How to prepare for an uncertain future in a world of AI Hult Blog

As the world of work changes, so too does what it takes for a graduate to be prepared for the workplace of the future. And educators, such as Hult, face the challenge of preparing future workers for a rapidly evolving job market. Recent Hult research investigated young peoples hopes and fears related to AI and their future careers. Results revealed that students were both worried (96%) and enthusiastic (90%) about the changes that AI could bring to their working lives. Change is certain During discussions with the student participants, there were many emerging predictions about what the future of work and wider society could look like. Imaginative futures emerged where humans no longer need to work and instead spend most of their time creating new ideas, or simply relaxing. Students were also excited by the prospect of new kinds of jobs, and of AI increasing information sharing and communication. Repeatedly, students spoke of AI and automation as having the potential to completely disrupt and transform whole sectors of employment. Others imagined a dystopian future of high crime rates, corruption, and poverty. Some students also worried about the loss of skills and of human interaction that could accompany the rise of automation and AI, with human workers increasingly substituted by machines. Though students often held conflicting views about whether these futures would be enjoyable or disastrous, the majority agreed that significant change is certain. The students who took part in our research project had some very sound advice for younger students and for educational institutions. Some students described how universities need to adapt to remain relevant for the future of work, and how it is the responsibility of the educational institutes to prepare them. At the same time, many students also described how it was their own responsibility to prepare themselves to adapt to changes and to remain relevant. A summary of the students’ detailed advice is included below: Advice to students Respondents urged younger students to keep  up to date:  to read about developments in the working world and to be prepared to continually upgrade their skills and abilities â€Å"keep up-to-date with developments in technology†¦..keep eyes and ears open to learn what impact emerging technologies are having on the workplace.† -Research respondents advice to students   As expected, students spoke of the importance of being able to study computing science and have knowledge of big data, AI, and robotics. In particular, wanting to learn how to program and code. The advice was clear in that the most important thing students can do in this context is be adaptable. Rather than exclusively honing specialist skills and developing knowledge in one niche area, it is advisable to build knowledge and skills outwards, by embracing a broader range of interests and investing in these. This was seen as hugely important in a future workplace that will be characterised by continual and rapid changes and that upgrading one’s skills is therefore essential. Note that the research also suggests that Institutions should be far more adaptable in the future too. Furthermore, students perceived qualities and abilities such as complex decision making, critical thinking, intuition, emotional intelligence, grit, and entrepreneurship as areas that are exclusively human and are therefore less likely to be replaced by AI. Therefore, younger students should reflect on these skill levels and value opportunities to build on these. This self-development should not only be confined to higher educational studies. Students showed a renewed appreciation that lifelong learning is more than a slogan—it is a survival strategy. Advice to educators The advice to educators is simple: embed courses on AI itself and on the impact that AI is likely to have on the workplace in all subjects across the curriculum. How is AI affecting the industry? How might it affect it? What can we do about it? â€Å"I think that for all the Majors, we should have a specific talk about how AI is affecting the industry and what we can do about it.† -Research respondents advice to educators   Among the students in our research who took the AI course (Robotics, Business and Society), several reported feeling less anxious and better prepared for the future after taking the course as a direct result of the knowledge they gained during the course. Many students also expressed a desire for more courses of a similar nature, arguing that students need to be better prepared and to be strategic about their need to continually improve and upgrade their skillset and mindset in order to cope with the coming changes in the workplace. With the right knowledge and the right skills, students felt that the coming changes could work for them rather than against them. More AI in and around the classroom As well as teaching about technology and AI, education needs to teach with it. Students wanted all kinds of AI courses—theoretical ones, but also practical ones where they could experiment with coding, 3D printing, virtual reality, and other tools in the classroom and beyond. They asked for Maker’s Labs, where they could try and build things using these tools and applications with the support and equipment they needed at hand. They asked for field trips to companies that use AI and automation, for trips to relevant museum exhibitions and for guest lecturers from academia and industry alike to talk to them about ongoing changes and developments in different companies and sectors. The overall emphasis was on practical sessions with a focus on application rather than pure theory. Increased soft skills focus Interestingly, students also asked for more humanities courses in subjects like ethics and psychology. In an age of AI, students felt it is all the more important to understand and study humanity in order to understand how humans differ from machines and how human intelligence differs from AI. Such insights would help everyone by establishing more firmly the strengths of both types of intelligence, and how the two together can improve the workplace, the classroom and human society for the better. Delivery is key In terms of delivery, students spoke of a desire to experiment with AI and automation in the classroom. Blended learning and hybrid courses, delivery by hologram, personalised testing, and automated grading were all mentioned. However, a significant number of students also mentioned the importance of retaining the traditional classroom with its focus on human interaction between students and teachers. I think enthusiasm is something that only teachers can show toward a certain subject. For me, personally, if my teacher isnt enthusiastic about their subject, theres no point in actually teaching that subject. I dont see how AI can be enthusiastic about anything, so I think it would be very hard to learn from it. -Research respondent Human understanding in a world of AI is crucial Once more, there was a strong sense that in an age of rapid technological invention, it remains even more important to understand and value our humanity. Overall, it was clear from the findings that universities need to do more to discuss this topic and also relieve feelings of uncertainty, particularly in this generation of students. Both individuals and educational institutions should view all of the above as an ongoing, lifelong learning experience. In this way they have a long term relationship to navigate a continually changing future.    