Insights from a Program Alum on AI: Shaping The Future of Business Innovation
July 3, 2024
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Artificial intelligence (AI) has gone mainstream. Simply, AI technologies can process and shift through large sets of data, analyze and discover patterns, and some utilize deep learning or scalable machine learning. With potential to automate these needs, increase business efficiency, and decrease long-term costs, it is no surprise an increasing number of businesses are incorporating AI into their operations.
As these changes occur, the demand for professionals skilled in these technologies also increases. Zachary Telford leverages AI in his role as a Cyber Modeling and Simulation Analyst at the Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS). With a background in military history and military service, Telford pursued the online Master of Technology degree at Virginia Tech, driven by positive feedback from peers.
The program shaped his understanding of AI's capabilities. "One big thing I learned is how much AI can accelerate your own learning, particularly in fields that you're unfamiliar with. It can be used to form outlines and to understand harder concepts," Telford remarks. Correctly, machine learning and deep learning are foundational subfields in any emerging technology, such as nanotechnology, quantum computing, and of course, artificial intelligence.
BUSINESS APPLICATIONS OF AI
With continual advancements, AI technologies will become a necessary resource for businesses to drive growth. Currently, AI can impact, though not limited to, areas of content production, customer support, recruitment, financials, supply chain, research, and cyber/fraud security.
Most commonly, AI is used to improve customer service. AI-powered chatbots or AI personalized recommendations exist, connected to your shopping sites or entertainment media. ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini are some examples of popular generative AI tools that have gained traction in recent years. These tools use deep learning algorithms, known as large language models (LLMs), to process large amounts of text and generate contextually relevant responses. Understanding and harnessing the power of these tools while being aware of their limitations is crucial for businesses and individuals alike.
Another common use is content production. This can range from personalized messaging in texts or emails, writing code, or website copy. "Generative AI helps generate templates, a game-changer for administrative work," explains Telford. He adds that it can assist with more complex roles like software engineering by reviewing code and generating documentation.
Overall, AI can aid businesses positively, helping to improve customer experience, streamline tasks, increase productivity, enhance decision-making, while reducing errors, risks, and costs.
LIMITATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY OF AI
Yet, there are concerns about AI adoption. Over reliance on technology can have drastic effects when a system stops working correctly or if the technology has inherent biases.
Given that AI works by creating new content based on the data it was trained on, Telford alludes that businesses have the ultimate authority to shape the results. "You can train an AI to do great things like complex mathematical models, but you can also train AI to lie or give bad information deliberately," he states.
AI integration also risks misinformation at the onset, and potentially creates negative impressions with customers, and employee apprehension of employment insecurity. “Many may rely on it exclusively, displacing some people," Telford acknowledges. However, AI technology can create new opportunities in development, oversight, and integration. This resounds greater when understanding advanced technologies will require higher levels of data security and privacy protections. This leads to a greater demand for professionals with specialized skills and training.
LEARNING TO THRIVE IN AN AI-DRIVEN WORKPLACE
As the business applications of AI continue to grow, it is becoming more important than ever for professionals to familiarize themselves with the applications of AI and to stay updated with new AI technologies, regardless of their industry.
Those without any background in AI technologies can acquire the knowledge and skills of business intelligence, machine learning, and AI innovation at Virginia Tech’s Master of Information Technology (VT-MIT) online program. VT-MIT offers introductory courses like ‘Introduction to Generative AI in Business’ appealing to professionals like Telford, for those in a blended field of business and technology, or for those wanting to establish themselves as a leader in AI innovation for business.