Higher education institutions have pivotal roles to play in preparing all students for life in the age of AI, including preparing the next generation for meaningful career success. From generative AI to augmented and virtual reality, every career—and indeed, every aspect of the human experience—is being affected by these new technologies. Today’s students are the first generation who can leverage AI tools to increase productivity, reduce routine tasks, and reach new levels of creative thinking, innovation, and collaboration as future employees or entrepreneurs. These new digital and creative skills have quickly become essential. Within just three years of the general release of generative AI tools, 66% of industry leaders say they would not hire someone without AI skills. And creative thinking will be the #1 skill rising in importance across industries by 2027.
In this talk, panelists will discuss recent research from Edelman and Adobe on the rise of essential creative and AI skills and how students can best display them to employers through microcredentials and other formats. Two senior campus leaders will share insights into how their campuses are creating strategic initiatives to prepare students for career and lifelong success in light of changes to technology and new in-demand industry skills. Speakers will also share how examples of successful collaborations across divisions, departments, and with industry are essential for driving meaningful impact across campuses.
