Class 19

Today in class, I learned how to use AI to help my career development. I really enjoyed this exercise because using AI can be tricky sometimes and this exercise helped clarify the ways in which AI can be used as a tool to advance my career development.

Starting off, I found the ways in which AI can enhance my learning process. AI can supercharge my learning by acting like a 24/7 tutor. Tools like ChatGPT help me break down complex topics (like marketing strategies or financial planning) into simpler terms. Personalized AI recommendations also help me discover new fashion trends, business models, or digital marketing techniques tailored to my interests. Platforms like Grammarly or Quillbot improve my writing, while tools like Notion AI or ChatGPT help me organize notes, brainstorm ideas for fashion content, or plan social media campaigns.

Moving forward, I also thought of the ways in which AI can hinder my ability to learn effectively. If I rely too heavily on AI, I might just absorb information passively instead of deeply engaging with it. It is tempting to ask ChatGPT for answers without fully understanding the concepts- especially when I am in a rush. This could lead to shallow learning.

I also concluded that relying too much on AI can weaken critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. In fields like entrepreneurship where creative problem-solving is key, relying on AI too much can weaken these skills. If I always default to AI-generated ideas, I might miss out on developing my own voice and unique style- which are crucial in fashion and branding. It can also make me second-guess my instincts instead of trusting my gut as a future business owner.

I then went on to find the situations where AI can be used as a tool and when to rely on my own abilities instead. I use AI during the exploration phase- to brainstorm, generate ideas, or find quick explanations. But when it comes to decision-making, designing, or storytelling, I rely on myself. If it is something that reflects my personal brand or business vision, I keep it human.

There are many actions I can take for using AI to enhance and not hinder my learning including:

• Using AI for ideation, but not final work

• Review AI-generated content critically, and always edit it in my own voice

• Combine AI tools with hands-on experience (ie: launching a small fashion campaign)

• Stay curious and continue learning from real-world feedback, not just AI suggestions

I also found that AI tools can help me level up faster in areas like digital marketing, e-commerce, and fashion businesses. I can use AI to:

• Analyze trends and customer behavior

• Create ad copy or captions

• Design mockups for fashion collections using AI art tools

• Automate time-consuming tasks so I can focus on creativity and strategy

• Helps me prepare for interviews or business pitches by simulating Q&A or summarizing key industry insights

However, there are some possible barriers or risks AI may pose on my professional growth:

• Oversaturation: everyone has access to AI now, so standing out requires more originality

• Skill stagnation: relying too much on AI might stop me from learning new hard skills (like coding, design, or data analysis)

• Ethical concerns: using AI-generated content in marketing must be transparent or it could damage my brand.

Some strategies I can implement in order to mitigate these risks include using AI to amplify my skills, not replace them, regularly upskill in areas that AI can not fully master- like emotional intelligence, leadership, and storytelling, and keep a human touch in my business and brand by sharing personal stories and behind-the-scenes content.

I then assessed the pros and cons of using AI for personal and career development.

Pros:

• Efficiency: AI saves time, helping me balance school, social life, and my side hustles

• Creativity boost: tools like ChatGPT or Canva AI help me brainstorm branding ideas

• Insightful analytics: AI can analyze engagement data to optimize my fashion content or campaigns

• Career prep: simulated interview practice, resume builders, and networking insights

Cons:

• Overdependence: too much AI can block my creative instincts and learning

• Generic content: AI lacks my unique voice, which is key in building a personal or fashion brand

• Privacy concerns: uploading sensitive or creative ideas to AI platforms can pose risks

Evidence:

According to a 2023 Harvard Business Review article, while AI increases productivity by up to 40%, users who rely solely on AI tend to demonstrate lower problem-solving retention. McKinsey & Company also notes that hybrid human-AI collaboration outperforms both AI-only and human-only approaches in innovation-driven fields.

All of this led me to create my own action plan that will allow me to use AI to my advantage.

1. Use AI for speed and structure, not for final creativity. For example, I will let ChatGPT outline a pitch, then rewrite it with my brand voice.

2. Keep learning manually through projects, internships, and real-world feedback in fashion and marketing.

3. Set limits: No more than 30-40% of my academic or creative work should be AI assisted.

4. Focus on human skills: Emotional intelligence, storytelling, and brand identity.

5. Regularly update AI tools and explore new ones for better efficiency and creativity.

6. Use AI to personalize customer experiences if I launch a business- like chatbots, product suggestions, or content.

Overall, this exercise clarified the ways I can use AI to my advantage and mitigate the risks of relying too heavily on AI through out my career development. I thoroughly enjoyed this exercise and look forward to using this knowledge through out my journey.