University of Plymouth students embrace AI for career advancement
Students at the University of Plymouth are gaining hands-on experience with Artificial Intelligence (AI), learning how to integrate generative AI tools into their future careers. Business and Marketing students at the university are being taught how to harness AI technology to automate tasks, create content, and streamline their workflow, giving them what they hope will be a competitive edge in the job market.
The initiative aims to familiarise students with generative AI software, which can generate text, images, sound, and video in response to user prompts. By understanding AI capabilities, students are better prepared to adapt to evolving workplace demands and enhance their productivity in professional settings.
AI as a tool for efficiency and creativity
During their lessons, students have been shown how to utilise AI effectively. They were guided through various applications, including:
- Automating routine tasks to save time.
- Generating high-quality content such as social media posts and podcasts.
- Using AI for research and data analysis to improve decision-making.
Dr Ben Siu, a lecturer at the university, believes that AI is a game-changer for students preparing to enter the workforce.
“AI will speed up processes they do in their jobs, challenge them by giving alternative perspectives, and allow them to work more efficiently,” he explained.
Dr Siu also emphasised that AI is not meant to replace human creativity but rather enhance it.
“People are taking the drudgery out of their everyday tasks and automating them, allowing them to focus on the aspects of their work they enjoy the most – the creative elements of thinking,” he added.
For students interested in entrepreneurship, AI can be particularly transformative.
“If you wanted to start your own business, traditionally you would need to hire multiple people. Now, AI can take on some of those roles, allowing entrepreneurs to launch their ventures with fewer resources,” Dr Siu said.
Students gain confidence in AI
For many students, the AI lessons have shifted their perspective on the technology.
Hannah Kelk, a Business and Marketing student, admitted she initially feared AI would harm job prospects.
“I used to be someone who didn’t like AI. I thought it would limit my job opportunities, but it was actually my lack of knowledge that made me intimidated by it,” she said.
After learning how AI can be used as a tool rather than a threat, Hannah now sees it as a valuable asset in her professional development.
Katie Lee, another student, highlighted the importance of learning AI early, rather than being forced to adapt to it later in the workplace.
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“It’s made me grateful that we’re learning it now because people in the corporate world are just starting to catch up with AI. It’s still new and shocking to many professionals, whereas here at the university, we’re getting accustomed to it in a safe learning space,” she explained.
AI in the modern workplace
The increasing adoption of AI across industries means that graduates who understand how to use it effectively will likely be better prepared for the workforce. Many companies are already incorporating AI-driven automation into their operations, and employees with AI literacy are becoming highly sought after.
By equipping students with practical AI skills, the University of Plymouth is ensuring they remain competitive in an ever-changing job market. The lessons also encourage students to think critically about the ethical implications of AI and how it should be used responsibly in professional settings.
“The key takeaway is that AI is not a replacement for human skills – it is a tool that can make us more efficient, more creative, and more adaptable,” Dr Siu concluded.
As AI continues to evolve, early exposure to its capabilities will undoubtedly give these students an advantage in their careers—an edge that could set them apart from other job applicants in an increasingly digital world.
