From reshaping technology to altering industries, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is set to impact the world more profoundly than any previous innovation. Not just in tech but automation in finance, healthcare, retail, gaming and almost every other domain is driving ahead AI’s growing intervention in our surroundings.

Yet, concerns about automation have long overshadowed the future of work. While AI will enhance certain jobs, it is arguable that this may lead to job displacement for others. According to a recent report by Goldman Sachs, around 300 million full-time jobs globally could be vulnerable to automation by AI This includes various sectors where repetitive and data-driven tasks are more common. 

But proponents of AI believe otherwise. Professor Fei-Fei Li, co-director of the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence remarks that “Artificial intelligence is not a substitute for human intelligence; it is a tool to amplify human creativity and ingenuity.”  

As AI continues to open new doors, upGrad’s Mayank Kumar points out the future potential: According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), AI will generate 12 million new jobs by 2025 - an opportunity we cannot miss.” This shift necessitates a change in how young professionals are trained, particularly in India, where a large number of youth are at the cusp of joining the workforce.

To identify the most sought-after AI skills in the current Indian job market, Midday.com roped in experts from various sectors including health, education, gaming, filmmaking and finance. Here are the key takeaways from the interactions:
 
Top AI skills in the healthcare ecosystem
In the contemporary landscape, where data availability is abundant, Harshit Jain, MD, Founder & Global CEO, Doceree shares that the skill of data extraction and analysis emerges as a paramount AI proficiency gaining popularity within healthcare. Through smart analysis of healthcare provider (HCP) data, AI can identify patterns in HCP behaviour, and enable pharmaceutical manufacturers to empower HCPs with knowledge or information relevant to their clinical workflow, thereby optimising patient outcomes.

Additionally, AI when used to study patient-level data in a compliant manner, offers invaluable insights into individual health histories/trajectories. This can help with personalised interventions and preventative measures.

When asked about developing a knack for AI, Jain remarked that equipping with AI skills requires practice. In his opinion, hands-on experience with real-world datasets and industry-standard tools is invaluable for translating theory into practicality However, for beginners to understand the nitty-gritty of technology, it is ideal to go for courses that are a comprehensive blend of theoretical knowledge and practical applications.

“A few online courses that I feel can offer such a blend include, AI in Healthcare Specialization Course by Stanford University; Artificial Intelligence in Pharma and Biotech by MIT or AI for Healthcare by University of Manchester. Key components of such courses include understanding AI fundamentals, machine learning algorithms and deep learning techniques relevant to healthcare data analysis. Having said that, an emphasis on ethical considerations, privacy concerns and regulatory compliance is crucial due to the sensitive nature of medical data,” he added.