Artificial intelligence (AI) has moved from being merely a future technology to a present reality in various corporations. Currently, AI tools are used to generate texts, images, documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. Software development professionals, for example, have already incorporated this technology as a fundamental resource to reduce the time spent on coding, while autonomous agents take over complex tasks for long periods.
This technical capability has generated significant changes in organizational structures, leading to the redesign of teams, the absorption of functions, and the creation of new positions. The job market across all sectors has been altered, which represents a positive opportunity for those who prepare for this new landscape, aiming for higher salaries. Research indicates that possessing AI skills can result in a salary increase of up to 62%.
AI applications and case studies are already common topics in conferences, lectures, and news, frequently appearing in discussions about work on how companies use the technology to optimize processes or solve problems.
Research confirms the change in the daily job market. The Future of Jobs Report 2025, prepared by the World Economic Forum (WEF), projects the creation of 170 million jobs by 2030, while 92 million will be eliminated, resulting in a positive surplus of 78 million vacancies.
Many of these new roles have already emerged and offer superior remuneration. The consultancy PwC analyzed over one billion job advertisements across six continents and found that professionals with AI skills earn 62% more.
Although jobs are not scarce, it is crucial to be prepared in advance. The WEF estimates that 59 out of every 100 people will need retraining or upskilling. Among executives, 63% point to lack of qualification as an obstacle to AI adoption. Additionally, a Kyndryl study reveals that 71% of leaders believe their teams are not yet ready to harness the full potential of AI.
Professionals themselves recognize the need for updates, not just managers. A Better Work survey indicates that 97% of workers are dissatisfied with the use of AI in the workplace, and 81% feel that the market is advancing faster than they are. Only 3% claim to master AI in their respective areas.
Contrary to what many imagine, the opportunities related to artificial intelligence are not limited only to the technology sector. A survey conducted by Lightcast demonstrates that 56% of AI-related jobs belong to other market segments, and this percentage has been growing annually, proving the versatility of these tools and their ability to transform multiple professions.
In certain areas, AI functions as operational assistance. Text and image generation tools, for example, can increase productivity, while agents capable of operating various software assist in task automation and process improvement.
Beyond operational agility, AI enables the analysis of vast volumes of data, identifying correlations that would be invisible to humans. Thus, the technology contributes to strategic decisions, minimizing risks and suggesting paths with a higher probability of success.
Furthermore, the current moment creates opportunities for those who wish to work on developing AI itself, creating personalized solutions for companies. In this field, acquiring knowledge in statistics and machine learning is recommended.
AI tools are in continuous evolution, requiring frequent use and maintenance of curiosity to explore their functionalities. Since many interfaces are conversational, the focus should not be on memorizing commands, but rather on learning to formulate a prompt that leads to the desired results.
It is equally important to know which tools are most appropriate for each activity and how to integrate them into the workflow. This ensures productivity gains without compromising quality, preserving the human element in crucial aspects.
However, being prepared for AI goes beyond having technical skills to operate chatbots and agents. Due to rapid transformations, workplaces have become more dynamic, and the human capacity to judge and decide has gained significant weight to ensure execution occurs as planned.
According to the Microsoft Work Trend Index 2026, AI users highlighted quality control (50%) and critical reasoning for information analysis (46%) as vital competencies. Furthermore, 86% see AI as a starting point, not the final answer, preferring to maintain the responsibility of being the thinking center of the process.
Regarding analysis and decision-making, AI uses the data inherent in business activities. Understanding this and knowing how tools access these resources has become essential in various occupations.