AI seems to be in every headline today, and it's not lost on us that the powerful technology has an undeniable impact on every industry -- including the investment management space. In fact, 55% of asset managers said that they had integrated AI into at least one investment process, with another 27% piloting or testing it, according to Mercer’s 2026 global survey of 131 asset managers (Mercer). Within the industry, AI is increasingly being used to analyze large datasets, streamline research, identify patterns, and improve operational efficiency, making AI literacy an increasingly valuable skill for future industry professionals. It is also an increasingly sought after skillset for employees, and 46% of asset managers and private equity organizations said they were willing to pay 11% to 15% more for employees with strong AI skills, according to KPMG’s Q1 2026 Pulse Survey (KPMG).
With this in mind, we recently set out to expand our curriculum to ensure that Scholars walk away with new and relevant skills to be better prepared for entering the workplace. We also reached out to our community to get a better sense of what would be most helpful, asking, “What AI resources or support would be most valuable?” Of the more than 100 responses, AI readiness courses (36%) topped the list, followed by career resilience skills (31%), AI fluency tips (18%), and increased access to AI tools (15%). As we grow our AI offerings to Scholars and the community more broadly, we’re excited to dive further into the nuances around this emerging technology.
AI courses are a great place to start building skills
With 36% of respondents replying that AI readiness courses would be the most useful, we’re proud to offer programs and resources to our Scholars and Alumni. Alumni can stay up to date on current offerings in our GWI Alumni Career Institute.
In particular, we offered fundamental AI literacy training for our 2026 Scholars, introducing various AI tools and showcasing the ways finance professionals are using AI to streamline their work. At the undergraduate level, our focus is on ensuring our Scholars have strong technical knowledge as their foundation and the AI fluency to take their knowledge to the next level as they enter the workforce.
Moving beyond the fundamentals, we are launching our newest program at the Alumni level, Pathways: AI. This virtual nine-week, hands-on program will equip Alumni with the skills to build and direct their own AI agents on real investment workflows including research, diligence, IC memos, and LP reporting with no coding required. As AI reshapes how capital gets managed, GWI is making sure our Alumni community are the ones directing it, not catching up to it.
In an AI world, human skills are the highest commodity
With 31% of respondents identifying career resilience skills as the most valuable support GWI could offer, this conversation is clearly larger than technology alone. While AI can assist with technical calculations and quicken research, it cannot replace the human judgment and relationships that remain central to success in investment management. Relationships with clients and teams are incredibly important in this role, so rather than focusing too heavily on where AI may pose a competitive advantage, there's an opportunity to lean into and build upon the human skills that will continue to be important. As AI takes on more administrative tasks, the skills that help professionals adapt, build relationships, communicate effectively, and navigate change are becoming increasingly important.
Relationship-building and human intuition remain critical differentiators, particularly in fields like investment management where collaboration, trust, and judgment play a central role. While employers will continue to assess technical knowledge, candidates who can clearly articulate their experiences, demonstrate leadership potential, and showcase adaptability will stand out!
Developing a strong understanding of AI is also key for career resilience. Beyond knowing how to use new tools, professionals who can identify thoughtful applications for AI and leverage it to enhance their work will be better positioned to grow alongside a rapidly evolving industry. Beyond application alone, developing the skills necessary to analyze output is paramount given the technology’s tendency for hallucinations. In fact, three out of four asset management and private equity organizations now require human validation of AI-agent outputs, according to KPMG (KPMG). Independent human judgment remains essential, regardless of how advanced AI becomes, and leaning into the human characteristics necessary for success is the best and brightest path forward.
AI fluency takes time, but it's nonnegotiable
As AI becomes a regular part of the workplace, understanding how to use these tools effectively is quickly becoming a necessary professional skill. Eighteen percent of respondents indicated they were looking for AI fluency tips, highlighting a desire for practical guidance rather than access alone.
AI fluency looks different in every industry, but it generally includes understanding how to ask effective questions, evaluate outputs critically, and identify opportunities where AI can enhance productivity while maintaining sound judgment. Whether drafting a presentation, analyzing information, or conducting research, professionals who can thoughtfully incorporate AI into their workflows will be better positioned to adapt as the technology continues to evolve. Through both our Scholars Program and Pathways: AI, we're helping our community members build the confidence to use these tools responsibly and effectively throughout their careers.
AI is available to all, but be sure to use it thoughtfully
Fifteen percent of respondents said increased access to AI tools would be the most valuable form of support. Learning about AI matters, but hands-on experience is often the fastest way to build real confidence.
As AI continues to reshape how we work, having the opportunity to experiment with new technologies is key to better understand its capabilities, limitations, and real-world applications. As we continue expanding our AI initiatives, we're committed to identifying opportunities that help Scholars and Alumni gain meaningful exposure to the technologies that are increasingly shaping the future of work. Regardless of your field, developing baseline competencies today with Copilot, Gemini, ChatGPT, and Claude* is a great way to begin prepping yourself for the future. We encourage our community to explore these technologies, and check out our courses for some additional and more advanced guidance.
*Note: Never share personal, confidential, or client information with public AI tools.
The Bottom Line
The survey results make one thing clear: our community is eager to build the skills needed to thrive in an AI-powered future. Through AI readiness coursework, career resilience training, practical guidance on using AI effectively, and greater access to emerging technologies, our community is ready to embrace a rapidly evolving workplace with confidence, and we are proud to support that journey.
While technical skills remain important, the future of work will increasingly rely on professionals who can adapt, think critically, build meaningful relationships, and leverage new technologies responsibly. By continuing to invest in AI education and career development resources, we aim to help ensure that the next generation of investors is prepared for the opportunities of tomorrow!
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