Is AI now part of your job description? #ConversationsThatMatter

The workforce is experiencing unprecedented change, from the rise of AI to increasing global uncertainty. In this time of transformation, all professionals - including those overcoming barriers - are searching for guidance, yet many feel stalled without reliable information or support. Our data shows that more than half (51%) of professionals worldwide admit that learning new AI skills feels like taking on an additional job.

To help bridge that gap, LinkedIn recently hosted a full-day AI takeover event in our San Francisco office and online, uniting thought leaders from within the company and across the industry. Together, they explored how professionals can gain the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to thrive in an AI-powered workplace. We captured insights from the ground, with a special focus on how young professionals overcoming barriers and nonprofit partners can unlock their full potential.

According to LinkedIn’s own data and insights, the relationship between human connection and technological change is taking shape. Globally, 75% of 18–24-year-olds say that no matter how advanced AI becomes, nothing can replace the intuition and guidance they gain from trusted colleagues.

To dig deeper into what this means for the workforce, LinkedIn’s Senior Social Impact Manager @Kavell Brown caught up with @Adanta Ahanonu from COOP , @Jared Chung from CareerVillage.org and @Michael Gutman from Center on Rural Innovation to uncover how professionals can embrace AI’s potential without losing the value of human connection.

It wouldn’t be #ConversationsThatMatter without hearing directly from event attendees though. So we also caught up with industry experts and thought leaders, asking them how young people can best use AI to strengthen their professional networking.

Their insights highlighted the incredible potential of AI to elevate your networking. From helping craft more thoughtful and personalized outreach messages to identifying the right connections and opportunities!

But it’s not all work and no play. We also wanted to go beyond the typical email prep and meeting notes to explore the more creative, unconventional ways people are using AI in their personal lives. 

Our research shows that 42% of professionals feel overwhelmed by how quickly they’re expected to “get” AI, and many find that trying it out in less formal, everyday situations is one of the best ways to build confidence and comfort. Trust us when we say these answers did not disappoint.

If you’re a nonprofit and not sure where to start, check out 6 Ways Nonprofits Can Build AI Skills and Transform How They Find Talent from our friends at LinkedIn for Nonprofits, a great resource to help your organization leverage AI effectively.

As always, we hope you enjoyed this deep dive and would love to hear your perspective. Join the conversation with #ConversationsThatMatter and don’t forget to tag LinkedIn Social Impact to share your thoughts and experiences.