Generative AI (GenAI) is revolutionizing industries, but a significant challenge remains: the shortage of skilled professionals to develop and maintain these models. If you are reading this article, then likely you are experiencing some of these pain points. In this article, I address the strategies companies can use to find and retain GenAI talent and highlight Microsoft’s efforts to address this skills gap.
The Skills Gap in GenAI
The demand for GenAI expertise has surged, but the supply of skilled professionals has not kept pace. According to a McKinsey survey, 87% of organizations reported existing or anticipated skill gaps. This shortage is particularly acute in areas requiring advanced data literacy, machine learning engineering, and AI ethics. Companies are struggling to find individuals who not only understand the complexities of GenAI but can also apply this knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios. This is somewhat similar to the challenges that companies face with finding true “full-stack developers” for both front-end and back-end development… or, to use a sports example, the issue professional baseball teams have with finding a true 5-tool player.
Strategies for Finding and Retaining GenAI Talent
- Build a Multi-Disciplinary Team: Successful GenAI projects require a diverse set of skills. Companies should focus on assembling teams that include data scientists, machine learning engineers, UX designers, and product managers. This approach ensures all aspects of GenAI development and deployment are covered, while fostering skill development across the team.
- Invest in Training and Development: Upskilling existing employees is a viable strategy to bridge the skills gap. Organizations can offer training programs like hackathons, AI bootcamps, AI learning platforms, and internal AI communities of practice to enhance their workforce’s GenAI capabilities.
- Leverage External Expertise: Hiring external consultants or partnering with specialized firms can provide immediate access to GenAI expertise. This allows companies to bypass the lengthy process of building in-house capabilities from scratch, while ensuring knowledge transfer for future projects.
Microsoft’s Initiatives to Address the GenAI Skills Shortage
Microsoft has recognized the critical need for GenAI skills and has launched several initiatives to support businesses in this endeavor.
- AI Skills Navigator: Microsoft’s Global Skills Initiative aims to bring digital skills to 25 million people worldwide. The AI Skills Navigator helps individuals and organizations develop AI expertise using free LinkedIn coursework and professional certificates. Learn more.
- Skillsoft Partnership: Microsoft has partnered with Skillsoft to develop a GenAI skilling program using its AI Skill Accelerator. This program offers blended learning experiences with on-demand courses, coaching, and hands-on practice labs focused on Microsoft AI technologies. Learn more.
- Internal Training Programs: Microsoft’s Digital Security & Resilience (DSR) organization has developed a Securing Generative AI program. This initiative integrates AI governance into existing processes, providing threat modeling standards, data governance tools, and assessment templates. Learn more.
Conclusion
The shortage of skilled personnel in GenAI is a significant challenge, but it is not insurmountable. By adopting a multi-disciplinary approach, investing in training, and leveraging external expertise, companies can build the talent they need to thrive in the GenAI era. Microsoft’s proactive initiatives provide a valuable blueprint for addressing this skills gap, helping organizations harness the full potential of GenAI. As we move forward, continuous learning and adaptation will be key to staying ahead in this dynamic field.
And, at the end of the day, after you have reviewed all four GenAI challenges in this series, and you don’t know how to move your organization from “Hurdles to Solutions,” just reach out. 😊
