The Impact of AI on the Workplace and the Skills Young People Need
The impact of AI on the workplace is now being felt across many sectors. AI writes reports, answers customer questions and even analyses data in seconds. These changes raise a major question for young people: which jobs will remain in demand, and what skills will help people stay relevant?
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 identifies AI and information processing as technological trends with the potential to transform the workplace by 2030. However, the effects will vary across industries. Some jobs are changing because of automation, while others require new capabilities. Understanding these patterns is a first step towards identifying the skills most needed in the future.
Opportunities and challenges for workers in the AI era
The development of AI is creating new opportunities in the workplace. Many companies use the technology to speed up data processing, streamline operations and improve customer service. These efficiencies are driving demand for workers who can operate, assess and integrate AI-based systems.
At the same time, automation presents a real challenge. Machines can most easily replace routine, repetitive tasks, meaning some jobs are changing or being redesigned. This requires workers to continually update their skills to keep pace with industry needs.
AI’s impact on the workplace is not the same in every sector. The type of work, corporate strategy, pace of technological development and labour policies all help determine the scale of change. Given this variation, the ability to keep learning is essential for young people entering the workforce.
Skills young people need to adapt to change
Technical ability alone is not enough to thrive in a changing workplace. Employers also seek workers who can analyse problems, collaborate with teams and understand the purpose behind their work. A combination of technical and interpersonal skills helps people take a broader view. The following five skills provide a foundation for young people to remain competitive.
- Critical thinking
Critical thinking develops the ability to assess information, identify patterns and make data-informed decisions. This skill matters because AI-generated work still requires human judgement, from checking accuracy to deciding on the most appropriate next steps.
- Communication
Good communication enables people to explain ideas, data and solutions clearly to colleagues and stakeholders. As more processes become automated, the ability to explain analytical findings in straightforward language is an added advantage for human workers.
- Collaboration
Modern work is rarely done alone. Collaboration encourages people to share perspectives, divide responsibilities and achieve shared goals across departments. Cohesive teams can use AI more effectively because each member brings a different point of view.
- Understanding business context
Understanding business context helps workers align solutions with the needs of companies and customers. An advanced system is of little use if it does not address the right problem, making knowledge of business objectives, processes and targets important.
- Continuous learning
Technology develops quickly, so knowledge that is current today may change within months. A commitment to continuous learning helps young people adapt to new tools, acquire new skills and remain in demand at different stages of their careers.
Information technology as a foundation for the digital workplace
Information technology encompasses more than programming. It includes networks, databases, information security, digital infrastructure and systems management. These components are interconnected and support the operations of nearly every industry, from banking and healthcare to education.
In professional settings, IT workers need to understand the purpose behind each system. A good digital solution must do more than function correctly: it must also meet users’ needs, improve efficiency, protect data and operate reliably over the long term. This calls on educational institutions to prepare graduates who understand theory and have practical experience. Cyber University’s Information Technology degree programme takes this approach by linking academic knowledge with practical application.
The development of AI is strengthening the importance of this field. AI systems need well-organised data, reliable networks and robust security to work effectively. Understanding the fundamentals of information technology therefore remains valuable, whatever tools or trends may come and go. Cyber University, which describes itself as “Shaping Future Digital Leader”, provides this foundation through its Company Learning Program (CLP) 3+1, which divides study into three years on campus and one year of company internship.
Through the programme, students do not only study theory in the classroom; they also engage directly with professionals in real workplaces. This experience helps them understand how technology is applied in business processes and explore career paths in areas such as systems development, technical support, database management and information security. Technology continues to evolve, and early preparation gives aspiring professionals more room to adapt.
Further information about Cyber University is available at https://cyber-univ.ac.id/.