AI Change and Your Future

AI is being interwoven into human environments and the changes are impacting everyone. Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and adaptability to keep pace with technology, and maintain a priority on close human relationships.

Develop an experiential learning plan in school:

• Read tech news, enroll in online courses about AI and seek certifications.
• Work with your professors, mentors and career services advisors to find internships and jobs that use AI in the workplace.
• Attend industry conferences, workshops and webinars to gain new insights and network with professionals.
• Participate in real-world projects, student organizations and volunteer work that help you develop empathy, cultural awareness, teamwork, problem-solving and leadership skills.
• Prioritize getting out in the world, away from screens. Build strong relationships and develop your confidence in real-world, in-person social situations.

After graduation:

• Continue to read about AI and tech news, enroll in useful online courses and stay current with advances.
• Take advantage of training programs and professional development opportunities provided by your employer. 
• Pursue a graduate degree, certificate programs or non-credentialed training resources to keep expanding your skills and knowledge.
• Don’t allow yourself to get complacent. Jobs in your field may be completely transformed in just a few years. Become the indispensable, tech-savvy person on your team. Understand and prepare for the changes taking place.
• Continue to develop your human talents and abilities – essential assets in the AI era.

Adapted from the Student Guide to Artificial Intelligence (2025), developed by Elon University’s Imagining the Digital Future Center in partnership with American Association of Colleges and Universities. Used with permission under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.