AI IN THE WORKPLACE
How college students can use AI to help make them better job candidates rather than let it take over
The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries and workplaces worldwide, leaving college students and new graduates to wonder: how will AI impact their future careers? Survey data reveals mixed feelings. About 35% said they worried AI might replace their future jobs, while nearly 50% said they weren’t worried. However, 74.4% agreed that AI would change their career, highlighting an undeniable recognition of AI’s transformative potential.
"Some jobs will be taken over by AI inevitably"
A Double-Edged Sword: Opportunities and Risks
Bo Mei, Ph.D., an associate professor of computer science at Texas Christian University, acknowledged both the promises and challenges of AI. "Some jobs will be taken over by AI inevitably," he said. “When I started my research in this field seven years ago, it was theoretical, not practical. Since then, it’s developed rapidly.” Yet, Mei emphasized the importance of adaptability, urging students to see AI as a tool to enhance human creativity and innovation rather than a force of replacement.
Similarly, Beata M. Jones, Ph.D., Professor of Business Information Systems and contributor to Forbes, underscored the significant disruption AI poses to the labor market. She cited a McKinsey report estimating that up to 30% of the hours worked in the U.S. could be automated by 2030. This shift may displace roles in office support, customer service and food services, potentially impacting up to 375 million workers globally.
Jobs at Risk
AI's influence extends across industries, replacing tasks traditionally performed by humans. An article from Computer Hope, a free computer information and technical support website, suggests that more employers may look into AI workers as a way to save time and money.
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JOB AT RISK: |
AI ALTERNATIVE |
|---|---|
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Pharmacists:: |
AI-enabled machines dispense medication efficiently. |
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Stock Traders:::: |
Algorithmic trading programs make decisions in milliseconds. |
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Doctors: |
Chatbots provide preliminary diagnoses, outpacing some physicians in accuracy. |
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Paralegals and Lawyers: |
E-discovery tools streamline legal research. |
Senior biology major Lida Mesri reflected on AI’s growing role in medicine.
“What I've learned so far is that in the next four years, when I apply to med school or dental school, the curriculum is not going to change. But, in the next 10 years, everything will be different because a lot will be handled by AI,” she said.
AI chatbots can be used for low-income families or individuals who do have the means to visit a doctor. Ada, one of these chatbots, is a system created by doctors and scientists can be used to input symptoms and receive a diagnosi to “simplifies healthcare journeys”. Some studies even say that these chatbots can already out-perform physicians. While chatbots could increase access for low-income families, Mesri questions what this will mean for doctors pay in the future. “If doctors won’t have to know as much, will they get paid less? Or, if they still have to know what AI knows, plus what AI doesn’t know, will they get paid more?” Mesri said.
The Second Industrial Revolution
The rise of AI is similar to the sweeping changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution, which transformed industries through electricity and mechanization. Today, AI is set to reshape the workforce by creating new opportunities in areas like machine learning, AI ethics, data science and digital transformation. To thrive in this evolving environment, students must embrace these changes and develop the necessary skills to adapt to this changing landscape or risk being left behind.
Jones offers a hopeful perspective. “By committing to lifelong learning and staying adaptable, we don’t just stand a chance — we stand to win. This new era of innovation is all about learning how to dance with the tech rather than getting trampled by it.”
Some jobs will be taken over by AI. But for many, AI will make jobs easier and more efficient. Students should learn what tools are being used in their profession and how AI can make them better in their career field. Focus on the aspects that require human innovation.
“Some things can’t be taken by AI, like creativity and imagination,” Mei said.
How AI Can Help You In Your Job Search
For students and graduates, the key to thriving in an AI-driven world lies in leveraging AI as an asset. Jones emphasizes enhancing one’s job search by blending technical skills with uniquely human attributes. “ChatGPT can analyze a student’s CV, suggest job titles and even uncover new fields to consider, broadening career possibilities beyond the obvious.”
AI tools can also:
Streamline repetitive tasks: Letting AI handle routine activities frees up time for creativity and problem-solving. Spend less time reading and editing, and more time doing research, learning, and creating.