Note: this blog is the third in a series of three.  The first blog post  introduces the Hult research project in more detail. The second blog post focuses on the results of the research. This final blog post focuses on advice to students and to educators. Interested in finding out more about Hult’s future-focused programs and how mastering disruptive technologies is built into your degree?  Download a brochure. Grow your leadership capabilities with an MBA in international business at Hult. To learn more, take a look at our blog The importance of authenticity and decision-making in leadership, or give your career a boost with our Masters in International Business. Download a brochure or get in touch today to find out how Hult can help you to learn about the business world, the future, and yourself. Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Hult Rotation offers you a chance to study in a truly global way. Our rotation program allows you to study and be immersed in some of the finest cities in the world. 📠¸: @jasminmanzano . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . Each year, Hult seeks to enroll a talented and ambitious incoming class from all over the world. We look for diverse students with a wide range of experiences, perspectives, and interests—students who will thrive in our unique educational atmosphere. Are you ready for a truly global experience? 📠¸: @iambrunadiniz . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . We’re excited to start 2020 on a ranking high! Hult is proud to have been placed #28 in Poets Quants 2020 rankings for Best Undergraduate Business Schools in the US. Taking a huge leap of 32 places from our 2019 position, we’re also very happy to have secured top positions in key categories like: life-changing experience, practicality of the degree, and global immersion. . With five global campuses, a student body of over 130 nationalities, and a learn-by-doing approach—Hult offers a student experience like no other. . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . â€Å"I’m from an engineering background and needed a whole new skill set for the industry I wanted to switch to. I learned a lot about myself and how I deal with being out of my comfort zone. I learned both soft and hard skills, from how to work in very diverse teams to key accounting metrics and strategy. I was surprised by how weak I was at certain tasks in English or how strong I actually was in other areas. Hult gave me opportunities to try new things and meet people from places I never thought I would have friends. . My internship experiences gave me the chance to broaden my view of different cultures and different companies. I had the opportunity to work and live with people whose values differed from people in my home country. I thought that this would be difficult, but it gave me the chance to reflect on my own values and assess if they were a result of my home country environment or if they were intrinsically mine. . Diederick ter Kulve (@diederick.terkulve) Netherlands Masters in International Business . Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021 Say a big hello to our Bachelor of Business Administration program cover star, Elisa Orus Plana âÅ" ¨ . â€Å"I’m excited for the future—especially that I cant predict whats going to happen. Maybe Ill end up in Mexico working for a trading company or maybe in Africa, developing my own business. Everything is possible, and the options are constantly changing. I love the idea that Im never going to be stuck doing the same job until the end of my life if I dont want it to be like this. . Hult really supports me and my ambitions and truly believes that we deserve to be considered as professionals as well as students. Here, I get to express not just my opinions but all elements of myself. From my creative side with the Fashion Society to my finance and business sides in Trading Club and the Management Consulting Club. We get a different type of learning here. Not just essential knowledge and theory, but practical skills and mindset. The school is always evolving. We’re encouraged to innovate and to always look for new ways of doing traditional things. We learn how to be more confident and become aware of how we can impact our environment. The school aims to help you become a better version of yourself and to stand out from the crowd.â€Å" . Elisa Orus Plana French Bachelor of Business Administration Class of 2021"> During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. During the final days of 2019, you probably reflected on what you’ve accomplished this year—and even this decade—and what you’d like to achieve in 2020. Let us know in the comments below. â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"The first time we did group work on the program, I went head-to-head with a colleague. It taught me a lot about how I see people, how people see me, and how conflict can be resolved in a kind and productive way. The best feedback you get, when delivered constructively, is the most critical because it really feeds into how you lead. I’ve completely reversed my leadership style—the result is so much richer and more powerful when you lead from behind and lead with strength. . Studying in tandem with working, whilst challenging, gave me the perfect platform to directly apply learning concepts into my business environment, the competitive landscape, and the real-estate industry as a whole. When I started the program, I was very happy in my corporate role. But my courage and aspirations grew to the point that I took on a whole new direction. Having my career coach, Joanna, as a sounding board allowed me to really be strategic and get to know myself. She coached me thro ugh all the interviews, the research, and the questions. It went in parallel with what I was doing academically and after six months everything just clicked. . I went into the EMBA knowing I had nothing to lose and I’ve come out with everything. Great strength, global friends, amazing learning, mentors from professors, a job I love, and the knowledge that I can set my mind to achieve anything and with the right support and resources I’ll get there.† . Kashani Wijetunga British, New Zealand Sri Lankan Associate Director Senior Strategy Consultant CBRE EMBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . â€Å"It was now or never. I knew that I’d have likely stayed in my neighborhood for years to come if I didn’t take this opportunity. I’d not lived or studied outside of the U.S. before. So I left my job as a global strategist at an advertising agency and moved halfway around the world. I’ve come back a more culturally aware, well-versed person. I’ve realized that everything is a learning experience and an opportunity for growth. Ill definitely carry this mindset with me into the future. Technology and social media allow us to be different people in several places at once. Im excited to see how I can establish myself in whatever city Ill be lucky enough to call home and still maintain deep connections with people all over the world. I’m inspired by my classmates every day. Hearing some of their life stories and how getting this degree fits into their greater mission has been very humbling. My biggest challenge has been finding the ‘right’ path for me. There have been rooms Ive felt like I shouldnt be in, but now Im proud to feel as though I truly belong, wherever I am.† . Dwayne Logan, Jnr. American MBA Class of 2019 . Happy New Year, Hultians! . Happy New Year, Hultians! .