1. AI and data skills

A few years ago, we’d have said AI and data were critical skills for a few specific roles. But this one category has seen such a spike in demand in the Salesforce ecosystem job skill trends that it has a dedicated research report and is now imperative for everyone. Make sure you’re up-to-speed on these crucial AI and data skills.

• Machine Learning and AI Fundamentals: Machine learning uses intelligent machines to mimic human-like cognitive functions — it’s the foundation of AI. You don’t need to learn to code, but you should understand what large language models and natural language processing are to be conversant in discussions about how your business might use AI.
• Generative Artificial Intelligence: Generative AI allows machines to generate content, like text or images, based on existing data. It’s how you can write a sales email based on templated prompts. Good prompts will distinguish successful AI practitioners from casual users.

2. Communication 

Clear and confident communication is key, whether it’s to convince your boss to approve a project, gain consensus with coworkers, teach customers about new features, or build relationships. Build these top communication skills to grow your career.

• Executive Communication: When you engage executives, you need to build a connection, establish credibility, and convey information quickly. To be effective, understand the executive audience and how to tailor your communications — verbally or in email — so they receive your message as you intended.
• Public Speaking: From marketer to business analyst to developer, your job will require you to present complex ideas in a way that’s easy for your audience to understand. To grow your public speaking skills, check out these public speaking and virtual presentation modules on Trailhead, Salesforce’s free online learning platform.

3. Leadership and initiative 

Leadership skills aren’t just for people managers. Whether you’re an executive or an intern, you need to inspire others, influence, solve problems, and, of course, manage teams. Focus on these key skill sets to fine-tune your leadership and initiative skills:

• Business and Change Management: Business management is about driving efficiency, and profitability, and keeping up with the evolving demands of your customers and sometimes your leadership. The skills come in handy when you pitch, manage, and launch any work project.
• Inspiration and Influence: Being a leader means both determining appropriate strategies and getting peers, leadership, and teams on your side. We’re talking relationship building to gain people’s trust and build your influence through empathetic leadership.

4. Critical thinking 

Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills make you an effective, efficient, and collaborative decision-maker and are crucial in the everyday work that contributes to the success of your organization. Make sure you’re developing these key skills to fine-tune your critical thinking.

• Problem-solving: An effective problem-solver identifies problems, analyzes information, and develops effective solutions. Check out the Best Practices for Troubleshooting module on Trailhead to practice identifying and solving problems in a Salesforce org using a proven troubleshooting process.
• Innovation: Innovation is in the DNA of Salesforce, and being a Trailblazer means generating and implementing new ideas to improve business operations. Learn about the Salesforce five-phase innovation approach: Define, Discover, Dare, Do, Drive.