Why getting better at generative AI matters for every professional

Upskilling in generative AI is crucial for all of us says Associate Professor David Dempsey, engineering educator and expert in computer modelling and machine learning. Learning how to use AI starts with understanding how GenAI works, he says, and then adapting how we use it to produce useful results. 

Do you remember when emails took over from faxes? Quickly, the office was flooded with new rules about attachments, privacy policies, and even training sessions, on this tool that we now consider second nature. We’re facing a similar shift today, this time with generative AI (GenAI).

GenAI isn’t just for tech geeks or engineers anymore – it’s rapidly becoming part of everyday work. Just like emails transformed communication, GenAI is reshaping how knowledge workers do their jobs. Whether you’re an analyst, consultant, researcher, or manager, GenAI tools are transforming your work environment – and that can be a good thing if you manage the transition proactively. 

So, on the one hand there are some very cool possibilities, but at the same time I think the impact AI can have is getting over hyped in some areas. Thoughtless use can create a bunch of low-quality inaccurate text or derivative images - you’ve probably spotted some of this already. And there might be a bit of catching up to do if you want to become effective with these new tools.

Why bother learning about GenAI if it seems to "do everything for you" out of the box? Firstly, AI isn’t perfect. Knowing how it operates lets you quickly spot errors or potential misinformation and work out when it’s actually useful. Secondly, you can use GenAI far more effectively if you master prompting techniques. Just tweaking a prompt from something general to specific – like asking the tool to reflect on a previous response, or giving it examples – can drastically improve results. If you understand how GenAI works, you’re less likely to get sucked in by a bad result and you might actually get some decent assistance from it.

Beyond skills, there are some mindset shifts to grapple with as well. Experienced workers carry invaluable intuition and judgment, something AI lacks. AI might draft a report, but it won't instinctively factor in unique experiences or company culture unless you guide it. The real magic is combining human expertise with AI’s capabilities – human-in-the-loop and all that.

Historically, workplaces which embraced new tech proactively, like automation in automotive factories, also invested in worker retraining. Those who resisted saw disruptions, lower quality, or productivity setbacks. The lesson for us? Being proactive about upskilling is important.

GenAI isn’t going away. It's rapidly evolving, soon to include even more sophisticated reasoning capabilities. But, ultimately, your experience and judgment are irreplaceable. GenAI is merely a tool to amplify, not replace, your skills. The most successful professionals won't fear AI; they'll embrace it and evolve alongside it, future-proofing their careers. 

Ready to embrace generative AI but not sure how to begin? Get Better at Generative AI with Associate Professor David Dempsey and transform your understanding and use of GenAI to be more productive in your mahi | work.