How to leverage AI for career exploration

Career exploration is not just about choosing a job; it’s about discovering the intersection between the self (interests, strengths, and values), the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through your degree, and the opportunities out there in the job market (Holland 1997). That’s what makes career exploration both exciting and challenging. It is a journey of figuring out what feels meaningful to you while staying aware of where the demand and possibilities exist. In a world full of choices and constant change, finding that alignment can feel overwhelming. This is where AI can help you make the path a little clearer.

If you feel unsure about what’s next, you’re not alone. Today’s world of work is more complex than ever. There are hundreds of possible roles, many of which didn’t even exist a decade ago.Industries are changing rapidly thanks to automation, remote work, sustainability demands, and new technologies (World Economic Forum, 2023). At the same time, what employers want isn’t always obvious which can make you anxious about making the "wrong" choices. Career exploration means taking time to understand yourself, research opportunities, and align your personal stories and values with changing work environments (Savickas 2013) With so much information and so many options, it can feel like an impossible task.

That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) can make a difference. It can assist you by generating ideas, uncovering options you may not have considered, and providing targeted information based on the prompts and questions you bring to it, making each stage of your career decision journey more focused and informed.

1. Self assessment: Assess your skills, interests and values

Prompt tools like ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot to reflect on your strengths, interests, and experiences.

Prompt:

I want to better understand myself so I can explore career paths that genuinely suit me. Please ask me a series of thoughtful, reflective questions to help me clarify things like: (each item as a separate prompt)

1. My skills and strengths (both technical and soft skills)
2. My interests (what I enjoy learning about or doing)
3. My values (what matters most to me in work and life)
4. My work preferences (e.g. working solo vs in a team, structured vs flexible, fast-paced vs steady)
5. My personality traits (e.g. detail-oriented, big-picture thinker, creative, analytical)
6. My career goals or lifestyle aspirations (what kind of impact, environment, or life I want)

AI tool output: List ofquestions designed to encourage self-reflection and help you gain clarity about your abilities.

Example of AI responses

Technical skills:
What specific software programmes or tools are you most comfortable using, and how have you applied them in your studies or personal projects?

Soft skills:
How do you typically handle stress or pressure, especially when dealing with deadlines or challenging tasks?

2. Exploration of career paths: Research careers and industries

Career ideas based on study area, interests and values

Prompt:

I’m an undergraduate student studying [insert your degree/major], and I’m starting to explore potential career options in [country]. I’m especially interested in [list your main interests or skills], and I value [insert your values].

1. Can you suggest a range of in-demand and emerging careers that align with my study area, interests, and values?

   AI tool output: List of potential paths to consider and how they align with your values and interests

   Example of prompt: I’m an undergraduate student studying Bachelor of Arts majoring in psychology, and I’m starting to explore potential career options in Australia. I’m especially interested in data analysis, research, community outreach, solving problems, teamwork and I value helping disadvantaged people, making a positive impact and job flexibility. Can you suggest a range of in-demand and emerging careers that align with my study area, interests, and values?

2. Suggest any experiences, skills, or next steps that could help me explore these paths further?

AI tool output: List of next steps to explore this path such as Informational Interviews, job shadowing, connecting with professional associations, online courses, internships, work experiences, personal projects, volunteering, among others.

3. Job market and skill insights: Research skills in demand in your area of study

Use AI to research demand, in-demand skills, salaries, and industry trends.

Prompt:

1. What are the top 10 most in-demand skills for [area of study] graduates in Australia for the next 5 years?

   AI Tool Output: List of top skills and data source references to validate reliability.

2. Which industries in Australia are projected to have the highest growth and demand for [area of study] skills over the next decade?

AI tool output: List of the Australian industries projected to experience the strongest growth in demand for [area of study] graduates and their skills over the next decade.

What AI can and can’t do

Like any tool, AI has its strengths and limitations. The main benefits are clear:

• It can provide tailored recommendations
• Make you aware of emerging jobs and skills and give you confidence that you’re making data-informed choices.

But it’s important to remember:

• AI can’t fully understand your personal goals, your lived experience, or what truly feels meaningful to you.
• AI can also make mistakes or generate incorrect information.
• AI can sometimes reflect biases in the data it’s trained on. That’s why it’s best to combine AI insights with your own reflection and advice from trusted mentors, lecturers, or career advisors.

See the guidelines and resources for students using artificial intelligence at the University of Melbourne.

Have you used the prompts to generate some new ideas or directions to explore? Book into a careers appointment to discuss what you can do next with your new career ideas.