2024-2025 Purdue University Career Planning Handbook

The Age of AI and You

The Age of AI and You

Dear Purdue University Students, As you embark on your journey toward achieving your professional development goals, it's essential to stay informed and adept at using new tools, including artificial intelligence (AI). We are living in a fascinating era where the promises of AI are potentially becoming reality. These tools, once the realm of science fiction, are now influencing business, government, and beyond. However, as you navigate your professional launch, it's crucial to balance the use of AI with your own skills and intellect. AI cannot replace the mind you have worked so hard to train. These tools can perform amazing tasks and will continue to grow and evolve, but you are the person who will bring genuine change and progress to the world. Relying too heavily on AI for tasks suc h as creating resumes or writing cover letters can diminish your personal impact. It’s essential to consider how investing your time in these activities is still a crucial part of your professional development. When you allow AI to handle these personal tasks, you must ask yourself if it accurately represents who you are. Does this accuracy even matter? We contend that it does. Genuine human interactions will become increasingly important as AI tools proliferate, making it harder to distinguish between human and machine- generated content. Therefore, maintaining your unique voice and perspective is vital. The blurred line between AI and human - created content underscores the need for critical thinking skills. Employers already highly value these skills, and their importance will only grow. Critical thinking not only enhances your ability to reason but also i mproves how you interact with AI tools. Effective communication with AI can amplify your capabilities rather than replace them. This collaborative capability will set you apart when competing for internships and jobs, giving you control over your professio nal path. Owning and enriching your future by maintaining control over what you put into the world is crucial. There may come a time when personalized AI assistants, trained by you, can handle many tasks on your behalf. While this might save time and effort, it could also lead to missed opportunities for personal growth and valuable lessons. These lessons, though sometimes challenging, are essential for your development as an individual, leader, peer, and friend. Embrace the learning experiences available at Purdue. Use AI to enhance your skills, not replace them. Take ownership of your professional journey and ensure your voice remains authentic and strong. The Center for Career Opportunities (CCO) is here to support you r professional development . We offer a range of resources and services designed to complement your use of technology and help you achieve your career aspirations. Please reach out for personalized advice and support. Wishing you all the best in your professional endeavors. Sincerely, Stephen L. Roach Interim Director, Center for Career Opportunities Purdue University

20 Center for Career Opportunities