Data science and data analytics

While a familiarity with AI technology and tools like ChatGPT can be beneficial to professionals in a wide range of roles, our research shows that companies continue to seek out people who have experience with:

• Generative AI modeling
• Data analysis
• Machine learning
• AI data annotation and labeling
• Knowledge representation
• Data visualization

The work available to professionals with these skill sets varies—they might lead a machine learning project, improve the accuracy of big data sets used in training algorithms, or build a generative AI application from the ground up.

If you’re looking for help related to data science or machine learning, you can use Upwork to locate professionals like:

• Data scientists
• Data annotation specialists
• Data analysts

Training and consulting

As more companies make AI adoption a priority, they need access to skilled professionals who can not only deploy and use that technology, but teach their existing teams how to work alongside AI, too. This creates opportunities for:

• Executive coaching
• Career coaching
• Management consulting
• Instructional design
• Team training
• Business analysis and strategy

Similarly, many workers and freelancers are interested in upskilling to build new capabilities and explore different career paths on their own with the help of a career or life coach.

Whether you’re interested in sharing your AI skills with others or you want to help more people find the right career, you can start offering consultations (including Instant Consultations) on Upwork today.

And you can hire consultants yourself, too, including:

• Career coaches
• Life coaches
• Business analysts

Finance and business operations

ChatGPT may have very basic math skills, but it can’t run Quickbooks, prepare S-Corp tax returns, or make sure every aspect of a business is running smoothly. For that, companies still need professionals with skills in:

• Accounting
• Bookkeeping
• Tax preparation
• Financial modeling
• Financial management
• Recruiting and talent sourcing

And whether you’re seeking help at tax time or looking for an accountant to assist your business throughout the year, you can use Upwork to hire:

• Fractional CFOs
• Certified public accountants (CPAs)
• Bookkeepers

Coding, web, and software development

Professionals with coding and web development skills are regularly in high demand—and now, there’s an AI twist. Clients are particularly eager to work with freelancers skilled in:

• Scripting and automation
• Web design
• User experience (UX) design
• Full-stack development
• Front-end development
• Mobile app development

You can also use Upwork to connect with freelancers like:

• Software developers
• ERP system specialists
• WordPress developers

Customer service and administrative support

Clients always need freelancers who can help them keep customers happy—and make sure that projects are moving forward as planned. This year, some of the most in-demand professionals have admin, project management, and support experience related to:

• Executive virtual assistance
• General research services
• Digital project management
• Market research
• Manual transcription
• Customer service

If you’re looking for customer and administrative support in your own work, you can find freelancers on Upwork including:

• Virtual assistants
• Business project managers
• Supply chain logistics project management

Sales and digital marketing

While good communication skills remain the backbone of sales and marketing work, this field continually evolves along with technology. Right now, clients want to work with professionals who have solid sales or marketing skills and experience with the fundamentals of:

• Email marketing
• Online advertising
• Campaign management
• Search engine optimization (SEO)
• Social media marketing
• Sales and business development

You can also turn to Upwork to find freelancers who can fill various sales and marketing roles at your company, including:

• Telemarketers
• Display ads specialists
• Social media campaign managers

Design and creative

In-demand creative skills go beyond marketing and expand into other roles and industries. Some of the top skills we’re seeing a demand for right now are:

• Industrial design
• Pattern design
• Video production
• Presentation design
• 3D animation
• Image editing

You can also improve your own creative and design process with the help of freelancers on Upwork like:

• Product designers
• Video editors
• Canva graphic designers