Summer Spotlight: USI Career Success Center presents at NACE Conference
USI Career Success Center Coordinators Danielle Bonczweski, Kim Sullivan and Megan O’Connor co-presented "Beyond ChatGPT: Guiding Students in Ethical AI Career Readiness" at the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) Conference and Expo in Denver, Colorado, June 9-11. This conference is the leading national conference that brings together career services, university recruiting professionals and employer partners to discuss preparing students for the workforce.
The framework behind the proposal was USI’s AI-Enhanced Career Readiness course, which the three coordinators developed. After seeing the impact of the course, they were inspired to submit a proposal to present at the conference. “All one has to do is see the list of companies using their unique computer programs that promise to craft a resume, organize and process job applications, and/or help with interviewing to recognize that this field is heavily invested in AI,” said Sullivan.
Designed for junior and senior students, the course promotes the ethical and strategic use of AI across all stages of career preparation, helping students leverage the technology to strengthen resume development, career research and networking while maintaining ownership of their ideas and decision-making.
“Authenticity is not what students have left over after AI does the work. It is the work. The moment a student pushes back on AI and says 'Try again,' they reclaim their voice and that is the difference between a candidate who sounds impressive and one an employer can actually trust,” said O'Connor.
The three coordinators were eager to share what they built at USI and are grateful for the support they received from Dr. Shelly Blunt, USI Provost, and Paula Nurrenbern, Career Success Center Director.
“Having the opportunity to represent both our institution and the Career Success Center on a national stage was truly rewarding,” said Bonczewski. “It was exciting to share our innovative work around ethical AI and career readiness while also learning from outstanding professionals across the country.”
The Career Success Center supports students with career coaching, employer connections, events and resources at every stage of their career journey.
To learn more about AI and career readiness, visit The Ghostwritten Candidate: AI Fraud, Auto-apply, and the Fight for Authentic Career Readiness.