Introduction
As the global job market evolves, the skills that matter today may not be the same in the future. From 2026 to 2030, artificial intelligence (AI), data, and cybersecurity will gain prominence in the workplace. However, soft skills will continue to be vital for success.
Who is the World Economic Forum (WEF)?
The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international organization committed to shaping the global agenda. It brings together business, government, and civil society leaders to collaborate on global issues. The WEF’s reports are widely recognized for their insights into future trends and challenges.
Key Skills in High Demand by 2026
According to the WEF’s report, “The Future of Jobs,” technological innovations, demographic changes, the transition to sustainable economies, and global economic uncertainty will reshape and transform the global labor market by 2030. Four out of ten employers anticipate changes in workers’ skills due to these global shifts.
Mexico’s Job Market Outlook
The WEF predicts that 40% of basic skills in Mexico will change due to expanded digital access. As a result, artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cybersecurity, and technological literacy will become the fastest-growing capabilities.
Top 10 Technical Skills in Demand for 2026
Udemy’s Global Skills Report 2026 highlights that mastering AI will be a fundamental capability. Individuals must learn to understand AI’s language and logic while considering ethical aspects.
- GitHub Copilot
- Microsoft Copilot
- CGRC (Certified in Governance, Risk, and Compliance)
- Pytest
- Salesforce Certified AI Associate
- Implementing Analytics Solutions Using Microsoft Fabric (DP-600)
- AWS Certified Data Engineer – Associate
- Prompt Engineering
- Google Gemini
- Vector Databases
Udemy emphasizes that AI skills development is clustering around three clear trends: AI-assisted productivity, platform and application integration, and governance.
Understanding AI’s strengths and limitations, crafting effective prompts, and validating results with critical thinking are crucial. This requires more development of soft skills that foster adaptability and continuous learning.
In-Demand Soft Skills
While technical skills will gain prominence, the demand for soft skills will also increase. TestGorilla predicts a 26% rise in soft skills by 2030, including adaptability, collaboration, communication, creativity, tenacity, and emotional intelligence.
Udemy stresses the need for complementary skills beyond technical abilities to effectively utilize AI tools. Computrabajo explains that work skills are a combination of knowledge, abilities, and attitudes that help perform tasks effectively, encompassing technical, personal, and social aspects.
WEF’s Emphasis on Balancing Technical and Social Capabilities
The WEF report highlights the importance of balancing technical and social capabilities to thrive in today’s complex, interconnected work environments. Leaders who can manage teams, effectively handle talent, and adapt to sustainability and ecological transition are in high demand.
Moreover, the report points to the growing interest in sensory processing skills, reading, writing, mathematics, reliability, attention to detail, and quality control in the coming years.
