Did you know…? 10 Precautions to Take When Using Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Career Exploration and Development

When using generative AI for career exploration and career development, it’s important to do so thoughtfully and responsibly. Here’s a list of precautions to ensure you’re using it effectively and ethically:

  1. Verify Information: Generative AI models can provide helpful suggestions and insights, but always cross-check the information with credible sources. Relying solely on generative AI for career advice might result in missing nuances or up-to-date information.
  2. Consider Context and Customization: Career advice should be tailored to your personal goals, skills, and values. AI-generated content may offer general guidance, but be sure to work with your assigned Gateway Career Counselor to get assistance with adapting it to your specific needs and circumstances.
  3. Avoid Overreliance: While generative AI can offer ideas and suggestions, don’t make major career decisions based solely on its recommendations. Consult with human professionals (your Gateway Career Counselor, mentors, industry experts) who can offer personalized insights.
  4. Maintain Privacy and Confidentiality: Avoid sharing sensitive personal data (e.g., social security number, contact information, financial details, or private personal history) when using generative AI. Use the tool for general advice, but do not input private information.
  5. Be Mindful of Bias: Generative AI may reflect or amplify biases present in the data it was trained on. When seeking career advice or exploring job options, be cautious of any suggestions that might unintentionally reflect gender, racial, or socioeconomic biases. Diversify your sources of advice.
  6. Stay Updated: Career trends and job markets change quickly. AI-generated advice may not always be up-to-date with the latest industry shifts or technology trends. Regularly research current job market demands and emerging industries.
  7. Ethical Considerations: Ensure you are using generative AI in an ethical manner, especially when considering its potential impact on industries or workforce dynamics. Be mindful of how automation and generative AI might influence your chosen career path, both positively and negatively.
  8. Recognize Limitations in Emotional Insight: Generative AI does not possess emotional intelligence or the ability to understand your personal passions, desires, or well-being. Be cautious if seeking advice regarding personal fulfillment or career satisfaction. Human empathy and understanding cannot be replaced by generative AI.
  9. Incorporate Feedback from Real-World Interactions: While AI can help generate ideas for networking or interview techniques, ensure you get practical feedback from your Gateway Career Counselor and real-world professionals in the field. Generative AI can guide you, but real human interaction will provide actionable advice.
  10. Understand the Limitations of Automation: In career development, automation tools (including AI) can help with administrative tasks, but remember that successful career growth requires human creativity, critical thinking, resilience, and interpersonal skills—traits that generative AI cannot replicate.