AI efforts drive up demand for analytics, database architecture skills

Dive Brief

CIOs must clearly tie technology to business goals to draw in-demand talent, according to Heidrick & Struggles’ Sunny Ackerman.

Published Aug. 20, 2026

Dive Brief:

• AI skills don’t necessarily have AI in the title. In a report from Heidrick & Struggles published earlier this month, advanced analytics and database architecture skills emerged as two categories that grew exponentially for businesses in the past six months. These skills specifically mapped to capitalizing on AI investments.
• Advanced analytics skills more than quadrupled, according to the recruiting firm’s analysis, while database architecture and data management skills jumped 150%. The company compared the demand for skills between January and July with the previous six months.
• “AI is only as strong as the data it’s built from, which is why organizations need talent who understand how to build solid data foundations, strengthen governance, improve data quality and turn that information into useful insights,”...

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