Join the conversation...
@HireWaterloo on Twitter
By: Micaela Kelly (she/her)
Gen Z is leading the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in their everyday lives. Yet many businesses in Canada continue to shy away from the technology.
According to the KPMG Global Tech Report 2023, Canadian businesses are amongst the slowest to adopt AI in the workplace. Only 35 per cent of Canadian businesses have adopted AI technology into their operations. However, in the United States 72 per cent of businesses use AI technology.
Emerging talent, like co-op students, are early adopters of AI. They want to help businesses benefit from the incredible advantages of using AI in the right way.
At the Future of Work Canada conference on March 6, three Waterloo co-op students discussed how they’ve embraced and worked with AI during their co-op terms and beyond.
Panelists included Waterloo co-op students Komal Vachhani, Brian Li and Yang Li. Jodi Szimanski, associate director of Communications, Engagement and Digital Experience in Waterloo’s Co-operative and Experiential Education department moderated the panel.
Despite its complexity, AI should be a tool to enhance human capabilities rather than a replacement. Understanding the limitations of AI, and the proper application of AI in the workplace, is essential to help ensure responsible use.
As it takes over repetitive tasks, AI's integration into industries like manufacturing will lead to job displacement. However, those willing to adapt, build new skills, and work alongside AI will find that the integration can create new and meaningful opportunities.
AI is already part of everyday life. From helping to curate playlists on your music streaming services, to acting as customer service supports on websites, AI is making tasks easier and more efficient. For more nuanced tasks, strategy and work that requires a human perspective and critical thinking, AI is not the solution.
Almost everyone has heard of ChatGPT. There are many other consumer friendly AI tools for personal or business use. Customizing or creating your own tool isn’t always necessary.
Before jumping in, carefully evaluate the necessity and ethical implications of the tool. Finding the right use case and involving technical expertise are crucial steps in successful integration.
Here’s how:
Work experience:
Work experience:
Work experience:
Join the conversation...
@HireWaterloo on Twitter
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.