Students are taught how to use artificial intelligence for professional success

Students are taught how to use artificial intelligence for professional success



Students are taught how to use artificial intelligence for professional success

Animated design by Amy Cooper

Custom animation using artificial intelligence for career documents created by Global Campus.

To be competitive in today’s workplace, students need to know how to use artificial intelligence (AI) efficiently and ethically. Microsoft and LinkedIn’s Work Trend Index annual report shows that 66% of business leaders would not consider hiring a candidate who does not have AI skills.

Two faculty members are working hard to equip students with AI skills in career-related courses to promote the success of Fulbright College students. Angela Williams, teaching assistant, teaches Career Connections, a course that teaches students to apply design thinking principles to design and manage their careers and personal lives. It also equips them with strategies to help them stand out when looking for a job or graduate school. Lynn Meade, teaching assistant, teaches Professional ePortfolio, a course in which students create a personal website with their college materials to be used for career advancement. Both teachers are early adopters of the use of AI in the classroom and continue to help students stay relevant and equipped.

Meade said she attended the teaching camp and heard Jose Bowen speak about his upcoming bookTeaching with AI She had taken the AI ​​training course at Auburn to understand the implications of AI, but what convinced her to go all in was when she overheard a conversation.

“I heard a large employer say that they were looking for students who knew how to use AI, but they were having a hard time finding them. At that moment, I realized that I was not adequately equipping my students and that I needed to move away from simply allowing.” “I want my students to use AI to teach them how to use it effectively.”

Meade suggests that the use of AI is a good addition to her course, as it not only allows students to refine their writing and improve their e-portfolios, but also gives them skills to add to their technology side can.

Williams chose to use AI in her Career Connections courses because, when used effectively, it can help students improve their resumes, cover letters and personal statements, giving them a competitive advantage over multiple applicants for a job or graduate school . According to Williams, “AI tools can provide significant benefits and give students the confidence to improve the quality and relevance of their documents” by analyzing job descriptions and suggesting keywords and phrases that match the skills and qualifications required for the job , students can create documents that are eye-catching to recruiters and navigate applicant tracking systems that many companies use to review applications.”

Kyle Young, a senior communications student, took both the Career Connections and Professional ePortfolio courses and said, “These courses highlighted the role of AI and its benefits for students. When I had the opportunity to meet an executive from a Fortune 500 technology company.” They highlighted the growing importance of AI and emphasized that companies are increasingly looking for people with AI experience. Knowing that AI is being generated quickly, they wanted my contact information and I could make a lasting connection to potential opportunities within the company itself.

Williams and Meade teach students that AI can help refine career documents and help them stand out through AI skills. With the help of the Global Campus team and the animation talents of Amy Cooper, Meade created an animated video titled “” that can be used in both online and on-campus career courses.

Suggestions from Meade and Williams

  1. Use AI Ethically: Part of using AI ethically is ensuring that your documents accurately reflect your skills and experience. It is important not to invent or embellish qualifications or experiences. AI should be used to highlight your real strengths and abilities, not to create a misleading story.
  2. Start with your own input: Start with your own drafts of the document and then use an AI tool to get suggestions for improvements. Always remember to add a personal touch to ensure the content reflects your unique voice and experiences.
  3. For best results, tell AI the details: Always tell the AI ​​who you are, what you do and what you want. “I am a college student writing a cover letter for a marketing job application. Help me refine this draft.” Or “I’m a biology major applying for graduate school. Help me refine my application letter to fit this criterion.”
  4. Authentic sound: Your career materials should sound like you, not something written by a machine. Use AI to improve clarity and impact, but always ensure that the tone remains authentic and personable.

The first pillar of the University of Arkansas’ 150 Forward program promises to “give each student the opportunity to define and achieve their individual career or postgraduate path.” By understanding how to use AI tools effectively and ethically, students can significantly improve their career materials, gain valuable technology skills, and increase their chances of success in today’s competitive job market.