Citi Launches Mandatory AI Prompt Training for 175,000 Employees
Citi is retraining 175,000 employees in AI prompt writing to adapt to technology advancements.
- • Citi targets 175,000 employees for AI prompt training
- • Training completion times vary based on knowledge level
- • Competitors like JPMorgan and Bank of America invest in AI training too
- • Experts stress the importance of viewing AI as a supportive tool
Key details
Citi is implementing a mandatory training program for its 175,000 employees, aimed at enhancing their skills in writing effective prompts for generative AI applications. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to foster a culture of adaptability within the workforce. As outlined in an internal memo, the training will cater to varying skill levels, taking between 10 to 30 minutes to complete based on individual expertise. Citi's employees have already entered over 6.5 million prompts into AI tools this year, emphasizing the necessity for improvement in prompt writing.
Peter Fox, Citi's head of learning, emphasized the efficacy of well-crafted prompts in driving impactful business results. The program reflects a growing trend among financial institutions, with competitors like JPMorgan and Bank of America also prioritizing AI training to ensure their teams can leverage technology effectively.
Industry experts argue that democratizing AI skills is critical as the bank navigates fears of job displacement vis-à-vis AI advancements. Christina Muller noted the importance of training to position AI as a supportive tool rather than a job threat. This sentiment is echoed across various sectors, highlighting the necessity for continuous employee reskilling in light of technological advancements. Gary Lamach from ELB Learning posited that successful AI adoption hinges on investing in workforce development, marking a shift in how firms perceive the integration of AI in finance.
This initiative is timely as companies seek to not only enhance productivity but also to empower employees in adapting to new technologies.