Building Proficiency in Generative AI: Key Competencies for Success

The rapid adoption of generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) underscores its ease of use, yet research on GenAI proficiency and competencies is limited. This study uses semi-structured interviews with twenty-five expert GenAI users from various sectors to explore GenAI proficiency. The study aims to answer three questions: What differentiates proficient GenAI use? What competencies support proficient use? What benefits does proficient GenAI use provide? Three aspects of GenAI proficiency emerged: effective prompting, informed and responsible choices, and diverse, complex use. The following competencies were seen to support proficient use of GenAI: GenAI literacy, domain expertise, communication skills, metacognition, curiosity, flexibility, adaptability, diligence, and IT skills. The outcomes of proficient use of GenAI were improved productivity, higher quality output, and greater originality. This framework, grounded in real-world experience, underscores the importance of human skills, knowledge, and mindsets for proficient use of GenAI tools.