A few days ago, Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, shared a thought-provoking piece titled "Three Observations," where he reflected on the future of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its implications for humanity. One line, in particular, stood out: “Agency, willfulness, and determination will likely be extremely valuable. Correctly deciding what to do and figuring out how to navigate an ever-changing world will have huge value; resilience and adaptability will be helpful skills to cultivate.”
This statement isn’t just a glimpse into the future of AGI—it’s a roadmap for the future of work. As AI systems become more capable, the skills employers value are shifting dramatically. The jobs of 2025 won’t just require technical expertise or domain knowledge; they’ll demand a new set of skills that enable individuals to thrive alongside intelligent machines.
So, what does it take to be employable in an AI-driven world? Let’s explore the skills that will set you apart in 2025 and beyond.
1. Agency and Decision-Making
As AI systems take on more routine and complex tasks, the ability to make strategic decisions will become a premium skill. Employers will value individuals who can identify problems, set priorities, and determine the best course of action in a world where AI handles much of the execution.
- What this looks like in practice:
- Knowing when to delegate tasks to AI and when to take the lead.
- Balancing data-driven insights with human intuition and creativity.
- Setting clear goals and aligning AI tools to achieve them.
In 2025, the most sought-after employees will be those who can act as “AI conductors,” orchestrating technology to drive outcomes rather than simply executing tasks.
2. Adaptability and Resilience
The pace of technological change is accelerating, and the ability to adapt will be non-negotiable. As Altman notes, AI will enable individuals to have more impact than ever before, but only if they can navigate an ever-evolving landscape.
- What this looks like in practice:
- Embracing continuous learning to stay ahead of new tools and technologies.
- Thriving in ambiguity and being comfortable with rapid shifts in job roles.
- Bouncing back from setbacks and using failure as a springboard for growth.
Employers will prioritize candidates who demonstrate a growth mindset and the resilience to thrive in a world where change is the only constant.
3. Creativity and Problem-Solving
While AI will excel at tackling complex problems, it will still rely on humans for the “big new ideas.” Creativity—the ability to think outside the box and envision novel solutions—will be a critical differentiator.
- What this looks like in practice:
- Combining AI-generated insights with human ingenuity to innovate.
- Identifying opportunities where AI can be applied in unexpected ways.
- Solving problems that require empathy, ethics, and a deep understanding of human needs.
In 2025, the most valuable employees will be those who can leverage AI as a creative partner, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
4. Emotional Intelligence and Collaboration
As AI takes on more technical and analytical tasks, the human touch will become even more important. Emotional intelligence—the ability to understand, connect with, and influence others—will be a key skill for building strong teams and fostering collaboration.
- What this looks like in practice:
- Leading diverse teams that include both humans and AI agents.
- Communicating effectively across cultures, disciplines, and generations.
- Navigating the ethical and social implications of AI in the workplace.
Employers will look for individuals who can bridge the gap between technology and humanity, ensuring that AI is used in ways that benefit everyone.
5. Technical Literacy
While you don’t need to be a programmer to thrive in an AI-driven world, a basic understanding of how AI works will be essential. Technical literacy will empower employees to use AI tools effectively and make informed decisions about their application.
- What this looks like in practice:
- Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI systems.
- Interpreting data and AI-generated insights to inform decision-making.
- Collaborating with technical teams to design and implement AI solutions.
In 2025, technical literacy will be as fundamental as digital literacy is today.
The Big Picture: A World of Unlimited Potential
As Altman envisions, AI will enable individuals to achieve more than ever before. By 2035, anyone should be able to “marshal the intellectual capacity equivalent to everyone in 2025.” This means that the skills we cultivate today will determine our ability to harness this unprecedented potential.
Employers in 2025 will be looking for individuals who can combine human strengths—creativity, empathy, and resilience—with the power of AI to drive innovation and solve the world’s biggest challenges. The future belongs to those who can adapt, collaborate, and lead in a world where AI is not just a tool, but a partner in progress.
So, as you prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, ask yourself: Are you ready to embrace agency, adaptability, and creativity? Are you prepared to navigate an ever-changing world with resilience and determination? If so, you’ll be well-positioned to thrive in the AI-powered future.
The future is coming fast. The question is: Are you ready?
