Our guest today is James Raybould, who’s Head of Turing Intelligence at Turing, a company building AI solutions for a variety of organizations. In addition, Turing also helps clients train large language models, or LLMs, which power the chatbots that millions of people use every day. James’s team leverages the latest research to build AI systems that help businesses transform. If there’s one thing we can say about the digital revolution these days, it’s on steroids thanks to AI.

I really wanted to talk to James because of his fascinating insights into how companies are adopting AI, the kinds of AI skills that tech professionals might need to succeed in this rapidly changing world, and the future of AI itself, which will include things like software agents working in sync to help humans accomplish their daily tasks.

Here are some quick takeaways as you think through the best ways to deploy AI within your own organization:

Prioritize Problem-Solving Over Tech Adoption: Don't rush to integrate AI simply because it's the latest trend. Before implementing any AI solution, clearly define the specific business problem you're trying to solve. Conduct thorough workflow analyses and understand the desired outcomes. This strategic approach ensures AI is used effectively and avoids wasted resources on unnecessary integrations. Focus on the customer in approach, not the technology out approach. Sometimes, the best solution won't involve AI at all.

Continuously Upskill and Adapt to Evolving AI Landscapes: Recognize that the tech industry has a diverse range of AI proficiency. Whether you're a seasoned developer or a newcomer, commit to continuous learning. Stay updated on the latest AI tools, methodologies, and advancements. Be prepared to adapt your skills and knowledge as the AI landscape evolves. Leverage training opportunities and engage with communities to bridge any knowledge gaps. Understand that embracing AI is a journey, and that everyone is at a different place on that journey.

Embrace AI as a Tool for Creative Empowerment: See AI not as a job replacement, but as a powerful tool that enhances your capabilities. Leverage AI to automate routine coding tasks, freeing up time for higher-level strategic thinking and innovation. Focus on developing your editing and curating skills to refine AI-generated code. Anticipate a shift towards managing and directing AI agents, and begin developing the necessary skills for this future role. Explore and experiment with AI-powered development tools to enhance your productivity and creative output.

Cultivate Effective Communication and Iteration with AI: Recognize that interacting with AI agents is fundamentally different from working with humans. Embrace the efficiency and directness that AI offers, while also understanding the importance of clear and precise communication. Master the art of prompt engineering to elicit desired outputs. Be prepared to iterate and refine your interactions with AI, continuously improving its performance. Understand that human oversight remains crucial for ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of AI-driven workflows. Practice clear communication, and understand that you will be able to iterate much faster with AI than with humans.

There was a lot more in that discussion, of course, so give it another listen if you feel so inclined. Thank you for joining us—and remember, Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for tech pros, the best place to grow your tech career.

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Our next ‘Tech Connects’ guest is Jenni Troutman, who’s Director of Training and Certification Products and Services at Amazon Web Services (AWS). In that role, she’s worked to help people interested in AWS and the cloud gain access to low-cost and self-paced training. Given that background, she seems like an ideal person to discuss the evolving landscape for cloud skills, the importance of certain technical and soft skills, and how certifications can act as a career catalyst. Let’s listen in!

Here are some quick takeaways as you proceed on your own cloud journey:

• Essential Skills for the Future: The tech landscape is rapidly evolving, especially with the rise of generative AI. While technical skills are important, soft skills like collaboration, critical thinking, and continuous learning are crucial. The ability to adapt to new tools and technologies is essential for staying relevant in this dynamic environment. Professionals should focus on developing a growth mindset and embrace lifelong learning to navigate the ever-changing tech world.
• Generative AI and Its Impact: Generative AI is revolutionizing various industries, from automating tasks to generating creative content. Professionals should strive to understand the capabilities of generative AI and how it can be applied to their respective fields. Learning how to effectively prompt AI models and integrate them into workflows is becoming increasingly valuable. Regardless of your role, staying informed about the latest advancements in AI and exploring its potential applications is crucial for career development.
• AWS Training and Certifications: AWS offers a wide range of training and certification programs to help individuals gain expertise in cloud computing and AI. These certifications can validate your skills and enhance your career prospects. While certifications are valuable, they should be complemented by practical experience and personal projects. Demonstrating your ability to apply your knowledge to real-world problems is key to impressing potential employers.
• Navigating the Evolving Job Market: The job market is becoming increasingly competitive, and it's essential to stand out from the crowd. Building a strong portfolio of personal projects that showcase your skills and creativity can make a significant difference. Additionally, networking and collaborating with others in the industry can open up new opportunities. While the future of AI is uncertain, embracing change and continuously upskilling will be crucial for long-term success in the tech world.

There was a lot more in that discussion, of course, so give it another listen if you feel so inclined. Thank you for joining us—and remember, Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for technologists, the best place to grow your tech career.

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For our latest episode, I’m chatting with Danny Thompson, who’s the director of technology at This Dot Labs, a frequent speaker on tech hiring, a conference organizer, and a podcast host. He’s constantly talking to recruiters, hiring experts, and people in the developer community about what it takes to land a job in tech, and I thought I’d be great to sit down with him and break down what the hiring landscape looks like right now for software developers and engineers.

Even better, he has some great tips for anyone who’s navigating the tech landscape right now in search of a job. Let’s jump in!

Here are some quick takeaways from Danny that you can use for your own job journey:

De-risk yourself as a candidate: When seeking a new tech role, especially your first, focus on minimizing the perceived risk for potential employers. Think of yourself as an investment. Companies prefer safe bets with clear returns. Showcase your abilities and accomplishments to demonstrate your value and make them want to take a chance on you. Don't just state your skills; prove them.

Strategically craft your resume and LinkedIn profile: Your resume and LinkedIn profile are not just checklists; they are marketing tools. Think strategically about the narrative you want to convey. What conversations do you want to spark? What impression do you want to leave? Tailor the information to highlight your strengths and guide the interviewer toward the topics where you excel. Remember, these are the primary sources recruiters and hiring managers use to form their initial impressions and develop interview questions.

Master the first interview: Many tech professionals focus on the technical interviews but overlook the initial screening. This first interview, often with a recruiter or HR representative, is crucial. Learn to articulate your technical achievements in a way that resonates with non-technical individuals. Focus on demonstrating your soft skills, like communication and problem-solving, through your interactions and examples. Make the interviewer enthusiastic about your potential so they advocate for you in subsequent rounds.

Adapt and thrive in a competitive market: The tech job market is highly competitive. While AI may have some impact in the long term, current layoffs are primarily driven by other factors like over-hiring, shareholder pressures, and performance reviews. Don't be discouraged. Focus on continuously developing your skills, networking effectively, and showcasing your value. Just as professionals in other industries have always needed to advocate for themselves, tech professionals must now do the same. Embrace the challenge and demonstrate your unique value proposition.

We covered a lot more during the discussion, so please give it another listen if you missed anything. We’ll see you next time, and remember—Dice is your best resource to find the tech talent you need to fill your open roles, and for tech professionals, the best place to grow your tech career.

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