What skills will help you stand out in a changing business environment?

The growth of AI across industries is transforming the way organizations function. The use of AI agents and tools is shifting employees’ responsibilities and reshaping the roles of entire teams. According to a recent survey by McKinsey, 40 percent of large organizations reported scaling their AI agents in 2026, up from 27 percent the previous year.

Accounting is just one industry where entry-level roles are reducing due to the automation of routine tasks. A third of tax firms are reportedly already using generative AI in their work, according to Reuters, with 14 percent specifically using agentic AI. This means new hires are increasingly expected to have technical expertise, the ability to use AI tools, and the soft skills needed to work effectively in an AI-enabled workplace.

So, how can you stand out in this changing business environment?

From having the ability to solve complex problems to understanding how to harness the potential of AI, these are the skills that will help you succeed in today’s business landscape.

Technical skills

As organizations continue to adapt to integrate AI into their workflows, employers are valuing recruits who have the technical expertise required to apply new technologies effectively.

Today, AI can automate tasks ranging from data entry to generating reports and presentations. However, the diversity of applications is growing. This means specialist skills and knowledge are growing more important in helping firms utilize the technology effectively—and can help you stand out in a competitive job market.

Data analysis

The ability to analyze and interpret data is essential across a range of job functions and industries, from financial reporting to investment banking.

The value of this skill is only rising; 59 percent of recruiters in 2026 believe data analysis and interpretation to be among the most important for business school graduates to possess—up from 42 percent the previous year. 

As a result, business schools are taking steps to help students enhance their data skills. At Villanova School of Business, two specialized programs, the Master of Accounting with Data Analytics (MAC) and the Master of Business Taxation with Data Analytics (MBT), both integrate data analytics with the use of tools such as Alteryx, QlickView, and Excel to help students become adept with handling data. 

Not only does this help students develop the technical skills needed for analysis, but such programs also aim to teach you how to visualize your findings to provide insights and tell stories with the data you gather.

AI proficiency

As AI increasingly transforms job roles and responsibilities, it’s unsurprising that specialist AI skills are growing in importance in today’s workplace. In fact, our research shows that employers believe the most important skills over the next five years will be in using AI tools. 

Within specialist degrees such as the MAC and MBT at Villanova, AI skills are integrated into the curriculum to help students build their AI proficiency. This includes learning how to evaluate, review, and critically analyze AI outputs.

The MAC program also offers a dedicated course focused on how to apply generative and agentic AI in accounting, alongside additional specialist AI electives in other courses.

Soft skills

As technology shapes the nature of industries, the skills required for success are not confined to technical capabilities. Equally important are soft skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership. Within an uncertain environment, these skills are essential in allowing professionals to make informed decisions with limited information, and to work effectively alongside AI.

They are also highly in-demand, with communication, problem-solving, and adaptability the most important skills among hiring firms today, according to our latest Corporate Recruiters Survey.

Problem-solving

The ability to think critically and navigate uncertainty has always been a key component of successful organizational strategy, but this is becoming even more important in an AI-enabled workplace. Being able to solve problems effectively will help you analyze AI outputs, remain adaptable, and look at challenges from a new perspective.

A business master’s can help you develop your problem-solving skills, preparing you to undertake real-world business challenges through practical projects and collaborating with others.

At Villanova, students studying the MAC program complete a capstone program involving working with companies on real-world business problems. This practical experience allows them to utilize the technical expertise they’ve built alongside the soft skills needed to work effectively as part of a team.

Negotiation

AI is rapidly reshaping how businesses operate; with human-AI teams becoming increasingly common, this places greater emphasis on the ability of humans to work together effectively. In this environment, negotiation is an important skill for professionals in order to be able to build trust, communicate persuasively, and strengthen relationships.

Negotiation is a key skill that the business school experience can help you develop. For example, despite being technical degrees, Villanova’s MAC and MBT programs both feature a negotiation course as part of their curriculums. These modules aim to equip students with a toolkit of different approaches and principles. Students are also encouraged to reflect on their negotiation techniques, to improve not only outcomes, but their own performances.

Leadership

Leadership is one of the most important skills to build in the AI era, encompassing many of the traits needed to navigate fundamental change. As uncertainty requires organizations to adapt, the ability to influence and motivate others and make decisions that combine technology with human insight becomes ever more important.

A strong leader should be able to make decisions, manage teams, and think critically. At Villanova, students can develop these capabilities through courses covering leadership and negotiation, alongside extracurricular professional development opportunities.

As businesses continue to adapt to emerging technologies and reduced workforces, a skillset consisting of technical proficiencies and strong interpersonal traits will prepare you to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Building these skills can help you remain adaptable in a changing business landscape, impress employers, and kickstart a successful career.