Artificial intelligence is changing how students learn in the classroom and how people work. Its influence is impossible to ignore. AI is a defining factor in how professionals will work and how industries will change.
Professor Foluke Omosun organized an event on April 7 at Sacred Heart University. The event, State of the Industry: PR Trends, Challenges and Opportunities, talked about AI in the workforce.
The event explored how AI is influencing fields like communications and public relations.
Omosun said, “ I believe AI is more of an opportunity than a threat, but it all depends on how well students prepare and position themselves for success in the industry.”
AI can be seen as a tool for handling time-consuming tasks. In communications, this includes drafting content, analyzing data, and monitoring trends.
Professionals have to shift their focus to other responsibilities such as strategy, creativity, and relationship building.
However, this shift also presents challenges, particularly for students entering the workforce. Dr. Robert McCloud, a professor of computer science, director of the artificial intelligence laboratory and of technology and innovation.
McCloud also stressed the importance of staying current in a rapidly evolving field.
He said, “ Keeping up to date is key.” For students, this means continuously learning and adapting rather than relying solely on what they study in the classroom.
The most difficult change is trying to find entry-level positions. McCloud said, “ Students are still learning the importance of mastering machine learning and AI programming.”
It’s important for students to keep up on the rapidly emerging field of AI tools. “ One thing I am doing is finding companies that want to partner using our AI resources.”
From a student’s perspective, AI is often seen as helpful as a tool if used correctly. Taylor Clark is a computer science major and believes that AI is not a threat to her future job. Clark said, “ I don’t think AI has made me feel nervous about future job opportunities.”
She expressed confidence about her future career prospects and highlighted that AI is transforming the job market, but also creating new roles and opportunities for those who are prepared to engage with it.
Clark said, “ People will take advantage of how easy it is to use and will end up using it just for answers instead of a learning tool.”
Artificial intelligence is not simply replacing human work; it’s redefining it. Success in this evolving landscape will depend on a combination of technical knowledge, adaptability, and can’t replace creativity and critical thinking.
AI should be used as a collaborator, not a replacement for critical thinking and strategic planning. Omosun said, “ College offers the best opportunity to grow and redefine the skills that will make students successful in an AI-powered workforce.”
Students must understand how to structure and evaluate data carefully to ensure AI systems produce accurate results and avoid errors. McCloud believes there is no substitute for real-world experience.
AI technology is already reshaping how professionals work in any field, but what has not changed is the need for human interaction and oversight.
Omosun said, “ AI is reshaping how we approach public relations and how we communicate with audiences, but my biggest takeaway is that the core of the field hasn’t changed. Building authentic relationships still matters.”
