The Clemson Career Innovation Lab, launched on March 5, aims to provide AI-driven career guidance to students. Founded by Maggie Erikson, the lab trains students in effective AI use to adapt to the changing job market. With over 150 participants in its first month, it plans an expansion to further support career readiness and technological integration.
On March 5, the Clemson Career Innovation Lab opened in the Hendrix Student Center’s Tiger Den, aiming to enhance students’ career guidance through Artificial Intelligence (AI). Launched by Maggie Erikson, this pilot program intends to train students in effective AI utilization, acknowledging a decline in entry-level jobs partly due to AI’s rise in various fields.
Erikson, inspired in 2022, emphasized the pressing need for students to adapt to evolving job markets infused with AI technologies. She noted the importance of preparing students for this technological shift, even as the future of AI remains uncertain. The lab’s efforts began taking shape in the fall of 2024, supported by the Center for Career and Professional Development and student interns from Clemson’s University Professional Internship and Co-Op Program.
Intern McKinley Eads, a senior in financial management, expressed his enthusiasm for combining technology with business through the lab’s mission. His focus on empowering students with AI knowledge reflects a strong commitment to foster professional and personal growth among peers, aligning with a vision for innovative solutions in the future.
At the lab, students can dive into AI platforms, refine resumes, and explore diverse career paths. The program will grow in Fall 2025, introducing designated days for all students and specific majors, creating accessible opportunities for engagement and learning.
Erikson envisions the Career Innovation Lab as a safe, enjoyable environment for growth, where students learn the right ways to engage with AI, preparing them for an increasingly technology-driven educational landscape. However, she also noted concerns regarding academic integrity, citing resistance from some faculty members to AI in classrooms.
In its first month, the lab attracted over 150 students, indicating a keen interest in its offerings. It aims to share its journey and updates through social media channels like Instagram and LinkedIn.
The Clemson Career Innovation Lab emerges as a pioneering initiative aimed at equipping students with essential AI skills in an evolving job landscape. With a robust framework for training and growth, the lab cultivates a supportive environment for students to embrace technology. As the program expands and continues to adapt in response to the increasing significance of AI, it represents a significant step toward preparing students for successful futures in their careers.
Original Source: thetigercu.com
