To Employers, AI Skills Aren’t Just for Tech Majors Anymore
AI skills are increasingly necessary across various sectors, not just tech. Miami Dade College leads the charge in adapting educational programs for AI. There’s a growing urgency for professionals to enhance their AI expertise due to job shifting dynamics in the market. Critical thinking and ethical AI use remain major educational challenges as schools strive to keep pace with technology.
In today’s job market, artificial intelligence (AI) skills are increasingly vital—an observation that’s resonating beyond just traditional tech majors. Take Christian Vivas, a 37-year-old Miami Dade College student who previously used ChatGPT for client communications at his creative media studio. Now, he employs AI for almost every business aspect, from marketing strategies to social media posts.
As the workforce evolves, employers are now searching for AI proficiency across various sectors like healthcare and hospitality, not solely in technology. There’s a palpable fear among many that AI could replace numerous jobs—especially entry-level positions, with an Oxford Economics report suggesting job loss may already be evident. A staggering 41% of large businesses anticipate reductions in workforce due to AI within the next five years, igniting a race among students eager to enhance their AI skills to stay relevant and marketable.
These trends haven’t gone unnoticed by colleges, which are revamping their curriculums to include AI-related courses. Miami Dade College has been at the forefront, launching its AI certification program just after the debut of ChatGPT. They also expanded to offering degrees focused on applied AI, ensuring a comprehensive education that caters to all students, not just those with advanced degrees.
Institutions like Miami Dade are responding to demand; their Miami Tech Works initiative has attracted interest from businesses far beyond the tech realm seeking AI-savvy employees. As Terri-Ann Brown, director of Miami Tech Works, noted, the interest in AI from various sectors has been unexpected and overwhelming. High-end hotels, for example, are exploring AI tools now, where only a year ago, fear of job loss loomed large.
Another perspective comes from Vicky Cheung, a Miami Dade student who enrolled in an AI awareness program after being let go from a long-time hospital job. Cheung already had a solid academic background in business and health management, and she recognized AI skills could enhance her resume amidst the job market’s shifting sands.
Yet, it’s not all smooth sailing in academia. The fast-paced development of AI poses challenges for schools, which often lag behind technological advancements due to their procedural nature. Josh Jones, CEO of QuantHub, expressed concerns regarding institutions being too slow to adapt, pointing to outdated curricula by the time they are implemented.
Ethical considerations also pose dilemmas as students navigate the fine line between using AI to aid their studies and relying on it too heavily, potentially diminishing critical thinking. As James Taylor, a philosophy professor, highlighted, there’s a need to teach students how to analyze and construct arguments rather than just outsourcing these skills to AI tools.
Meanwhile, Derrick Anderson at Arizona State University embraces AI, crafting assignments around its use, and teaching students to apply this know-how in real-world contexts. Students can showcase their AI projects in portfolios to appeal to potential employers—a direction being embraced by many, including companies like eMed, which seeks candidates with foundational AI knowledge across all departments.
The necessity for AI skills in job applicants is clear. Employers are searching for evidence of proficiency, especially since there aren’t standardized credentials for many of the emerging roles needing AI expertise. Companies are increasingly dependent on AI tools, with productivity reportedly increasing by 20 to 30 percent.
As conversations around AI’s role in the workplace continue, creatives like Vivas are becoming conscious of its impact. He reassures his peers that those who ignore AI forgoing its advantages risk being replaced, even if AI won’t fully take over jobs. It’s about adapting and leveraging the technology effectively. “It’s not that AI is going to replace them, but the person that is using AI is going to replace them,” he said.
The landscape of employment is rapidly transforming as AI becomes a necessity across various industries. Students and professionals alike are scrambling to gain AI skills to remain competitive. Colleges are responding by integrating AI into their curriculums, though at times struggle with the pace of change. The challenge now lies in striking a balance between leveraging AI and fostering critical thinking in students, shaping a workforce prepared for an AI-centric future. Those embracing AI as a tool will likely find themselves ahead in the job market.
Original Source: www.tucsonsentinel.com
