By Audrey Ze //
As graduation approaches, Hood College seniors are preparing to enter a workforce that has changed dramatically in just a few years through the power of artificial intelligence.
AI is advancing rapidly in healthcare, finance, marketing, education and more. This shift presents both exciting opportunities and significant challenges for new graduates.
AI automates tasks previously considered secure, ranging from data analysis to customer service interactions. Many companies are restructuring roles to integrate AI tools, meaning new hires are now expected to be familiar with the technology and adapt quickly to changing processes.
Industry reports indicate that while AI may replace some jobs, it is also expected to create new roles focused on managing, enhancing and collaborating with AI systems. Skills such as creativity, leadership, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and technological literacy are becoming increasingly valuable as employers look for candidates who can effectively work alongside smart technologies.
“AI is being used to pre-screen applications; therefore, you must include keywords from the job description in your resume and cover letter. The algorithms are designed to identify these keywords and then accept or reject the application based on their alignment,” Hope Witmer, associate professor of leadership and organization, said.
For seniors, the message is clear: it’s crucial to commit to lifelong learning to stay ahead in today’s fast-evolving world. Graduates need to keep their skills fresh, adapt to new technologies, and think creatively about how they can contribute to a landscape where machines are taking over everyday tasks.
Even before they land their first job, new graduates will encounter AI in the job search. AI is used to screen applicants and some jobs that are advertised do not exist, Witmer said.
“If you don’t hear back after sending in a resume, it could be because it is a ghost/phantom job. There are ghost/phantom jobs that are posted (approximately 18-20%), which are jobs that do not exist and are posted to make a company look like they are a growing company and need new employees, or they are trying to keep a file of potential candidates for the future,” Witmer said.
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