The vital role of AI skills in women’s career advancement and practical steps to begin

With the unparalleled level of noise, confusion, and fear surrounding AI it can become overwhelming to parse out what news is sensationalised and what is true, especially when it comes to AI and the impact it has on the jobs market. 

Contrary to what some fear-mongering articles have shared, according to the 2024 Work Trend Index from Microsoft and LinkedIn, tech leaders are worried about whether or not they will be able to fill key roles. 

Over the past eight years companies have hired up to 323 per cent of technical AI talent.

Now they’re turning their sights to non-technical talent with AI aptitude. This means they’re actively seeking new team members with the skills to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. 

As the founder of an organisation committed to generating $1B in new economic access for women and allies in tech by 2030, I can see a huge opportunity for diverse women and allies in tech to land new roles and as a result speed up the closure of the representation and gender gap.

How?

By actively preparing, pursuing and learning new skill sets and earning the credentials to prove it. 

To get ahead of this anticipated hiring wave, here are three reasons to pursue certifications and credentials for real-world skill sets that address critical business problems right now:

1. Career advancement in an AI-centric economy: By gaining relevant project-based, you will enhance your confidence and increase your trust level with current managers as well as hiring managers. In an AI-driven economy, possessing AI skills becomes imperative for career progression. Investing time in developing these skill sets now ensures you are well-positioned to seize opportunities and contribute meaningfully to any organisation’s growth.
   
2. Future-proofing skillsets for AI opportunities: Investing in AI skills today equips you with future-proof capabilities essential for navigating the evolving job market. By seizing AI opportunities now, individuals ensure they stay ahead of the curve and remain adaptable and competitive in an AI-driven environment.
   
3. Accelerated skill development and enhanced professional profile: Pursuing scenario-focused credentials enables individuals to achieve credentials faster, accelerating their skill development journey. By showcasing project-based proficiency, individuals will differentiate themselves and demonstrate their ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. 

Rather than staying stuck in fear of how AI may change the jobs landscape, women everywhere need to reframe this shift as an invitation to enter tech for the first time or scale to a new role they’ve been aiming for. 

It’s no secret that the entry barrier for diverse and underrepresented communities in tech is often much greater than not.

However, one of the most overlooked and underutilised ways to mitigate this is obtaining certifications and verifiable credentials for skillsets companies will have as requirements when hiring for new roles. 

A great place to start your journey is with the #WICxSkillsReadyChallenge.

This initiative leverages Microsoft Applied Skills, offering a new verifiable credential that validates specific real-world skill sets that address critical business problems.

This new skill set can be earned through interactive lab-based assessments on the Microsoft Learn platform in weeks.

During this challenge participants will earn Microsoft Applied Skills credentials in AI in just weeks, have the opportunity to win exciting prizes every month, receive exclusive invitations for spotlights, speak at events, network with recruiters, and connect and become a part of the record-setting WIC community.

We encourage all genders to apply, with priority given to women across all global markets and historically underrepresented populations.

I invite you to apply here today, it’s valued at US$4,500 and it is 100 per cent free.

The change I’ve witnessed from women taking advantage of opportunities like this is drastic.

Two journeys particularly stand out to me, those of Shammah Saratu Yaro and Caleb Yeboah have been inspiring and transformative.

The scholarships have helped them attain certifications, and access free vouchers enabling them to take exams and land new DevSecOps roles, accelerating their career growth and leadership opportunities. 

You can begin your journey today.

Setting aside a few weeks to continue or begin your personal and professional development with applicable skills in the tech industry is a lifelong practice that will keep you ahead of the curve, for AI and beyond.

Chaitra Vedullapalli bio

Chaitra Vedullapalli is the award-winning co-founder and CMO of Meylah and co-founder and president of Women In Cloud. In her 26 years in tech, Chaitra has driven billion-dollar expansions for both Microsoft and Oracle, has been recognised with the Forbes 1000 Next Entrepreneur title, Microsoft Women’s Leadership Award, set a new Guinness World Record, and is listed as one of 100 Most Innovative MarTech Leaders by World Marketing Congress.

Presenting before the UN, at TedX, Grace Hopper Celebration, and Microsoft Inspire, she is a purpose-driven, strategic, high-growth thought leader who seamlessly bridges business and technology to help companies globally scale and drive digital economic development. 

Her mission is to generate US$1bn in new net economic access for women entrepreneurs and professionals by 2030 through global partnerships with corporations, community leaders, and policymakers.