News Summary
Amid a nationwide decline in internships due to AI advancements, Augusta University is witnessing a significant increase in student placements. Senior student Lorelei Culbreath is benefiting from this trend by interning at the Georgia Cyber Center, gaining valuable experience. While AI technologies transform job roles, the university emphasizes the importance of skills that machines cannot replicate, such as emotional intelligence and communication. Workshops on the ethical use of AI are also being offered to prepare students for this evolving job landscape.
Augusta — Augusta University is experiencing a notable increase in student internship placements, defying a wider national trend that has seen a decrease in such opportunities. This positive development comes as the job market undergoes rapid changes due to the expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.
Senior student Lorelei Culbreath is among those capitalizing on the growing internship landscape, currently interning at the Georgia Cyber Center. Culbreath aims to gain valuable experience in order to secure a full-time job after graduation. Her experience reflects a shift in the internship opportunities available at Augusta University, in stark contrast to the national decline reported in various sectors.
Since 2022, industries such as marketing and advertising have seen a significant reduction in internships due to AI’s increasing proficiency in performing entry-level tasks. These advancements have allowed AI to take over responsibilities that were traditionally held by interns, causing many businesses to rethink their internship programs. Tasks such as content generation and social media scheduling, once completed by interns, can now be efficiently managed by automated systems.
Despite the rapid rise of AI technologies, student perceptions regarding these advancements are mixed. While some, like Culbreath, express excitement about the potential of AI, there is also a palpable concern among her peers about job security as machines continue to advance. The presence of AI in the workforce raises important questions about future career paths for new graduates.
The Career Services Department at Augusta University has noted that small businesses and nonprofits are still keenly interested in hiring candidates who possess skills that AI is unable to replicate. Skills such as emotional intelligence, effective communication, and face-to-face interaction remain vital in the workforce. These are characteristics that AI cannot mimic, making them highly sought after in potential employees.
Amy Clemente, the Internship Manager at Augusta University, indicates that roles requiring transferable skills, including relationship-building, continue to see strong demand despite the influx of AI tools. This highlights a significant area of opportunity for students looking to enter the job market. Additionally, Julie Goley, the Director of Career Services, underscores the importance of adaptability in career readiness, particularly as technology continues to evolve. She references past shifts in the job market, such as the advent of social media, which also required workers to adapt their skill sets and approaches.
To prepare students for the changing landscape, Augusta University is proactively offering workshops that focus on the efficient and ethical use of AI in the workplace. These initiatives are designed to ensure that students understand how to integrate technology while preserving the essential human elements critical to many professions. Such educational efforts illustrate the university’s commitment to maintaining the relevance of soft skills in an increasingly automated environment.
As AI continues to reshape various industries, Augusta University stands as a testament to the notion that skills rooted in human interaction and adaptability remain crucial for workforce success. While AI offers innovative tools to assist businesses, the human touch, along with nuanced interpersonal skills, remains an irreplaceable component of effective work.
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Additional Resources
- WFXG: Augusta University Students Embrace AI
- Wikipedia: Artificial Intelligence
- Amazon: AWS Investment in Georgia AI
- Google Search: Future of Internships in AI
- Wikipedia: Job Market
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Internship
Author: STAFF HERE AUGUSTA WRITER
AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER The AUGUSTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAugusta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Augusta, Richmond County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Arts in the Heart Festival, Westobou Festival, and Masters Week. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Augusta Metro Chamber of Commerce and Greater Augusta Arts Council, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and healthcare that power the local economy such as Textron Specialized Vehicles, Cardinal Health, and Nutrien. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
