By Elizabeth West (BA 26)
The topic of college students and AI has become one of the most pressing questions facing graduates entering today’s job market. Inside Higher Ed writes, “42% of college-eligible students say that artificial intelligence will influence which career they pursue, and 10 percent report that they have already changed their planned major due to concerns about AI, according to a report” by EAB.
It’s generally believed that some careers, like surgeon or CEO, are safe from AI. But how does AI affect college students who are seeking entry-level jobs?
Our local businesses have experienced the changes surrounding college students and AI firsthand. How are they handling this technology?
Are Businesses Still Hiring College Grads?
How is AI impacting your hiring process?
For Blue Note a graphic design company based in Winona Lake and Warsaw, Indiana, the hiring process has stayed the same concerning college students and AI.
“AI may replace designers that lean too heavily on speed, trends, and templates, but, at this point, it is not replacing designers that understand strategy and creative thinking,” said Aaron Winey, head of Blue Note. “In 10 years, I anticipate AI to be a tool that designers are expected to use, but the general public perception will swing away from perceiving AI tools to be replacements for hiring a designer.”
Even throughout the rise of this technology, Blue Note values those who demonstrate creative thinking, the ability to follow instructions, attention to detail, and a clear understanding of design concepts can find a job.
At DePuy Synthes, an orthopedic medical technology company, AI plays a part in onboarding new employees rather than replacing entry-level positions.
“There’s always going to be a learning curve when joining a company,” said Tony Stewart, global marketing leader at DePuy Synthes. “And AI’s overall role is to help reduce that learning curve for individuals.”
Stewart stated that, while AI is an efficient resource used on a daily basis for tasks such as data analysis and synthesis, presentation creation, and other jobs, AI has not eliminated entry-level positions in his department.
Team members at the marketing company Dream On Studios also shared their experiences on how AI impacts their business.
“The people seeing the greatest success with AI are those who already possess the knowledge, vision, and experience to direct it effectively. Without a clear creative vision, the nuance, intentionality, and details that give a project its unique voice are often lost, said Andrew Palladino, cinematographer and editor at Dream On Studios. “The role of the filmmaker is not being replaced by AI. Filmmakers must learn how to incorporate AI into their workflow in ways that enhance their creativity, improve efficiency, and ultimately tell better stories. AI can be a powerful tool, but the vision, judgment, and authenticity that resonate with audiences still come from the filmmaker.”
Do businesses still look for candidates with an undergraduate degree?
“When hiring in the design world, portfolio is king,” said Winey. “An undergraduate degree is necessary for most people to develop skills and work towards an entry-level professional portfolio in a structured learning environment. If someone is able to develop a portfolio that shows a high level of skill outside of college, then they are also a competitive candidate.”
At DePuy, Stewart says they are still looking for college graduates: “Candidates in the past have often studied anatomy, physical therapy, or one of the sciences before coming here. AI is just an added skill that they should know before they come to work here. AI is not replacing the need for talented people.”
AI might improve a resume’s appearance, but it cannot offer authenticity or guarantee a successful job interview. At Dream On Studios, Alexis Grant, Chief Operations Officer, said that she looks for authenticity and experience when hiring. While a degree can be helpful, she believes that experience is important in the marketing industry.
“I hire based on the idea of the 4 C’s of hiring — Character, Competency, Chemistry, and Calling,” explained Grant. “I don’t look for a degree over real-life experience. Personal and professional recommendations have more value to me over a diploma, if someone can testify to the quality of your work and character.”
If you’re on track to get a college degree, look for a school that gives you hands-on opportunities to showcase your work to future employers. At Grace, every student completes an internship related to their area of study, and many majors require practicums and capstones that provide students with real work to showcase in job interviews.
If you’re concerned about the price tag of higher education, read our blog, Is the Cost of College Worth It? AI can be a useful tool, but it can’t replace human judgment and talent. College will not only teach you how to use this technology effectively but will also equip you with the knowledge to create on your own and use artificial intelligence ethically. Grace’s programs ensure you’ll develop professional skills — sometimes more quickly than simply jumping into the workforce — and become a valuable team member in preparation for your future career. These skills won’t become obsolete, no matter how well-trained AI might be over time.
What advice would you give current college students to make themselves more competitive in an AI-influenced job market?
As the relationship between college students and AI is projected to grow, our group of experts offered practical advice for staying ahead.
“AI is a wonderful, time-saving tool for designers, but it cannot think or be creative for you,” shared Winey. “Instead, work towards developing a portfolio that shows a variety of skills, and learn AI as an asset in the process, not a replacement for the process.”
Anabelle LeBlanc, the social media manager at Dream On Studios, offered similar advice for marketing: “I’d encourage students to get comfortable using AI now. Your competitive advantage isn’t avoiding AI. It’s knowing how to use it to work smarter while also recognizing where it doesn’t belong.”
Stewart offers an optimistic view for college graduates. Instead of fearing whether AI will overtake your career plans, learn the technology properly to set yourself apart from other employees or job candidates.
