Students at the University of Plymouth are turning to generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sharpen their skills and gain a competitive advantage in the job market. Business and Marketing students are receiving hands-on lessons on how to use AI software to automate tasks and enhance productivity.
The generative AI software allows users to ask questions, input prompts, and receive generated content in the form of text, images, sound, and video. This technology draws on vast amounts of online data to deliver responses, enabling students to explore innovative ways to complete assignments and professional tasks.
As part of their training, students are learning to create podcasts, draft social media posts, and develop other digital content by providing accurate prompts to the AI system. The goal is to equip them with the skills needed to thrive in a fast-changing work environment where AI is becoming increasingly common.
Dr. Ben Siu, a lecturer at the University of Plymouth, believes that understanding AI will give his students a head start in their careers.
“AI will speed up processes they do in their jobs, challenge them by offering alternative perspectives, and allow them to work more efficiently,” he explained. “For example, if someone wanted to start their own business, they would typically need to hire multiple people. Today, many of those roles can be automated with AI.”
Dr. Siu emphasized that the program is not about replacing human creativity but enhancing it. He encourages students to view AI as a supportive tool rather than a substitute for original thought.
“People are removing the drudgery from their everyday tasks through automation,” he added. “This allows them to focus on the parts of their work they enjoy the most—the creative and strategic aspects.”
For some students, the introduction to AI has changed their outlook on its role in the workplace.
Student Hannah Kelk admitted she was once wary of AI, fearing it would reduce job opportunities.
“I used to be someone who didn’t like AI,” she said. “I thought it would limit my chances in the job market, but I now realize my fear came from a lack of knowledge. Understanding how AI works has shown me that it can actually give me a competitive edge.”
Another student, Katie Lee, highlighted the value of learning AI within the supportive environment of the university.
“It’s made me grateful that we’re learning it now,” she said. “People in the corporate world are only just starting to catch up with AI, and it’s still quite new and shocking for them. Here at the university, we’re becoming familiar with it in a safe learning space, which gives us an advantage.”
As industries continue to adopt AI technologies, the University of Plymouth is positioning its students to lead the way. The ability to use AI effectively is becoming a valuable skill, and by integrating AI training into the curriculum, the university is preparing students to meet the demands of the modern workplace.
Through these lessons, students are not only learning how to automate tasks but also how to harness AI to think creatively, solve problems, and enhance their career prospects in a rapidly evolving digital age.
