The debut of ChatGPT in November 2022 generated
widespread media coverage, prompting businesses in
diverse industries to embrace artificial intelligence and
explore its potential applications to maintain a competitive
edge and harness its value. According to McKinsey
research (25 August 2023) conducted shortly after its
launch, generative AI has the capacity to contribute
an impressive $4.4 trillion to the global economy on
an annual basis. The study further indicates that this
technology has the potential to impact the operations
of educators, professionals, and creatives across various
sectors. This highlights the significant influence and wideranging
implications of AI in transforming the practices of
professionals in different fields.
In response to this disruptive technology, the Talent and
Education Development Office of the City University of
Hong Kong launched a programme entitled "Building AI
Knowledge and Skills for Curriculum Development" for
faculty members. Through the programme, a number of
AI Teaching Development Grants (TDG) were approved
to integrate AI into the curriculum.
While developing a project to understand how to better
integrate AI into the curriculum, it is crucial to begin with
the end in mind and understand the current stateof-
the-art of this technology in the industry.
As part of the project to integrate AI
into a course taught in SEM A, Five
in-depth interviews were conducted
with communication and marketing
professionals to gain insights about
the use of AI in their sectors.
A set of questions was developed to
cover various aspects, ranging from
personal AI usage to the potential applications and benefits of AI in the industry, as well
as the risks, regulations, and implications related to AI
implementation. The interviews explore the candidates'
perspective on AI, their understanding of its potential
biases and associated challenges, and their company's
stance on AI guidelines and knowledge requirements for
potential employees. Additionally, the questions aim to
gauge the candidate's insights into the unique skills that
AI cannot replace and the clients' perception of AI as a
positive or negative approach to business.
We focus mainly on the changes in the workplace. The
expectation that AI knowledge and skills will become
increasingly important in the future is a reality, with
AI becoming more integrated into mainstream tools
and platforms. Therefore, among the questions asked
to those professionals, were the following particularly
focusing on talents recruitment:
- Do you consider AI knowledge a must for candidates applying to work for your company?
- What type of knowledge is considered a must?
- What are the unique skills for junior position candidates that AI cannot replace?
The analysis of the interviewees' answers to those
questions generated the following themes:
- Importance of mindset and innovation: The
emphasis is on candidates possessing a mindset of
seeking innovative solutions using AI and exploring new
possibilities beyond traditional platforms and software.
The passage emphasises the need for individuals,
especially those entering the job market, to stay
informed about the latest trends and advancements,
particularly in fast-evolving fields like technology.
- Continuous learning and adaptability: The need
to cultivate curiosity, stay updated on the latest trends,
and adapt one's way of working and thinking to
effectively utilise AI tools.
- Increasing value of human skills: The recognition
that solid skills acquired through education and
internships, such as creative thinking, analytical
thinking, writing, and communication skills, as well as
human qualities like emotional intelligence and strong
interpersonal skills, remain critical and are not easily
replaceable by AI. It emphasises the importance of
judgement and the ability to create high-quality work.
Currently, awareness and proficiency in AI can improve
a candidate's marketability and serve as a competitive
advantage in the job market. However, as AI
functionalities become deeply embedded in widely used
tools, proficiency in utilising specific AI capabilities may
become a mandatory requirement for certain positions,
similar to the expectation of knowing how to use the
internet or Office package today.
Moreover, by automating routine tasks, AI frees up
human resources, enabling employees to focus on
creative and analytical thinking, leading to innovation
and improved work quality. What educators should then
be focused on moving forward are:
- Transferable skills including critical thinking,
problem-solving, creativity, communication,
collaboration, adaptability, and continuous learning.
Such skills enable individuals to navigate changing job
markets and take on new challenges.
- Growth mindset of continuous learning and
adaptability. It is necessary to promote a willingness to
embrace new technologies, learn new tools, and stay
updated on industry trends.
- Digital literacy including proficiency in using
digital tools, software, and platforms, as well as an
understanding of data analysis, cybersecurity, and
online communication. The list expands with the
development of new technologies.
- Interdisciplinary learning combining different
fields of knowledge. This can foster a broader
understanding of complex issues and help individuals
develop a diverse skill set that is valuable in a rapidly
changing work environment.
- Experiential learning opportunities such as
internships, apprenticeships, and project-based
learning experiences that allow students to apply
their skills in real-world settings. This helps develop
practical skills, fosters professional networks, and
provides exposure to industry trends and demands.
The whole project not only provided additional insights
into professionals' perspective on the use of AI, but also
gathered students' feedback on the integration of AI
into the curriculum. Overall, students showed genuine
interest in adopting the technology for specific tasks
and recognised the value of taking a course which
embeds this innovative technology while preparing for
job interviews. Currently, the project is being further
developed to be presented and published in different
academic venues.
Acknowledgements: CityU AI-TDG – PN6000845 (2023-2024)
