Cultivating Skills in AI Ethics and Governance Through Shared Experiences and Interests

 

Jasminder Kaur

Global IT Marketing & Communication in a biopharmaceutical company
Completed Certificate in AI Ethics and Governance

Please share with us your professional life’s journey and at which point in your career did you aspire to pursue this certificate?

I had a genuine interest in artificial intelligence in 2022 when there were many conversations around it everywhere. Many organisations, including mine, were already in this space. I started to read on my own about generative AI and understood its growing importance within our society and organisations. Coupled with my personality who has always been curious and a lifelong learner, I decided to take up this certificate to further broaden my dedication and commitment towards lifelong learning.


How was your learning experience with this certificate?

I had a very engaging experience when I did this certificate. Firstly, the topic itself was inherently captivating, resonating deeply with the future landscape of our work. That alone ignited my enthusiasm and curiosity, driving me to deepen my investment in the learning process.

Secondly, I was in a diverse cohort that was also very collaborative. I had various opportunities to interact with fellow participants through enriched discussions on our assignments and group presentations. Each one offered multifaceted perspectives on the subject matter. This peer learning further enhanced my learning journey.


Which aspect of this certificate did you like the most?

It helped me broaden my skills around AI Ethics governance and how companies can adapt to it and mitigate their company policies around it. I also got to learn technical skills such as AI algorithms, data analytics and machine learning. Some of it brought back memories of my school days! Through this certificate, I also learned and understood real-life scenarios. Another notable experience was working as a team with fellow participants from different backgrounds for our assignments and presentations. This imparted even additional collaborative and networking skills. Some of us became friends even after completing the certificate.


What were the challenges you faced when trying to complete this certificate?

Our classes were mainly conducted over the weekends. That would mean I had to dedicate my weekend family time to this certificate. But it was not too bad for me because my two sons also went to their mother tongue school when I was having my online classes. I made a point to work on my assignments in the evenings when my sons were also studying and doing their homework. This was another great way to bond with my two teenage sons and exemplified the role model as a lifelong learner.


Do you think lifelong learning is important? Please share your thoughts about it.

Yes, lifelong learning is crucial in today's rapidly evolving world. It allows us to adapt to new technologies, industries, and job roles, fostering personal growth and professional development. Continuous learning broadens our perspectives and our problem-solving skills. It also opens doors to new opportunities. Moreover, in the knowledge-based economy that we are in, staying updated with the latest trends and advancements is essential to stay competitive in the workforce. Embracing lifelong learning also empowers us to remain relevant and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.