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Irma Becerra is president of Marymount University, a comprehensive doctoral-granting university known for its innovative curriculum.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming our world at a pace few anticipated. In nearly every industry—from health care and finance to media and education—AI is no longer a distant possibility but a present reality as it reshapes roles and workflows. Employers are asking a pressing question: What skills must the next generation of college graduates bring to the workplace to thrive in this AI-driven economy?
The clear answer is that success requires more than technical fluency alone. To be competitive, young professionals must combine technical literacy with distinctly human capabilities that machines cannot replicate. These include sound judgment, creativity, adaptability and much more.
Technical Competencies Every Young Professional Needs
First, I believe every student must develop AI literacy. Even those who will never code or design algorithms must understand how AI works and be aware of its capabilities and limitations. Just as computer literacy became essential in the late 20th century, AI literacy has become the new baseline for the 21st century. In an open later to state governments, hundreds of American CEOs recently advocated for the adoption of a high school computer science graduation requirement to maintain global competitiveness. As the CEOs put it, “A basic foundation in computer science and AI is crucial for helping every student thrive in a technology-driven world. Without it, they risk falling behind.”
Equally important is data fluency. The ability to interpret and analyze data is critical for decision-making across disciplines. Armed with digital ethics and cybersecurity awareness, future leaders will be better equipped to identify issues such as algorithmic bias, data privacy concerns and security vulnerabilities—and be able to respond in a responsible manner.
Across the country, higher education institutions are racing to launch new programs and degrees in AI to align with employer needs. Not long after ChatGPT became publicly accessible in 2023, Miami Dade College established a certificate program in AI. My own institution created one of the first bachelor’s degrees in AI available in the national capital region. But for all colleges and universities, it is equally important to weave these competencies across all majors and academic programs so that every student understands important AI concepts.
Human Skills That Cannot Be Automated
Technical skills are not enough—the most valuable contributions in the AI economy will come from qualities that remain uniquely human. As LinkedIn’s chief economic opportunity officer recently said, “human innovation and our uniquely human skills, like social and emotional intelligence, will be key.”
Critical thinking and ethical reasoning are also indispensable. As AI becomes more integrated into decision-making, we must prepare graduates to question its outputs, weigh its social impact and make choices grounded in values. Creativity and collaboration are equally essential. Breakthroughs often occur at the intersection of disciplines, where diverse teams combine expertise and imagination. That requires communication skills, empathy and the ability to work across differences. Finally, the AI era demands adaptability and resilience. The pace of technological disruption means jobs and roles will evolve rapidly. Graduates must leave college with the confidence and agility to navigate change.
Building Competency Through Hands-On Learning
Students cannot rely on theory alone to be adequately prepared for what comes next. They need hands-on experience that mirrors the complexity of the workplace. That includes active learning in the classroom, internships, industry partnerships and research opportunities.
My university has taken this to heart by connecting our students to practice-based opportunities available within our NSA-supported cybersecurity clinic and the many employer collaborations offered through our institution’s workforce research center. Additionally, it is essential for all higher education institutions to emphasize the importance of transparency by encouraging students to disclose when and how they have relied on it in their work. These experiences ensure students graduate with the knowledge they need and the confidence to apply it.
The AI economy will reward graduates who can balance technical fluency with distinctly human capabilities. Universities have a responsibility to lead in this important work. In addition to embedding AI literacy across the curriculum, our institutions can cultivate sound judgment, creativity and adaptability. We do not seek to turn every student into a software engineer, but to prepare ethical creators and agile leaders who are ready to navigate the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.
