LinkedIn CEO Says AI Literacy and Human Skills Will Outweigh Degrees in Future Workforce

LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky says that in the future workplace, four key qualities will matter more than prestigious degrees or elite college backgrounds: AI literacy, adaptability, empathy, and communication. Speaking during a fireside chat at LinkedIn’s San Francisco office, Roslansky emphasized that the future of work is shifting toward mindset and skill agility rather than formal credentials. He noted that the most valuable employees won’t necessarily be those with the most impressive academic pedigrees, but those who are open to learning, quick to adapt, and capable of working alongside AI tools. “The future of work belongs not to the people with the fanciest degrees, but to those who are adaptable, forward-thinking, ready to learn, and ready to embrace these tools,” he said. This shift, he added, is democratizing opportunity in ways never seen before. AI literacy has emerged as a top priority for employers. A 2024 Microsoft survey found that 71% of business leaders would prefer a less-experienced candidate with AI skills over a more experienced one without them. LinkedIn data shared during its “AI in Work Day” event revealed that job postings requiring AI literacy have risen by about 70% compared to the previous year. Karin Kimbrough, LinkedIn’s chief economist, echoed this sentiment, calling adaptability “the new currency” in the evolving job market. She warned that AI is rapidly reshaping job roles, required skills, and career paths, creating both opportunity and uncertainty. “It’s a lot. It’s a little scary,” she admitted. Roslansky stressed that AI won’t replace humans entirely—but people who use AI effectively will replace those who don’t. Simply knowing how to interact with chatbots isn’t enough. The real edge comes from integrating AI into workflows while maintaining strong human judgment and connection. He highlighted that empathy, communication, and the ability to have meaningful conversations remain essential. “I believe the human component to all of this is quite frankly going to be most people’s secret weapon,” Roslansky said. As automation and AI take on more routine tasks, the uniquely human skills of understanding others, collaborating, and leading will become even more critical to success across all industries.