We are currently witnessing a transformative era, often referred to as the “AI Revolution”. This revolution is characterized by the rapid integration of a relatively new technology, generative AI, into diverse fields such as art, education, and information dissemination.

For both current job seekers and those preparing for future careers, mastering the use of generative AI has become an essential skill. This mastery extends beyond merely knowing how to request information. It also involves developing a critical mindset towards the content generated by AI, ensuring its quality and accuracy.

The Cooperative Extension Service, recognized as a leader in youth development and workforce skills, should play a pivotal role in this process. It is incumbent upon them to educate individuals on how to comprehend, utilize, and effectively critique AI-generated content.

A recent article (link) suggests that employers are increasingly willing to offer higher wages to job seekers proficient in using generative AI. As AI continues to permeate various job sectors, it is crucial for organizations like the Extension to equip the workforce with the necessary skills to meet these evolving demands. This proactive approach will ensure that the workforce remains competitive in an AI-integrated future.

^{*This article was generated by the author and further developed using Microsoft CoPilot generative AI.  All content was author reviewed for accuracy and appropriateness.  The associated image for the article was created using this same technology.}