How to stay competitive in an AI-obsessed job market
Most people believe AI skills are critical for job security, according to new data. Here’s how you can gain a competitive edge in a rapidly changing job market.
By: Amanda Phagan, Edited by: Joey Morris
Published: August 15, 2025
If you've had a job or looked for one in the tech sector over the past few years, you may have noticed that AI is everywhere. In many cases, AI is useful to both employers and employees. It can streamline workflows, answer customer questions, and help creatives brainstorm new ideas. Despite the increasingly obvious need for tech employees to learn the ins and outs of AI, many people seem reluctant to dive in.
According to a June 2025 edX report, only 4% of workers report pursuing AI education, despite 54% noting that AI skills are critical for their job security. These findings suggest that ignoring AI may no longer be an option for most. However, if this is the case, why are so few people currently pursuing AI education or training?
How important is AI in today's job market?
What was once a science fiction plot is now reality: Artificial intelligence is reshaping the way we interact with the world and, in some cases, overtaking roles previously filled by humans. Ethical concerns aside, some companies have replaced entire human teams with AI tools in an effort to save money and streamline processes.
While most employers recognize the need for symbiotic human-AI collaboration, it is becoming increasingly important for employees to demonstrate AI knowledge. Per edX's report, 50% of surveyed workers believe that AI will impact their immediate career goals. Additionally, the majority (58%) of workers note a lack of AI expertise in their industry.
According to a 2025 McKinsey report on the state of organizational AI, 78% of respondents report that their company uses AI in at least one business function — up from 72% in 2024 and 55% in 2023.
Thus, to stand out in a quickly evolving job market, it's crucial to:
- Learn about the different types of AI.
- Understand how organizations incorporate AI technology.
- Stay up-to-date on AI advancements and news.
- Know how to responsibly use AI in your role to impact your organization's bottom line.
- Form an opinion on AI ethics.
- Know common AI terms like machine learning, neural networks, and automation.
The AI awareness-action gap
For many people, the time between ChatGPT's flashy public debut in 2022 and now has felt like a blur. It may seem like AI is a brand-new technology, but the truth is that it has been in use for decades. For example, automated call center "representatives," speech recognition software, and other "smart" computer programs have existed for decades.
Even so, recent advancements in areas like deep learning and large language models (LLMs) have dominated headlines and made AI accessible to anyone with an internet connection. This AI "boom" has led employers to seek candidates with AI skills.
According to 2025 Lightcast data, U.S. job postings requiring AI skills have increased by 181% just since 2024. edX survey data shows that the majority of workers (54%) believe that AI skills are very or extremely important for remaining competitive in their careers. So why are so few of us pursuing AI education?
| Month | Previous 12 months | Current 12 months |
|---|---|---|
| July | 43,304 | 58,091 |
| August | 37,238 | 64,419 |
| September | 34,807 | 67,218 |
| October | 34,596 | 75,100 |
| November | 41,114 | 75,879 |
| January | 39,469 | 73,177 |
| February | 48,080 | 82,355 |
| March | 47,598 | 94,387 |
| April | 44,282 | 108,963 |
| May | 46,823 | 122,256 |
| June | 52,369 | 134,261 |
Source: Lightcast Job Posting Analytics
Why aren't more of us learning about AI?
People generally recognize the urgency surrounding AI literacy, but few have enrolled in the courses or programs necessary to bridge their knowledge gap. According to edX survey data, only 4% of respondents are currently enrolled in AI training, but 37% of workers report that they are "very likely" to pursue AI education or training in the next six months. This means that people who take the initiative to learn and demonstrate AI skills relevant to their role may gain a competitive advantage in today's changing job market.
People may be hesitant about learning AI for a variety of reasons, including:
- Ethical concerns about using AI tools.
- Poor understanding of how AI may integrate into certain roles.
- A lack of employer support.
- Low trust in AI.
- Fear of change.
- Preference for a more "human" touch in the workplace.
Thankfully, according to McKinsey's 2025 AI report, organizations that report capturing value from incorporating AI are including "human-in-the-loop" mechanisms to mitigate some of these common anxieties and risks.
Meet the moment and develop AI skills
While AI's rapid advancement can lead to anxiety or disillusionment for some, it's increasingly important to understand how AI may impact your industry, organization, and individual role. By enrolling in an AI course or training program soon, you may be able to:
- Drive change at your organization — and possibly even lead an AI task force.
- Demonstrate your dedication to following emerging technologies.
- Gain a competitive edge over your peers, who may not have learned AI skills yet.
- Show your employer that you are proactive, adaptable, and paying attention to current trends.
Remember that momentum matters more than mastery when it comes to learning new skills. To start building foundational AI skills, consider taking a course: