By Brianna Wallen
News Editor
As artificial intelligence, also known as AI, continues to transform industries, it is essential for students to gain insight into its impact on the workforce as they prepare to enter their careers.
Stephen Wilmarth, founder of The BitCafe Project and an expert in Fintech and AI, returns to campus to lead the Professional Enrichment Platform (PEP) Talk: “The A.I. Revolution: From Prediction to Power,” hosted by the School of Business.
“There’s a saying that AI won’t take your job but people who use AI will,” Wilmarth said.
Students and faculty were able to explore the applications of AI in the “Case Study Room” of the School of Business on Feb. 26. Attendees were able to see the importance of adapting to new technologies.
Wilmarth emphasizes that by utilizing AI effectively, it can create a competitive edge in the workforce. Wilmarth also said that as AI continues to evolve, the question is no longer whether AI will change industries, but how quickly it will reshape the workforce.
While referencing technology and AI, Wilmarth said, “Once the genie is out of the bottle, you can’t seem to get it back in.”
When ChatGPT was released in 2022, it marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of artificial intelligence. Although many were skeptical, Wilmarth said that people quickly recognized the capabilities of AI and its ability to transform the way humans interact and communicate with technology.
Recently in January, a Chinese generative AI called DeepSeek R1, was launched, showcasing the advancements in AI technology across the globe. During the PEP Talk, Wilmarth utilized DeepSeek to answer questions and even create code.
“In just 18 seconds, it shows the reasoning and thought process,” Wilmarth said. “By stopping itself and going back to add more it’s literally providing reasoning, just like a human would.”
This ability to self-correct mirrors human-like problem-solving. Wilmarth said this is the goal of advancing AI.
“Intelligence is when you don’t know if you’re talking to a machine,” Wilmarth said. “It’s conveying to you that it’s a human.”
While it is clear that AI is not just a passing trend and instead a fundamental shift in innovation, many students said that they have become more open to the technology.
Business management major Brenea Pagan, a junior, said that she has no issue with AI as long as it is being used appropriately and with good intentions.
“I have a fear that AI will get taken too far and we won’t be able to tell what’s real and what’s not, like the news or in videos and music,” Pagan said.
Instead, Pagan also said she hopes AI can be further evolved to develop to drive innovations for the greater good.
“I hope they can be used for better causes like discovering and inventing things that can benefit people,” Pagan said.
While AI is a transformative tool, Wilmarth said it is important to maintain basic human qualities, which will be crucial for thriving in an AI-driven workplace.
Wilmarth emphasized the importance of retaining basic human qualities highlighting it is crucial to maintain basic human needs,
“What makes me human is that I need that connection,” Wilmarth said. “Humans need that social connection to thrive.”
Ultimately, Wilmarth said that Al has the potential to impact society and human connection.
“There’s a lot of potential to change society, to change work and how we relate to each other,” Wilmarth said.
The “The A.I. Revolution: From Prediction to Power” PEP Talk is part one of a four-part series.
On Wednesday, March 5, the session will take place in Room 122, also known as the “Case Study Room,” in the School of Business.
Every Monday and Wednesday from 1-2 p.m. this semester, the School of Business hosts PEP Talks, offering students and faculty the opportuntiy to engage in insightful discussions on the future of business, technology and innovation.
