural networks, frameworks like PyTorch and TensorFlow, and various data preprocessing techniques are needed. NLP finds its application in sentiment analysis, text summarization, named entity recognition, and language translation. 

Data Science: Data science skills include proficiency in handling and analyzing large datasets, data cleaning, preprocessing, and statistical analysis. Right now, data science is dominating virtually every aspect of modern technology. A working knowledge of programming languages such as Python, RSQL, and/or Julia and SciPy are essential to master data science skills. Data Science is used in many sectors like healthcare, finance, marketing, and technology. 

Cloud Computing: According to Forbes, the global market for cloud computing is expected to grow from $570 billion to close to $2.5 trillion between 2022 and 2030. This indicates that the demand for professionals skilled in tools and platform of cloud computing will continue to grow, as more and more organizations continue their migration to cloud. To develop this AI skill, one needs an understanding of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, along with knowledge of deploying and managing AI applications on these platforms. 

Conclusion 

Staying competitive in the AI sector involves a combination of skills across various platforms and technologies, as well as an ability to adapt to emerging trends and advancements in the field. Keeping up with the latest advancements and trends in the AI sector, such as new libraries and frameworks, is equally important. Additionally, understanding the principles of machine learning, deep learning, and natural language processing is crucial for applying new languages effectively in AI projects.  

Along with these technical skills, soft skills such as Emotional Intelligence (EQ), Learning Intelligence (LQ) or growth mindset, nonverbal communication, adaptability creativity, and critical thinking are much desired skills to build and enhance your career in AI. Read more in these blogs we’ve linked to if you want to focus on your soft skills. 

Canada has the highest five-year average year-over-year growth rate in AI talent concentration of all G7 nations between 2017 and 2023. This means the competition for AI related jobs is also increasing as more tech professionals are enhancing their AI skills.    

The field of AI is rapidly evolving. More than 35,000 new innovative jobs are expected to be created in Canada over the next 5 years. Staying updated with the latest advancements and technologies is crucial for continued success.  

 If you are looking for a job in the field of AI or want to know how to grow in your career as an AI professional, reach out to our technology recruitment team today! We’ve placed over 1,500 technology professionals in Canadian roles since 2020.   

For more than 46 years, Agilus has served our candidate and employer networks, connecting job seekers with great opportunities. Check out our open roles on our job board, create a job alert or build a profile so our recruitment professionals can find you quickly when a suitable role becomes available. Please follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for job seeking tips and new roles.