How Can Professionals from Different Fields Transition to Artificial Intelligence? — Realistic Pathways in Georgia

Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly visible in Georgia’s labor market, yet for many it is still seen as the exclusive domain of programmers and engineers. The “Spring 2025 Digital Ecosystem Digest” by BTU (Business and Technology University) makes it clear that this stereotype is breaking down: opportunities are emerging not only for technical specialists but also for professionals in fields that have traditionally been far removed from IT. The key lies in selecting the right skills and developing them purposefully, enabling professionals to pivot quickly and effectively into new roles.

What roles are emerging when AI is no longer only for coders?

Global trends show that the AI ecosystem requires much more than software developers. Non-technical roles such as AI product managers, business analysts, content strategists, digital marketing specialists, or instructional designers who integrate pedagogy with technology are now well-established internationally — and are slowly appearing in Georgia too.

For instance, a marketing professional with experience in customer behavior analysis and campaign planning can now shift toward AI-driven advertising and content management, provided they master tools like ChatGPT or Midjourney. Likewise, business analysts are increasingly expected not only to interpret data but also to understand how predictive algorithms work and translate AI model outputs into business strategy. HR professionals, who once screened résumés manually, can now automate much of this process with AI platforms.

Data from LinkedIn shows that between 2022 and 2024, demand for non-technical AI roles grew by 21% on average, outpacing the growth of traditional programming jobs in many markets. This signals a broader professional shift: careers increasingly depend on hybrid capabilities that combine domain expertise with AI literacy.

What does the picture look like in Georgia?

In Georgia, the AI jobs ecosystem is still in its early stages, but trends are emerging. BTU’s research highlights growing demand for hybrid skills, though international-style job titles like “AI Product Manager” or “Content Strategist” are still rare in local postings. In practice, such responsibilities are surfacing within existing roles, even if not explicitly named as such.

Education is one of the fastest-moving areas. BTU’s newly accredited bachelor’s program in AI, which launched in the 2024–2025 academic year, provides a structural pipeline to produce not only programmers but also future product managers, analysts, and content specialists with AI competencies. 

The financial sector is also showing momentum. The National Bank of Georgia’s updated fintech strategy positions AI as an infrastructural opportunity, which implies growing demand not only for data scientists but also for compliance officers, product developers, and customer-facing professionals. At the same time, digital and media literacy initiatives in schools and universities are laying the groundwork for future non-technical AI roles by teaching skills such as critical evaluation of information, data interpretation, and source assessment.

Which skills are decisive?

According to BTU’s findings, the most in-demand skills in Georgia include data literacy, familiarity with content generation and automation tools, communication between technical and non-technical teams, and strong English proficiency — essential for remote work opportunities. Global research supports this picture: the World Economic Forum stresses that “complementary skills” such as analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and communication will be key competitive advantages, while technical elements can be added through relatively short training programs.

What challenges remain?

The main barriers in Georgia are lack of information and unequal access to training resources. Many professionals are still unaware that AI integration is already happening in their field, or they do not yet see themselves in this context. The language barrier also plays a significant role, since most high-quality AI training materials and resources are in English. Yet those who overcome these challenges and actively develop AI-related skills are likely to become far more competitive than peers focused solely on traditional technical pathways.

Why should this transition begin now?

Global experience shows that early adopters reap the greatest rewards. Deloitte research indicates that companies which integrated AI earlier increased revenues 20% faster than their competitors. For Georgia, where AI is still in its formative phase and competition remains relatively low, this creates a strategic window of opportunity.

Now is the best time to make the shift. Remote work platforms give Georgian professionals direct access to international clients where AI integration is already a standard requirement. Those who act early can position themselves not only as capable users of AI tools but as bridge-builders — connecting technology to business, education, and society.