Most professionals still think of artificial intelligence as a technical field, something for engineers and data scientists. That perception is now costing people opportunities.
In 2026, AI skills will be the most challenging to hire for in the entire global workforce. AI has become the top need globally for the first time in ManpowerGroup's 2026 Talent Shortage Survey, beating engineering and conventional IT. 72% of employers reported difficulty filling roles, with AI model development and AI literacy sitting at the very top of the shortage list.
What makes this more striking is what is happening inside organizations at the same time. Deloitte's State of AI in the Enterprise 2026 Report found that employee access to AI tools jumped 50% in just one year, now reaching 60% of employees. Despite that, only 20% of organizations consider their talent truly prepared, with 84% actively increasing AI investment, while the skills gap remains the number one barrier to integration.
That gap is where the career in artificial intelligence lives, in consulting, governance, strategy, product, and transformation, not just engineering.
Choosing the right AI certification program is often the clearest first step professionals take when making this switch for their next AI job.
This guide walks you through every part of that decision.
Download the guide and get ready for your career switch in AI today.
