Beginner seeking guidance - User Research for AI Strategy

Hi All – Excited to be here. I’m at the beginning of the beginning.

The unusual bit is the mix with user research, service design and business analysis.

I have worked on AI strategy from a user research perspective for an AI driven SAP (future SAAS) for a highly technical role. Full disclosure I have experience of business analysis, UX research and service design (UK job descriptions)

I used a JTBD approach to map jobs across the data pipeline along with inputs/ outputs and pain points - I also developed personas ( across the pipeline) and one detailed journey for financial analysts.

This helps senior stakeholders

  1. Identify roles suitable for AI -and those for humans
  2. Create a future vision of how the organisation might work (aligning teams behind shared goals
  3. Gather other intel - (esp around data migration) - to prioritise AI innovations
  4. Start on new research streams to gather detail and other disciplines to kickstart their work too

So my question is - with this small piece of strategic work behind me…

  1. What skills and expertise would help set me apart for new roles?
  2. Could I consider roles outside of UX research and design? e.g. Solutions Architect?
  3. What combination of skills are sought after (outside of straight dev roles)?