AI is transforming the world of work and next year’s job candidates. Even now, new titles are popping up, like AI content strategist, chief AI officer, and AI ethics officer. More are soon to come, but there’s one snag: Is our education system preparing teens and young adults to take on these roles? Honestly, not yet. This could lead to a gap in the AI talent supply in the coming years.
By and large, students are already engaging with AI, but they’re doing it in a precursory way. A 2023 Junior Achievement poll shows that 44% of students are leaning heavily on generative AI solutions like ChatGPT to help them in school. Though allowing AI to do homework is seen as cheating by some, it’s becoming a widespread trend. The result has been an increase of AI detection tools such as GPT Zero, as well as a ban on generative AI in some school districts.
The AI revolution will change what you look for in your future employees, but the education system … [+]
AI is going to be folded into STEM coursework at all school levels at some point. However, it’s not universal enough to ensure that today’s students will have the know-how to work for companies like yours when they graduate. That’s where an initiative called AI Camp and other online programs are filling the gap.
AI Camp is on a mission to educate younger generations about the use and creation of AI tools. Through a series of programs, AI Camp hopes to deliver a broad, AI-focused education, which young people aren’t currently getting in most traditional classrooms. Paying attention to programs like these, asking about them during future recruitment opportunities, and supporting them when possible are just a few ways to prepare your business for an AI-driven future. Here’s what you need to know about these types of programs:
Classes Are Taught Online
Workers are no longer satisfied being tethered to their desks, and they want to work wherever makes sense for them. Already, 35% of knowledge workers work in always-remote capacities. Another 41% have hybrid arrangements with their employers. Being able to navigate this changing office landscape is essential when hiring the next generation of workers, but you also want to make sure recruits are capable of producing quality work in this dynamic.
AI Camp leans into the growing practice of remote and hybrid working environments by hosting online courses. Sessions keep a low teacher-to-student ratio, of 6:1 at max, which promotes individualized learning and feedback. Through this model, students gain an education in AI while learning how to work alone and in teams remotely.
Many colleges, including Louisiana State University, have found that online learning is beneficial for the development of strong technical skills, which transfer well to the workplace — both remote and in-office. Specifically, online education helps students expand their abilities to use new communication, scheduling, and learning tools. In a virtual learning environment, students become experts in self-discipline, time management, and using these platforms.
Attendees Grow Their Resumes
Many teens enter the workforce or college with lean resumes, at best. One of the unique benefits of learning with AI Camp is developing a workable AI product. Some of the products are so successful that they’ve been put into use. Others may just be considered tech “tinker toys,” but they’re no less impressive as talking points on a resume or during an interview.
The Guided Internship is another way for students to expand their credentials and skills. Each internship involves working with companies or influencers, such as Keith Ferrazzi and Matt Upham, to solve problems with AI. Final projects are often in usable condition, meaning they have real-world applications. Students eager to differentiate their college applications can leverage their AI Camp internship to grab the attention of admissions counselors. And businesses looking for cutting-edge solutions can benefit from the innovative approaches cultivated by these interns.
Leadership Is Emphasized at Every Turn
AI Camp strives to teach leadership ability in addition to technical AI skills in each course.
Throughout the AI Camp journey, students are encouraged to identify, hone, and expand their leadership traits. They’re given the chance to make self-discoveries and master data-driven decision-making. Its format is laid out to get students ready for real-world positions and leadership roles.
By the time they land technical jobs, they’re more comfortable with how to be the next-gen leaders that organizations desperately need. Plus, they’ve been given a strong background in how to ethically incorporate and use AI into everything they do. As these emerging leaders step into their roles, they possess technical prowess as well as the ethical framework necessary to navigate the complexities of the evolving AI landscape.
Strategic Considerations for Navigating the AI Talent Landscape
While initiatives like AI Camp and other online classes play a significant role in bridging the knowledge gap, businesses must also take proactive steps.
Some actions you can take now include investing in continuous learning and development programs to empower employees with necessary AI-related skills. Partnering with educational initiatives, advocating for AI-focused curriculums, and supporting educational policies that prioritize technological literacy can also contribute to a future workforce well-equipped for the demands of the AI-driven world.
By acknowledging the importance of holistic education and skill development beyond traditional classrooms, you can help close the AI talent gap. This ensures a workforce that not only understands AI but also embodies the leadership and ethical principles necessary for a sustainable and innovative future.
