AUT’s big, bright career conversations
Which careers will disappear because of AI? How will young people’s future careers evolve and help us to sort fact from fiction?
These were just two of the questions that high school students had the chance to ask during the second livestreamed Future Careers Forum Online held at Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne in collaboration with AUT.
More than 5,000 students across the world tuned into the Future Careers Forum Online - Disrupting Disinformation event, to hear how experts are trying to solve some of our biggest global challenges such as the unstoppable impact of AI on future work.
AUT’s Dr Helen Sissons (a journalist) and Dan Fastnedge (a brand creativity specialist) were panellists with University of Melbourne’s Prof Andrew Perfors (a cognitive scientist) and Dr Jasmin Pfefferkorn (an academic).
They discussed careers in communication, technology, research and storytelling, and their intersection with the “truth”.
Amidst the rise of disinformation and fake news, the panellists discussed how young people’s future careers will evolve and help us sort fact from fiction.
Two robots, AUTo and AUTaia, helped elevate the event while showing off some impressive dance moves.
Fastnedge says he loved seeing how engaged the students were during the discussion.
“The real highlight for me was seeing so many high-school students engaging with the conversation, both on campus and online.”
“It was a privilege to share a little of my journey and research with the leaders of tomorrow.”
Dr Sissons loved “the sheer practicality” of the students’ questions.
“They weren’t asking abstract ‘what ifs’ but wanting to know how real careers will change and what skills they’ll actually need in an AI-driven world.”
Science Gallery Melbourne, which opened in 2021, explores the collision of art and science. Through its exhibitions, programs and events, it is a dynamic new model for engaging 15 to 30-year-olds with science.
The Trans-Tasman panel discussion was the second time this year that the University of Melbourne's hub for innovation has collaborated with AUT.
AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor, Engagement, Amy Malcolm says this collaboration is a strong example of how partnerships across science, technology, art, and design can drive opportunities for a better future.
“We want our students to see themselves as innovators and changemakers in a rapidly evolving technological world – reinforcing AUT’s reputation as an unapologetically bold, future-focused university making real-world impact,” she says.
“Bringing the best of minds together with 5000 plus students and two robots to talk about AI, disinformation and future careers is an initiative we are extremely proud to be involved with alongside Science Gallery Melbourne.”
Dr Ryan Jefferies, Director of Science Gallery at the University of Melbourne says:
“Our proud collaboration with AUT on Science Gallery Melbourne’s Global Classroom program has ensured we continue to empower students across the world with pathways into the interdisciplinary and intercultural careers of the future. This is the future of learning - creative, collaborative and beyond country borders - and supports the next generation to thrive in an uncertain world.”