Improve academic performance: Students using AI tools for editing and summarizing gain efficiency and accuracy, often outperforming peers who do not.
Boost employability: From tailoring resumes to crafting personalized cover letters, AI tools like LinkedIn’s interview prep, Yoodli’s verbal delivery coaching, and NotebookLM provide a competitive edge.
What is Yoodli AI?
A Human-AI Partnership
Despite AI’s capabilities, certain aspects of human work remain irreplaceable. Mei highlights creativity and imagination as uniquely human traits that AI cannot replicate. Similarly, personal connection plays a vital role in fields like journalism, healthcare and law.
Jones advises students to focus on developing skills that complement AI technology, such as data literacy, adaptability, and strong communication abilities. “The role of AI is to augment human capabilities rather than replace them completely.”
Collaboration remains key. The collective efforts of scientists, researchers, and institutions around the globe propel us toward a future where genetic discoveries translate into tangible benefits for individuals and society as a whole.
Learning to Dance with AI
Many students are already using AI tools to enhance their studies. Nearly 90% of surveyed students said they use AI for school work. Christopher Hickey, an international relations major, said he “uses AI to summarize notes and create outlines.” Brenna Bowen, a fashion merchandising major, said AI technologies help reduce fabric waste in design. “When I studied abroad in London, we visited multiple factories that used AI technology to see how the garment would drape and fit on a sample model without actually having to make the clothing first to reduce fabric waste,” Bowen says. Meanwhile, business major Hallie Collett notes how AI has transformed her marketing classes.
“AI helps me generate ideas and do calculations for marketing research. It has already changed my classes from freshman year to senior year and how we learn and what we learn about in classes,” Collet said.
“I use it to summarize notes, give explanations on things I have questions on and write outlines.“
Christopher Hickey, international relations major
“When I was in London, we visited multiple factories that had AI technology that allowed others to see how the garment would drape and fit on a sample model without actually having to make the clothing first. This helps reduce fabric waste but is still not 100% accurate. These technologies will continue to advance and help the fashion industry possibly become more sustainable.”
Brenna Bowen, fashion merchandising/design major
“To help me generate ideas and do calculations for marketing research. It has already changed my classes from freshman year to senior year and how we learn and what we learn about in classes.”
Hallie Collett, business marketing and management major
Professors too are incorporating AI into their workflows. Jones uses AI-powered tools like Consensus, Litmaps, and Semantic Scholar to “...sift through vast amounts of academic literature… and summarize relevant research papers, saving time and allowing professors to focus more on analysis and developing original ideas.” Writing is a medium of communication that represents language through the inscription of signs and symbols.
Staying Competitive
In a hypothetical scenario, a student using AI for writing may produce a polished, error-free essay, while another relying solely on manual effort might overlook mistakes. The takeaway? AI isn’t about cutting corners; it’s about maximizing potential. Job applicants who harness AI to craft tailored resumes and cover letters stand a better chance of catching employers’ attention.
Ethical Concerns
AI comes with its own set of challenges. “AI isn’t all sunshine and rainbows,” Jones said. “Keeping up with the breakneck speed of AI advancements is exhausting. The need to constantly upskill feels like a never-ending sprint, and there are days when I wonder if I'll ever catch up.” Dr. Jones adds that the rise of AI comes with a list of ethical concerns “...ensuring we’re not building bias or inequity into our new systems is a constant battle.”
Conclusion
AI is undeniably reshaping the job market. By embracing AI’s potential and honing skills that complement its capabilities, students and new graduates can position themselves as indispensable in their chosen fields.
People are reflected in a window of a hotel at the Davos Promenade in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2024. Experts have warned about that artificial intelligence could supercharge the spread of fake news to disrupt the election in the EU and many other countries this year. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
People are reflected in a window of a hotel at the Davos Promenade in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 15, 2024. Experts have warned about that artificial intelligence could supercharge the spread of fake news to disrupt the election in the EU and many other countries this year. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)
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