AI in the Workplace and Schools

AI's Impact: A Roundtable Discussion

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the landscape of work. But how is it really affecting careers, recruiting, and content creation? In this roundtable discussion, inspired by a recent episode of the FutureProof-You podcast, we – John Lovig (recruiting expert), Dan Yu (career pivot expert), and Aaron Makelky (educator and content creator) – break down the practical implications of AI in the professional world.

Prefer to Watch? Here's the YouTube version of our discussion

Prefer to Listen? Here's the podcast version of our discussion (It's a top 10% podcast thanks to Jethro Jones)

Aaron begins: John, you're on the front lines of recruiting. What are you seeing in terms of AI's impact on the hiring process and the types of roles companies are seeking?

John responds: AI has changed a lot. I'm working with a company, helping them find AI trainers, people who are training AI models. But, you're also seeing companies waiting to see what impact AI has on content creation. What we're going to see is a shift. If you're not embracing and understanding AI, figuring out how to use it in your daily work life, you're going to be surpassed. Integrate AI into your job in a way that's effective. I use it regularly.

Aaron continues: A common myth is that AI in applicant tracking systems is disqualifying candidates.

John responds: Maybe with a bespoke piece of software, with some of the bigger tech companies. But if you're applying through a traditional applicant tracking system, AI is just not there yet. It's very light, and it does not typically disqualify. Will that change? Almost certainly. But it's not there yet.

Dan says: Ultimately, it's about building skills, and everyone has transferable skills. Maybe they're good at analyzing large data sets, bringing that human element to data-driven decisions. However, every role will be affected by AI. It just doesn't matter what industry you are in. Building your skillset, and then talking about it, that's your personal brand. It is about future-leaning. If your LinkedIn profile is looking backward to jobs you had five years ago, it's not going to be relevant. Leveraging AI, as a skill, and in everyday content creation, is essential. I use it as inspiration and then put my own spin on it.

Aaron says: I use AI every day. It can be helpful in networking. Some people find the combination of AI and networking dystopian. But, think about it, what would someone with a Rolodex say about your contacts app and your phone being searchable? AI just makes it easier to interface with people and relationships you already have.

John responds: The more rules-based, task-based, and predictable a job is, the more likely it will be disrupted. If there's a place in that career path where strategy becomes involved, that's where you need to get to before AI replaces it.

Dan adds: It's moving people away from being tacticians and towards being strategists. If you understand AI, you can be the strategist.

John continues: Become the AI expert in your organization. That's future-proofing.

Dan shares: Be the subject matter expert, not just on AI, but maybe AI mixed with some of the job functions. That will protect you.

Aaron recommends: A good friend taught me this analogy: have "AI Scouts" in your network. People that go out, experiment, and figure out how these tools are useful. If you don't have one, go be that person. The playing field is level. There were no AI experts in the consumer world two years ago. They can't be that far ahead of you.

Dan says: Aaron, you've done this with your "Worth It Wednesdays" content, demystifying new tools.

Aaron responds: Content creation is one of my greatest leverage points with AI. I can write and film a video in an hour, edit it in 30-40 minutes, and then, with a 15-20 minute window, repurpose it across channels using AI tools. (like this article 😉)

Dan adds: It's a skill we should all be learning. We're all fumbling through. It's okay to be a newbie or just suck at it.

Aaron continues: In education, AI removes barriers to access. Students who read on a lower level, or who you used to have to give a copy of the notes to, can now use AI to revise an assigned article to a grade level they comprehend, or use analogies they're interested in. It makes learning more accessible. Personalized learning is the burden of the learner to take content and put it in their own terms. AI makes that almost instant and, in some cases, free. The biggest question is how institutions adapt, because professors and teachers were gatekeepers of knowledge. The internet eroded that, but AI even more so.

Dan adds: It's the democratization of access. Now it's being served up. We're leveraging AI to create custom CliffNotes for the student.

Aaron continues: Think about resume review or feedback, or getting feedback on a piece of writing before submitting it. Use AI. Tell it: "Give me feedback from a career expert named Dan Yu, who specializes in career pivots."

John adds: I've uploaded a resume and a job description and had AI create an interview guide. It's a great starting point.

Dan says: For career pivoters, there's apprehension because they don't feel like their skills can transfer. AI can take a hard look at your skills and translate them in a way that helps the audience understand what you can bring to the table.

Aaron adds: You can even use a voice assistant, like ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode (or call 1-800-CHATGPT), and say, "Here's my skillset... Can you be an interview panel... and quiz me... and then help me understand how to transfer my... skills?"

John says: I like to train AI with my existing content. I take the transcript of a call and a candidate's resume, use ChatGPT, and train it on my tone of voice. Now, candidate write-ups, something recruiters hate doing, which used to take hours, takes me minutes.

Dan adds: I got this from a class: creating that persona for the AI. "You are an expert in X, Y, Z industry... and have experience in writing about A, B, and C. Write in a certain tone of voice." I like a semi-irreverent tone. Or I'll say "casual," and then it's really casual. So I'll say, "Rewrite that in a more formal tone." We're all learning about the capabilities, and so is the AI. Just as the AI learned John's tone, it can learn in multiple ways. You need to train it.

Want to Learn More?

AI is a powerful tool, and the key is to learn how to use it effectively. Explore the FutureProof-You courses for comprehensive AI training for teachers, entrepreneurs, students, and content creators. We also have career pivot classes coming soon! Check us out at www.futureproof-you.com