India’s EdTech sector is witnessing a remarkable trend in upskilling, particularly among senior professionals with 12+ years of experience. Great Learning, a leading EdTech company, has revealed insights highlighting the surge in demand for Artificial Intelligence (AI) upskilling. According to Hari Krishnan Nair, Co-Founder of Great Learning, 60% of senior professionals enrolled in AI-aligned programs in FY 2024-25, with 91% expressing a keen interest in Generative AI.
“The significance of Generative AI (Gen AI) for senior professionals and leaders is immense in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape,” Nair notes. “AI is revolutionising industries worldwide, making upskilling in emerging technologies like Gen AI indispensable. For leaders, it transcends merely addressing business challenges with technological solutions; it’s about designing AI strategies that seamlessly align with organisational objectives.”
Key Motivations Behind AI Upskilling
What’s driving 60% of senior professionals to opt for AI-focused upskilling? According to Nair, it’s a combination of relevance, problem-solving, and strategic impact.
“Senior professionals recognise that to remain effective leaders, they need to understand and leverage AI’s potential,” he says. “This motivation goes beyond acquiring technical skills—it’s about staying relevant, solving complex business challenges, and driving strategic decisions based on data-driven insights. GenAI is revolutionising workflows, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling tailored solutions that meet dynamic market demands.”
This demand is influencing how EdTech companies design training programs. “There is a growing focus on practical applications and strategic business insights,” Nair explains. “At Great Learning, we are ensuring that our programs now include specialised modules on GenAI and short-duration workshops designed for busy leaders.”
This approach reflects a broader trend toward aligning technical learning with real-world business challenges, ensuring that professionals can apply new skills effectively without significant disruption to their productivity.
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In-Demand Skills in AI
When asked about the most sought-after AI skills in the job market, Nair identifies key areas such as Generative AI, Python programming, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and Large Language Models (LLMs). These technologies are at the forefront of automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent systems.
“Generative AI stands out because of its transformative potential across industries—from enhancing customer service to optimising complex operations,” he says. “Many organisations are also extending AI learning beyond traditional tech roles, introducing specialised programs for leadership teams and non-technical departments such as HR, marketing, and customer service.”
For leaders, the focus is on empowering them with the knowledge and skills necessary to identify, develop, and execute impactful business strategies leveraging Generative AI. “This holistic approach ensures that AI strategies are integrated throughout the organisation, fostering a culture of innovation and enhancing overall efficiency,” Nair adds.
Emerging Roles for Senior Professionals in AI
Generative AI is creating a plethora of new career opportunities for senior professionals. Nair highlights some of the emerging roles:
“Generative AI is opening up roles such as Prompt Engineering, AI Strategy Consultant, AI Solutions Architect, and Generative AI Developer,” he says. “Additionally, positions like AI Ethics Officer and AI Transformation Leader are emerging to oversee responsible AI implementation and ensure alignment with organisational goals. These roles require a blend of technical understanding and strategic insight, which senior professionals are well-positioned to provide.”
Beyond these specialised roles, there is a growing demand for cross-functional leaders who can apply AI insights to drive business transformation. “Senior professionals with expertise in Generative AI will be well-positioned to lead initiatives that integrate AI across various business units, ensuring that technological advancements align with organizational goals and deliver tangible value,” Nair emphasises.
Transitioning into AI Roles Without Starting from Scratch
For experienced professionals looking to transition into AI roles, Nair advises leveraging their existing expertise.
“Senior professionals have a significant advantage—they bring a wealth of industry knowledge and strategic insight that are invaluable for AI-driven initiatives,” he notes. “The key is to focus on how AI can address business challenges rather than getting bogged down in technical complexities. Roles such as AI Project Managers or AI Strategy Leaders are perfect examples where experienced professionals can apply their existing skills while integrating new AI knowledge.”
“We offer modules that emphasise strategic applications and real-world case studies,” Nair explains. “Workshops and short-duration courses allow senior leaders to gain practical knowledge in areas like Generative AI and LLMs, enabling them to lead AI initiatives without starting from scratch and apply AI concepts directly to their existing roles.”
Challenges in Applying AI Upskilling and Organisational Support
Despite the enthusiasm for AI upskilling, challenges remain.
“Integrating new AI skills into an established role can be challenging, particularly when balancing time commitments and translating technical concepts into strategic actions,” Nair acknowledges. “Many senior professionals find it difficult to apply what they’ve learned in practical scenarios without organisational support.”
Organisations can bridge this gap by fostering a culture of continuous learning. “Providing opportunities for hands-on application is crucial,” Nair says. “For instance, many companies are offering workshops and project-based learning that align with business objectives and incorporate organisation-specific use cases for practical application. This approach ensures that professionals can integrate their new AI skills into their roles effectively, driving innovation and delivering measurable results.”
