Upwork, the leading online talent solution, recently unveiled a study report forecasting the most sought-after skills that organizations are expected to demand from skilled professionals in 2024. The report identifies data science and analytics as one of the fastest-growing work categories, propelled by robust business demand for generative AI modeling and machine learning expertise.
The AI and machine learning subcategory on Upwork witnessed a significant 70% year-over-year growth in the fourth quarter of 2023. This surge indicates collaborative endeavors between clients and independent professionals on advanced projects. Data science and analytics have emerged as one of the fastest-growing types of work, with generative AI modeling and machine learning ranking as the fastest-growing skills within this category. According to a press release by Upwork, other newly prominent skills making it to the top 10 most in-demand list this year include medical and executive virtual assistance, development & IT project management, and digital marketing campaign management.
Kelly Monahan, managing director of the Upwork Research Institute, said: "Every company is vying for the best talent and there remains huge demand for a broad range of skills across the Upwork marketplace as businesses big and small are finding solutions in the growing reservoir of skilled independent professionals." Monahan further noted that emergent technologies like generative AI are having a significant impact on the skills-based economy. "Of course business demand for these types of skills is increasing, but we’re also seeing a complementary impact, whereby AI technology is driving greater demand for all types of work across our marketplace," she added.
The Upwork Research Institute conducts comprehensive studies on workforce changes to equip business leaders with essential tools and insights needed for current challenges and future preparations. Through analysis of proprietary platform data, global surveys, partnerships, and academic collaborations, the institute aims to generate evidence-based insights to shape the future of work. This information was obtained from the Upwork Research Institute webpage provided by Upwork.