The race to secure AI talent intensified throughout 2025, stretching from Silicon Valley to federal agencies across Washington.
LinkedIn data reveals a 68% surge in AI-related job postings between ChatGPT’s November 2022 debut and the close of 2024.
Yet contrary to popular assumptions, these positions aren’t exclusively technical roles requiring advanced computer science degrees.
5 jobs hiring across the U.S.
- Trial Attorney (Remote, Northern Virginia), Allstate, Virginia
- Director of Regulatory Affairs for The Transport Project, nnkAdvisory, Washington
- Executive Coordinator, Common Ground Alliance, Alexandria
- Republican Principal – Federal Government Relations, WINNING STRATEGIES WASHINGTON, Washington
- Assistant Professor of Media Law and Policy, InsideHigherEd, Bethlehem
In fact, companies are mostly looking for people that have experience of integrating AI into jobs that already exist.
And while major employers including Accenture, Lufthansa, and Salesforce have restructured their workforces, with some positions eliminated as AI capabilities expand, the human touch is very much still needed.
As Salesforce’s CEO Marc Benioff recently remarked, “Look, we love AI, OK? But AI—it’s not the same. AI doesn’t have a soul. It’s not that human connectivity.”
This not only highlights a fundamental shift in how organizations approach AI adoption, but in how workers can approach upskilling for the future.
The skills gap reality
Research from ADP’s People at Work 2025 report found that only one in four workers believe they possess the skills needed for near-term career advancement.
These skills span AI literacy, ethical considerations, and human judgment capabilities.
“We’re seeing a fundamental reshaping of what makes someone valuable in the workplace,” according to Steve Sanford, CEO of Simulus AI, who has identified seven critical competency areas emerging in 2026.
So, if you want to make your skillset not only relevant but desirable in 2026 and beyond, it’s a good idea to get to grips with the following.
AI literacy and effective prompting
Knowing how to log on to ChatGPT or Perplexity isn’t enough anymore.
In order to fully utilize everything AI has to offer, employees need to upskill in AI systems that have been constructed for their industry specifically.
For example, for those working in HR, it’s best to implement an AI tool that has been designed specifically for HR professionals.
Or if you work in law, it’s better to work with an AI tool that has been designed with the intricacies of legislation and case law in mind.
Cultural localization expertise
Localization still remains a distinctly human exercise despite AI’s multilingual capabilities to translate almost any language.
Multinational corporations need professionals who understand regional sensitivities, local humor, and cultural context that algorithms miss.
Cross-cultural negotiation skills
Similar to cultural localization, being able to communicate with different cultures and navigate cultural nuances is essential.
Only humans have the ability to excel in understanding varied business practices, communication norms, and decision-making approaches in different countries.
Strategic creative thinking
AI can do a lot, but strategic creative thinking is still very much a human skill. It becomes more critical as AI-generated content proliferates and AI-slop infiltrates our news feeds and social media platforms.
As such, organizations need strategists who can leverage AI as a tool while creating meaningful content and connections with audiences.
Data ethics competency
With concerns around privacy, algorithmic bias, and appropriate AI deployment mounting, competency around data ethics is paramount.
Federal agencies and regulated industries in particular need professionals who understand both technical capabilities and ethical implications, creating opportunities in compliance and risk management.
Human-AI collaboration management
This represents an entirely new skill set.
As AI systems work alongside humans in customer service, analysis, and content creation, managers must learn to delegate appropriately between human and artificial intelligence, measure hybrid team performance, and optimize blended workflows.
Digital-first leadership
Leadership has evolved beyond basic remote work management. Today’s leaders must build organizational culture through digital channels, maintain cohesion across distributed teams and time zones, and make strategic decisions with limited face-to-face context.
Looking ahead
The workforce transformation accelerating through 2026 presents both challenges and opportunities. And while AI adoption will eliminate some traditional roles, it is simultaneously creating new opportunities.
For those willing to develop emerging competencies, whether in AI literacy, ethical oversight, or strategic creativity, the evolving job market offers significant potential for career advancement.
And if you’re looking for long-term job security in an increasingly automated economy, arming yourself with a robust set of skills is the most practical solution.