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As the global demand for data analytics professionals surges, India is solidifying its position as a leading destination for talent in this field. A recent report reveals that nearly a quarter of job postings in the country focus on data analytics skills, underscoring the critical role this expertise plays in shaping business strategies.
Data Analytics Dominates Job Market
According to Cornerstone’s Global State of the Skills Economy Report 2024, India leads the way with 17.4% of its job postings seeking data analytics skills for the period from January to July this year.
This marks a significant growth of 52% in data analytics job postings over the past five years, reflecting the increasing reliance on data-driven decision-making across industries. In comparison, the United States follows with 8.8% of job postings focused on the same area.
AI Skills Demand Soars
The report also highlights a strong correlation between the emphasis on data analytics and the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). There has been a notable 65% increase in demand for AI roles globally over the last five years.
India again stands out with 4.1% of its job postings centered on AI and machine learning (ML), surpassing the demands of the United States and solidifying its growing stature in the global AI landscape. Germany and Japan follow with 2.5% and 2.2% of their job postings in this domain, respectively.
Generative AI Drives Job Growth
The rise of Generative AI (GenAI) has led to an extraordinary 411% increase in job postings related to this technology, particularly after the launch of ChatGPT-4 in early 2023. “This rapid adoption urgently requires a workforce skilled in AI applications. Companies must hire new talent and invest in reskilling their existing workforce to fully capitalize on these advancements,” the report states.
Human Skills Remain Vital
Despite the technological advancements, the need for human skills has remained robust, surpassing the demand for digital skills across all regions.
“As Gen AI begins to redefine roles across industries, it will be human skills of leadership, creativity, and ethical judgement that will turn technological potential and innovation into real-world success,” stated Nishchae Suri, managing director of Cornerstone India.
The report, produced by SkyHive, part of Cornerstone, utilised a comprehensive Knowledge Graph that encompasses data from over 150 countries, including job postings, resumes, and government statistics. It emphasizes that companies can maintain a competitive edge by actively addressing skill gaps and promoting continuous learning, ultimately enhancing productivity and profitability.
