THE year is 2008. As a college junior, I remember the awe-inspiring novelty of the first iPhone. A simple swipe on a glass surface connected you to a world of information and people, a concept seemingly ripped from a science fiction movie. Today, smartphones and the app store are commonplace, shaping the careers of millennials.
Now, another generation — the Class of 2024 — stands poised to enter a workforce shaped by a similarly transformative technology: artificial intelligence (AI). This technological leap can feel daunting, mirroring the anxieties each generation experiences with tech advancements. After all, "digital marketer" or "iOS developer" wasn't a career path when I was in college. But it became a career path for many of my peers in the years following.
So AI doesn't need to be a threat, but an opportunity. A 2022 McKinsey report predicts AI could generate up to 800 million new jobs globally by 2030. This vast landscape awaits the innovative spirit of Gen Z, a generation known for its digital fluency and entrepreneurial drive.
Equipping for the AI era: Balancing Skills
Upskilling in AI will be crucial for navigating this new frontier. Online platforms like Coursera and edX offer accessible courses, and universities are rapidly expanding their AI programs. Enrollment in AI courses has surged by 425 percent in the last three years alone, a testament to the growing demand for AI expertise.
However, the key to success lies in a balance. While technical skills are essential, strong foundational skills are timeless. Analytical thinking, creativity, resilience and adaptability — as highlighted by the World Economic Forum — will be the cornerstones of success in the AI age.
The enduring value of humanity
The rise of AI shouldn't diminish the importance of humanities disciplines like philosophy and social sciences. As AI grapples with complex questions about human existence, ethical considerations take center stage.
Computer scientist Edsger W. Dijkstra aptly stated, "The question of whether computers can think is as irrelevant as the question of whether submarines can swim." The true focus is not on whether AI can replicate human thought, but on how it can augment and empower us. Imagine AI-powered systems analyzing vast datasets to guide public policy decisions, or personalized health care plans revolutionizing medicine. The possibilities for addressing global challenges are limitless.
AI: A tool for progress, shaped by humanity
The World Economic Forum estimates that by 2025, AI could contribute up to $5.3 trillion to the global economy. This transformative technology can be harnessed to tackle some of humanity's most pressing issues:
For climate change, AI-powered systems can optimize energy grids, predict weather patterns for renewable energy integration, and streamline resource management.
For sustainability, AI can revolutionize supply chains for efficiency and minimal environmental impact.
For health care, AI can analyze medical data to personalize treatment plans, expedite drug discovery, and even assist in robotic surgery.
The future is not predetermined. The Class of 2024 has the power to shape it. Embrace the unknown, ask questions, and be the generation that harnesses AI for purposeful progress. See yourselves not just as users of AI but as its architects.
Take inspiration from the K-pop group Seventeen's recent music video, "Maestro," where artists use AI to create music, showcasing the potential for human-AI collaboration. Be the maestro of technology, not its subject. Imagine yourselves shaping the development of AI for a future that is not only technologically advanced but also ethically sound and deeply human-centered. With your human spirit as your compass and AI as your tool, Class of 2024, you can build a future that's not just exciting but truly impactful.
Noreen Marian Bautista, a social entrepreneur since 2009 and a Certified Innovation Professional, co-founded Panublix.com, a platform connecting designers with sustainable Filipino textiles. Based in Iloilo City, she also supports environmental initiatives as part of RARE.org's Innovative Finance team while being an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and faculty in Ateneo de Manila University, teaching aspiring tech entrepreneurs. Noreen also holds a Masters of Science in Innovation and Business from the Asian Institute of Management.
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