The Biden administration faces a significant challenge in its goal to strengthen the federal civilian workforce with over 500 AI professionals by the end of fiscal year 2025. This objective can only be accomplished by building a diverse workforce that reflects the diversity of America.
The underrepresentation of gender, race, and ethnic diversities in STEM and AI fields is a well-known issue. The lack of diversity in the general AI workforce and pipeline is largely a reflection of the broader underrepresentation in STEM. This problem is not exclusive to the government but is also prevalent in the private sector.
Recognizing this issue, the Biden administration is taking steps to address it by prioritizing diversity in AI hiring. Some of the strategies being implemented include encouraging departments to utilize their outreach efforts to fill open positions, identifying AI-enabling jobs, and supporting initiatives that promote the diversification of technologists.
Efforts to promote diversity in the AI workforce have been emphasized by the administration, experts, and advocates. They recognize the importance of having a workforce that brings diverse experiences and perspectives to the table during the development and deployment of AI technologies.
To address this challenge, the administration is advocating for agencies to adopt an “active recruitment” approach rather than relying on traditional methods. This involves leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to source interested candidates, directly recruiting from minority-serving institutions, and participating in virtual job fairs.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is also taking steps to train HR specialists on recruiting and hiring technologists. This field requires specialized knowledge and understanding, which the training aims to provide.
Additionally, the administration is focusing on distinguishing between AI and AI-supporting positions, such as data scientists, data analysts, and technical recruiters. By prioritizing these roles, the administration aims to attract a larger pool of applicants, making AI-related jobs more accessible to those interested.
While demographic information on AI employees is not yet available, it is crucial for the government to prioritize transparency and data collection in order to identify existing issues and areas for improvement. Professionals in the field can play a significant role in advocating for additional data and transparency.
In conclusion, the Biden administration is committed to diversifying the federal civilian AI workforce. By implementing active recruitment strategies, providing specialized training, and prioritizing transparency, the administration aims to achieve its goal of increasing the number of AI professionals while ensuring diversity and representation.
