MIS Alumni on AI and Career Readiness: Key Findings from an AI Focus Group

Innovations in AI continue to promise (or threaten) the radical transformation of job functions in all fields related to Information Systems. AI job postings are growing more than three times as fast as the overall job market, with a sevenfold increase since 2012; and roles that require AI skills can command wage premiums of up to 25% in certain markets. [PWC 2024] With the aim of promoting job readiness in our graduates, the investigators assembled a small panel of MIS Alumni and formed an AI Focus Group. Collectively, the AI Focus Group affirmed the value of learning at least one programming language as an undergraduate studying MIS. The accompanying experience of building a small number of applications was considered equally valuable. With only modest revision AI Focus Group affirmed the current strategy of minimizing the use of AI tools in the first programming course and heartily embracing the use of AI tools in the second. Most importantly, the AI Focus group identified three skills that are essential for success in the AI enhanced workplace. They are: 1) writing effective prompts, 2) critiquing chain-of-thought, and 3) thoughtful/creative validation of results. These three skills will be featured prominently in future course content. The formation of similar AI Focus Groups, specific to relevant institutions of higher education, is recommended as a best practice moving forward.