How to develop these NEEDED skills (especially for new graduates)?

In that same conversation with graduates that I mentioned yesterday about being relevant in the AI world, someone asked me, "What can I do to develop the skills?”

Photo by Fariz Rizky Naufal on Unsplash

Here’s how I believe these are habits anyone can build.

1. Analytical Thinking: Train your mind to question, not just consume

- Don’t accept AI outputs at face value. Ask: “Why?” “What’s missing?” “What’s the assumption here?”

- Use logic games (chess, puzzles).

- Practice the “5 Whys” to get to root causes.

- When reading articles, outline the argument and evaluate alternative viewpoints.

2. Creative Thinking: Stretch your imagination

- Reframe problems by asking, “How would a child/competitor/outsider solve this?”

- Brainstorm without judging. Write down every possible solution.

- Exercise your brain outside your career aspirations, practice creative hobbies like painting, music, and storytelling.

- Read outside your field. Push your mind to 'divergent thinking'. Your creativity may come from combining unexpected ideas.

3. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): The most undervalued career superpower

- EQ is all about Self-awareness, Self-regulation, Social awareness and Relationship management

- Journal your reactions to stressful situations.

- Pause before responding, especially when emotional.

- Actively listen without planning your reply.

- Ask for feedback from mentors and peers about how you show up.

4. Problem-Solving: Structure beats chaos

- Break big problems into smaller ones.

- Use frameworks like PDCA or STAR. 

- Compare 2–3 solutions and evaluate trade-offs.

- Collaborate with people outside your domain for diverse input.

🎓 Tips for New Graduates in the AI Era

1. Be a smart user of AI. Validate everything. AI can hallucinate. But your critical thinking is the differentiator.

2. Develop “translation skills”. Explain technical AI outputs in simple business language.

3. Build a portfolio of impact. Use STAR stories to demonstrate how you used soft skills, not just tools.

4. Commit to lifelong learning. Assume today’s tools will be outdated in 3 years. Stay agile.

AI may change the tools. But your value comes from the mindset you build, the relationships you nurture, and the judgement only a human can make.