If you want to get hired, or keep your job, in 2026, you need more than just basic ChatGPT knowledge.

Employers are raising their expectations when it comes to AI skills. And while most people are still just experimenting with AI, this is your opportunity to move to the front of the line.

In this episode of Career Blueprint, Carey O’Connor breaks down the 5 essential AI skills everyone needs in 2026:

✔ AI Literacy – When to trust AI (and when not to)
✔ Prompt Engineering – How to give AI clear, effective instructions
✔ Building Your AI Tool Stack – Choosing the right tools for the job
✔ Working with AI Agents – Managing AI that can take action
✔ AI Safety – Protecting privacy, accuracy, and your reputation

You’ll learn:

1. Why most people are still underusing AI at work
2. How AI actually writes (and why that matters)
3. How to spot hallucinations and logic gaps
4. Why “lazy prompting” is holding people back
5. How AI agents are changing recruiting, finance, and customer service
6. What employers really expect from professionals in 2026

This episode is designed for:
🎓 Students
💼 Young professionals
👩‍👧 Parents guiding the next generation
📈 Anyone who wants to stay competitive in the future of work

AI is not a final product. It’s evolving. And the people who stay curious — and keep learning — will have the advantage.

🎧 Subscribe to Career Blueprint for clear, practical insights on AI and the future of work.