At a recent meeting held at LinkedIn’s San Francisco headquarters, CEO Ryan Roslansky shared his vision for the future of the workplace. According to the experienced executive, the coming years will see a shift away from the traditional emphasis on academic diplomas, with digital and interpersonal skills taking center stage instead.
Roslansky highlighted that those who adapt quickly to change, think innovatively, remain eager to learn, and effectively leverage artificial intelligence tools will stand out. In his words, prestigious diplomas alone will no longer be enough to make a difference.
A Microsoft study published last year supports this perspective: 71% of surveyed executives said they would prefer a candidate with AI knowledge but less experience over a more seasoned candidate without AI expertise. LinkedIn’s own data also shows a 70% increase in job postings requiring AI skills within just one year.
LinkedIn’s chief economist Karin Kimbrough described adaptability as “the new currency of work,” stressing that AI is reshaping not only the skill sets demanded by employers but also the very way they search for talent.
Roslansky further emphasized that AI will not entirely replace humans in the workforce. Instead, he believes “people who use AI will replace those who don’t.” Alongside digital skills, he pointed out that empathy, communication, adaptability, and the ability to connect with others remain vital elements for success in the evolving job market.