Today’s employers are seeking candidates with expertise in AI, and UF is ahead of the curve in providing this sought-after knowledge to its students.
As questions surrounding the impact of AI continue to capture public attention, UF’s “AI Across the Curriculum” initiative, which it launched in 2020 — including a highly-regarded certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications — is already delivering results for graduates.
UF students who participate in the program, regardless of their major, can incorporate AI ethics and fundamentals into their college experience. They can take more than 200 AI courses, join AI student groups, and enroll in undergraduate and graduate programs. All of these programs are designed to equip UF students with the tools they need to succeed in an AI-driven workforce, and graduates of the inaugural program are beginning to see a return on their investment.
Improving employability
Zoe Barinaga was one of the first students to earn the Certificate in AI Fundamentals and Applications at UF. She took three required courses – an AI ethics course, a foundational course and a university-specific course – and completed her bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering in 2022.
As she continues on her path to becoming a doctor (she is currently studying at the Catholic University of Leuven in Leuven, Belgium), she was surprised by how frequently interviewers asked her thoughts on the future of AI in medicine.
“Every single interview I had touched on the topic in some way, which was something I never expected. I knew I wanted to embed the qualification in my career but I never expected it to become as talked about as it is now,” says Barinaga. “The programme really helped me develop an interest that would have been difficult to develop naturally with just the research experience I gained alongside the qualification.”
Balinaga believes that the courses in UF’s AI certificate program demonstrate that an understanding of AI principles can be applied to any major.
“I think UF is doing a great job of making AI accessible to students who are interested in it,” she said.
Angel Hernandez, a professional public communication specialist, said earning an AI certification from the University of Florida helped him succeed in his job search after graduation.
While a public relations student at the University of Florida, Hernandez took a communications-focused AI class called “AI in Media and Society,” which equipped her with the skills to apply machine learning to the media industry, giving her the skills to train senior staff at her previous employer on the ethical use of AI.
“It was definitely a great way to learn about something I'm interested in,” Hernandez said, “and I think the two jobs I got in the past were because of this certification. The biggest attraction for me was that UF had an AI course focused on communications.”
The skills Hernandez learned while working toward his AI certification have impacted his performance on the job: He believes employers can leverage AI to unlock the potential of their employees and increase efficiency in the workplace.
“I have the background knowledge and skills to educate others on how they can leverage AI technology and guide their decision-making in terms of what tools to deploy,” Hernandez says. “I can't tell you how many times I've had employers amazed and impressed by AI and that I have an AI certification that no one else has.”
infinite possibilities
Both Barinaga and Hernandez said their AI certification helped them get to where they are, and they can’t overstate the benefits of the program.
While offering support to future AI-certified candidates, Hernandez emphasized the importance of really selling what an AI certification will bring to future employers.
“You have to sell yourself; that's what gets you going,” Hernandez says. “Make an impact and create tangible value. Don't be afraid to sell yourself and take on additional responsibilities like training senior staff or creating presentations. If your workplace has a lunch-and-learn program, grab a slot.”
Barinaga said that because of his experience at UF, the possibilities for advancements in the AI industry seem endless.
“I got accepted into an Ivy League university specifically because of this experience,” Barinaga said. “I want to emphasize to students that there are people out there who are interested in AI. Your future employers will be interested, graduate schools will be interested. AI has really helped me plan my future.”
Visit our AI Certificate page to learn more about the program.
July 16, 2024
