“I think every single company will need MBA students even more so to help with digital transformation. You can’t be a company this century and not embrace AI. If you don’t use it you’re going to get left behind. But in order to use it responsibly, ethically and efficiently, you’ll need people to help that digital transformation journey.”
– Sabine King

Darren confronts his own “AI anxiety” with Sabine King, Director of the Career Accelerator at the prestigious Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at University of New South Wales (UNSW). Together, they explore the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the demand for MBA graduates, the evolving strategies of career services, and how leading business schools are equipping their students to thrive in an AI-world.

Topics

• Introduction (0:00)
• AI’s impact on demand for MBAs (5:50)
• How AGSM embeds AI into its curriculum & career services (8:30)
• AI tools for resume optimization (11:30)
• The importance of authenticity & one’s mindset in using AI (13:30)
• What AI skills do employers expect from MBAs? (17:00)
• Using AI for psychometric testing, initial assessments & interview preparation (26:00)
• Using AI for career exploration (30:00)
• AGSM’s AI courses & resources (36:00)
• Ethical use of AI (38:40)

About Our Guest

Sabine King is the Director of the Career Accelerator at 
Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney, Australia. Previously, she worked for Education First as a Program Manager and Cox Purtell as a Recruiting Specialist. She graduated with a degree in Business Management from the International School of Management in Germany.

Show Notes

• AGSM MBA
• UNSW AI Institute
• ChatGPT
• Microsoft CoPilot
• Crystal – The Personality Data Platform
• VMoc – Career Acceleration Platform
• Case Coach – Case Interview Prep Platform
• Graduate First – Job Assessments Expert
• Touch MBA’s Admissions Edge Course
• Still need help? Get a free profile review, including best-fit MBA programs & ways to strengthen your profile

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Episode Summary

AI’s impact on MBA graduates is nuanced

• AI excels at automation, efficiency, and productivity. However, it currently lacks the complex decision-making capabilities and critical thinking that MBA graduates bring to the table.
• Companies undergoing digital transformation need skilled individuals who understand AI and can guide its implementation. This creates more demand for MBA graduates, not less.
• For effective and ethical human-AI collaboration, the strategic, leadership and technical skills honed in an MBA program are indispensable.

How is AGSM career services advising their MBAs to use AI?

• Embracing AI Literacy: Understanding AI – its origins, evolution, and applications – is now a fundamental skill for managers and leaders.
• Hands-on Experimentation: Students are encouraged to actively use and play with AI tools. AGSM provides access to platforms like ChatGPT Plus and Copilot for this purpose.
• Critical Thinking: Students are encouraged to use AI tools while also developing critical thinking to evaluate AI-generated outputs.
• Navigating AI in Recruitment: Career services educates students on how AI is being used in the recruitment process. For example, understanding how AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems scan for keywords in resumes and tailoring one’s resume accordingly is crucial.
• AI-Powered Feedback: AI tools are available to help students with their CVs, psychometric testing, and career exploration.

With AI increasingly involved in initial job screenings, how can MBA applicants maintain their individuality and stand out?

• Sounding like a robot is counterproductive – the authentic human voice should still shine through.
• Many large companies use AI-enhanced psychometric tests to assess cultural fit and skills. Understanding these tests and practicing with available tools is key.
• AI-powered tools like CaseCoach help students prepare for case study interviews

What do different industries expect from MBAs?

• Firms like Accenture, McKinsey, BCG, and Commonwealth Bank have their own AI divisions and seek candidates who can work with and critically evaluate AI.
• Employers aren’t just looking for AI believers; they want individuals who can critically reflect on its limitations and ethical implications.
• Understanding potential biases in AI tools is a crucial skill.

With new AI tools emerging constantly, how can MBA students navigate this complex and uncertain environment?

• Organizational Guidance: Companies will typically have IT guidelines on approved and secure AI platforms.
• Student-Led Exploration: Often, students themselves are at the forefront of discovering and experimenting with new AI tools.
• Reframing Fear as Curiosity: Adopting a playful and experimental mindset towards AI can be a powerful way to learn and adapt.

Beyond recruitment, AI offers exciting possibilities for career exploration

• Industry Analysis: AI can efficiently help students stay updated on emerging industry sectors and macro/micro trends.
• Personalized Coaching: Students can use AI to identify actionable steps for career transitions and analyze skill gaps.
• Networking Intelligence: AI tools can provide insights into the backgrounds and communication styles of individuals for more effective networking.