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Cameron Penn ’24, a business major and theater minor, used the course to get an edge as he applies to jobs in the Chicago area. He said that in addition to learning the course content, he found the advice of the professionals who led the classes and shared their advice to be equally helpful.

“During the last class, we had a chance to network with business executives,” Penn said. “It was really interesting to get their opinions on what to look out for in the job search.”

This session allowed graduates to apply their networking skills at a virtual panel and mixer with professionals who could speak to the new skills needed in the workplace. Panelists included:

• Cristen Kogl ’88, Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Zebra Technologies
• Donell B. Harmon-Parker ’99, Director of Talent Acquisition, Optum Rx Integrated Pharmacies (a division of United Health Group)
• Bridget Walsh, Chief Operating Officer, Emergency Nurses Association
• Larry Brand, Chief Human Resources Officer, Justrite Safety Group

Another key topic this year was preparing graduates for leadership in the context of generative AI and rapidly changing job descriptions.

Penn said he took away a stronger understanding of when to use—and not use—generative AI in the workplace and in the job search.

“AI is being used in so many different ways, especially in the workforce and especially for so many companies,” he said. “Depending on your job role, it can give you a good starting point for quickly accessing certain topics that you have questions about. [For example], I have asked Chat GPT ‘Can you give me ten really good videos to watch on YouTube that will help me prepare for a job interview?’ and it created a helpful list.”

Graduates need to embrace the generative AI tools available now and keep up with new developments to stay competitive as candidates, said panelist Donell B. Harmon-Parker ’99, Director of Talent Acquisition at Optum Rx Integrated Pharmacies.

“The technology is coming fast and furious,” she said. “There’s some people that are being left behind because they are choosing not to use the technology that is at our disposal, not choosing to have the growth mindset.”

That gap is where Foresters can distinguish themselves, Harmon-Parker said. While graduates need to be mindful about avoiding sharing proprietary information and operating within an organization’s policies, gen AI brings forth many opportunities.

“Be excited about it,” she said. “I think some of [the use of AI] makes our job a whole lot easier and exciting.”

Foresters have a unique advantage in positioning themselves as inventive users of generative AI because of the skills they developed as undergraduates, Vice President for Careers and Athletics Jackie Slaats said.

“Using AI in the workplace is not just about learning a new technology,” she said. “It’s about asking questions and thinking critically. Our graduates spent four years doing just that, and they are prepared to use AI effectively and ethically.”