AI in Your Career Development
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the way we learn, work, and apply for jobs. GenerativeAI (GenAI) tools like Microsoft Copilot can help you explore careers, build resumes, practice interviews, and more. Even if you're not job searching yet, learning how AI works now can give you a head start and a competitive edge.
The Pros and Cons of Using AI in Your Career Development
GenAI, like many tools, has its strengths and weaknesses. Understanding both sides can help you use it wisely and confidently. Here is a quick look at the pros and cons of using GenAI:
| The Pros and Cons of Using AI in Your Career Development | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pros | Cons | |
| Fast and Efficient – AI can quickly create drafts, ideas, and responses | Limited Context – AI cannot fully understand your background or goals | |
| Free and Accessible - Many AI tools are available for free and easy to use | Misinformation and Bias – AI may reflect inaccurate data or biases | |
| Customizable – AI can tailor responses based on your goals or desired tone | Lacks Empathy – AI does not interpret emotions like a human would | |
| Wide Knowledge Base – AI draws from a broad range of sources and information | Academic Integrity – AI may generate content that resembles existing sources too closely, increasing the risk of plagiarism | |
| New Perspective – AI can offer fresh ideas and alternative thinking | Privacy and Data – AI can collect and store data shared with it, including private or sensitive information | |
AI as a Career Tool
GenAI tools can offer guidance, structure, and feedback as you take steps in your career development. Whether you’re writing a resume, preparing for an interview, or exploring career options, AI can be used strategically to support your work. As you explore the strategies and tips below, we recommend using Microsoft Copilot, an AI Assistant tool that is free with your KCTCS student login.
Career Exploration
- There is a lot of information out there surrounding career paths. AI can help you start the search and make sense of all the information, but you’ll still need to do further research, reflection, and gain real experience.
- Tip: Use GenAI to suggest careers based on your interests, values, skills, or favorite classes.
10 Essential Skills
- Developing skills takes time and practice. AI can help you explore ways to grow the 10 essential skills and track your progress, but the real progress will come from applying them in class, work, and life.
- Tip: Use GenAI to explore strategies for building your professionalism skills and to set up a progress tracking system.
Resume and Cover Letter Writing
- Writing about yourself is hard. AI can provide a starting point for your resume & cover letter that you can then make personal, real, and relevant.
- Tip: Use GenAI to draft a basic cover letter structure for personalization.
Job Searching
- The job search process can be time-consuming and challenging. AI can help you uncover opportunities that match your goals and personalize your documents to make a stronger impression.
- Tip: Use GenAI to help reframe your work experience to match a job posting.
Interview Practice
- Practicing out loud is crucial. AI lets you rehearse on your own time and then polish it with a real person later.
- Tip: Use GenAI to get feedback on your responses to role-specific interview questions.
GenAI Prompt Guide
- To get the best results, provide GenAI tools with clear and detailed prompts that include the desired context, tone, and task.
- Our GenAI Prompt Guide provides over 15 customizable, career-development focused prompts for you to use with Microsoft Copilot.
AI and Employers
AI is transforming how employers find, review, and select candidates. Understanding these tools can guide you as you edit your application materials, prepare for interviews, and navigate the hiring process.
Application Tracking System (ATS)
- ATS scans resumes for keywords, formatting, and relevance. If your resume isn’t customized to match the job description, it may never be seen by a human.
- Tip: Use keywords from the job posting in your skill statements or work experience.
AI Interviewing Platforms
- AI Interviewing platforms analyze your video and/or audio responses for tone, word choice, and, sometimes, even facial expressions. These platforms may score your responses before a recruiter reviews them.
- Tip: Practice speaking clearly and confidently with positive body language.
Candidate Sourcing Tools
- Candidate sourcing tools use AI to search databases and social platforms to find potential candidates. If your online presence is strong, employers may find you before you apply.
- Tip: Utilize LinkedIn often and be sure your profile showcases your career goals.
AI Skill Assessments
- AI skill assessments evaluate skills and abilities through simulations or tests. These assessments may be used to screen or rank candidates early in the recruitment process.
- Tip: Review the job description for key skills and practice them to feel confident in the assessment.
Ethical Use and Safety Reminder
AI is a powerful tool that has a multitude of uses. But it is also imperfect and can make mistakes in its responses. As you use AI in your career journey, please keep the following tips in mind:
- Always fact-check to ensure AI content is accurate and relevant.
- Never share confidential, personal, or sensitive information with AI tools.
- Use AI as a support tool rather than a substitute for your own voice
- Stay aware of bias as AI tools may reflect assumptions based on limited data.
- Avoid over-relying on AI for resumes or interviews as employers may see repeated, generic responses.
- For information on appropriate use of AI in academics, refer to the KCTCS AI Guidance webpage.
Schedule an Appointment
While AI can be helpful, it cannot replace the personalized support you get from working with real people. The CREW Career Center is here to help you along each step of your career development.