By: The Capella University Editorial Team with Dr. Melissa Zgola, Program Director, Information Technology and Computer Science
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the way we live, and it’s understandable to wonder what that means for your career. While some tasks and roles will evolve as technology advances, AI is also creating opportunities for people who can think critically, solve problems and adapt to change.
“From my perspective as a program director for technology courses, the important question is not whether students should use AI, but how they can learn to use it thoughtfully, responsibly and effectively,” explains Dr. Melissa Zgola, program director for information technology and computer science at Capella University. “Preparing for the future does not require mastering every new technology. It requires understanding how technology is changing your field and developing the knowledge and judgment to use it well.”
“Consider software development,” Dr. Zgola continues. “In our software development courses, students are encouraged to use AI-assisted tools to help develop code. These tools can generate substantial portions of an application, so developers may not need to write every line themselves. They do, however, need a strong foundation in how software works, including the structure and logic behind the code, how its components interact, how the finished product should behave and how it will fit within the broader enterprise architecture.”
That understanding helps students describe what they need, guide the technology, evaluate the results and recognize when something is incorrect or incomplete. As AI tools evolve, the value shifts from simply producing code to knowing what to build, how to direct the process and whether the resulting solution is sound.
“That is why our courses continue to evolve alongside technology,” says Dr. Zgola. “Students use current tools while developing the durable knowledge and professional judgment needed to use them effectively.”
In addition to domain knowledge, students preparing for an AI-enabled workplace should focus on three areas.
AI can quickly generate information, ideas, recommendations and code. People still need to evaluate those outputs, recognize limitations, ask thoughtful questions and make informed decisions. In technology fields, that might mean determining whether an AI-generated cloud solution is well designed, secure and appropriate for its intended purpose.
Communication, empathy, creativity and collaboration are essential in nearly every career. Technology professionals must be able to understand people’s needs, explain complex ideas to different audiences and work with others to solve problems. These capabilities become even more important as AI takes on more execution-focused tasks.
Technology will continue to change rapidly, and the tools and skills in demand today may look different tomorrow. A commitment to lifelong learning can help you adapt with confidence. Explore how AI is being used in your field, practice working with emerging technologies and remain open to developing new capabilities.
“The future of work is not about choosing between people and technology,” Dr. Zgola says. “It is about learning how to use technology thoughtfully while continuing to build the knowledge, judgment and human connection that produce meaningful results.”
A degree can help you develop those capabilities and prepare you to contribute in a rapidly changing professional landscape.
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