Skills for the AGI Era
The capabilities that pay off most in a world of capable general AI — covering technical literacy, judgement, communication, and embodied skills.
Executive summary
Skill portfolios matter more than single bets. The most resilient profiles in 2026 combine AI literacy (using tools well), domain depth (knowing one thing exceptionally), human capabilities (communication, judgement, relationship), and embodied skill (something physical).
Four skill pillars
- AI literacy. Comfort using and directing frontier tools.
- Domain depth. Exceptional knowledge of one substantive area.
- Human capabilities. Communication, leadership, judgement, ethics.
- Embodied skill. Craft, performance, hands-on work that grounds you outside a screen.
Underweighted skills in 2026
Writing for thinking, structured negotiation, qualitative interviewing, public speaking, project management, and statistical literacy. All compound with AI use rather than being replaced by it.
Skills to avoid betting the farm on alone
Pure routine information processing, single-task technical specialisation without domain context, and any role defined entirely by access to information rather than by judgement on it.
Key takeaways
- 01Combine AI literacy, domain depth, human capability, and embodied skill.
- 02Communication and judgement compound with AI use.
- 03Pure information-processing roles face the steepest disruption.
Frequently asked questions
Is a STEM degree still worth it?
Yes — particularly when paired with breadth. Narrow technical roles are exposed; technical literacy plus judgement is highly valued.
What about humanities?
Strong humanities training in writing, history, philosophy, and language remains valuable, particularly combined with AI literacy.