Stories on Gen Z and AI
Discover a collection of insights from diverse voices—both within and outside Gen Z—exploring how artificial intelligence is shaping the paths, priorities, and possibilities for the next generation. From career challenges to ethical considerations, these stories offer perspectives on the rapidly changing landscape of work and learning and invite us all to consider what it means to build a future that empowers Gen Z and beyond.
Featured Story: AI in Education: Balancing Innovation with Critical Thinking
Abdul Ciise, a motivational speaker and Gen Z thought leader pursuing a Master’s in Education, shares insights into AI’s impact on education in an interview with Tara Mandrekar. Abdul highlights the balance between leveraging AI for productivity and the risk of over-reliance, which may impact students’ critical thinking skills. He reflects on the need for intentional AI use in academia, emphasizing how both students and professionals can benefit from understanding its capabilities while maintaining core skills. The conversation concludes with a look at how students’ personal use of AI intersects with academic policies and professional development.
Keys to Thriving in an AI-Driven Future: Curiosity, Empathy, and Continuous Learning: Regina Anders Jefferson, a San Francisco native working in workforce development, shares advice for young people entering the tech industry in an interview with Daniel Tabata. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, curiosity, and problem-solving skills. Jefferson discusses the significance of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership, particularly in AI-related positions.
Building Lasting Skills: Math, Leadership, and the Future of AI: Garrett Chan, an AI product manager with a strong interest in education, shares valuable advice for students entering the emerging AI field in an interview with Daniel Tabata. Garrett emphasizes the importance of acquiring durable technical skills, particularly in mathematics, which hold long-term value. He distinguishes between technical skills and leadership, noting that leadership requires a different set of competencies. The conversation concludes with a brief discussion on the impact of AI-generated content.
AI-Ready Workforce: Strategies for Success: Gary A. Bolles, Chairman for the Future of Work at Singularity University and author of The Next Rules of Work discusses strategies for an AI-ready Gen Z workforce, emphasizing mindset, skillset, and toolset in an interview with Dave Toole. He highlights four key skills: problem-solving, adaptability, creativity, and empathy. Bolles explains how AI tools can accelerate learning but cautions against superficial knowledge acquisition, and discusses the importance of stakeholder-driven organizations in developing human talent.
The AI Revolution: What Do Students Think? Insights from the Next Leaders: Join us as we explore the thoughts of Jobs for the Future’s Gen Z Ambassadors on the transformative role of AI in shaping their relationships with work and learning. Discover their unique insights, experiences, and aspirations as they navigate a rapidly evolving landscape, and learn how they envision the future of education and employment in this tech-driven era!