“Artificial Intelligence, understood as a cognitive tool, represents a breakthrough in the way we approach education and professional work. The availability of AI tools, often at low cost or even for free, opens doors to the IT industry that were previously harder to access,” stated Anu Passi Rauste of Headai during the 5th international edition of Women in IT Day 2023 (15.11), highlighting the potential of AI in retraining and upskilling.
Watch: A.I. and Gender Equality in IT: How Finland is Pointing the Way to the Technological Future
In an interview with Future Collars, Anu Passi Rauste, Marketing Director at Head.AI, drawing on the rich experiences gained from the Finnish approach to technology, shared her thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the future of professions and skills, with special emphasis on the impact of AI on education and diversity in the IT industry.
Future Collars: What prospects and challenges does the presence of artificial intelligence bring in our daily and professional lives, especially in the context of its ubiquity and ongoing technological development?
Anu Passi Rauste: This is exactly the heart of the matter: Artificial intelligence, although it may have remained somewhat hidden in the shadow of our everyday life, is present in every aspect of our lives. Thanks to technological progress and the emergence of new tools, we have opened up wide opportunities to use AI in our work, which brings enormous potential. However, it is equally important to be aware of the process of creating and the mechanisms of these algorithms’ operation. In our company, we not only construct these algorithms but also ethically use the collected data. It is important to approach this with prudence and awareness, not giving place to unjustified fears
FC: How does artificial intelligence, being ubiquitous and increasingly accessible, affect career paths, especially for women aspiring to roles in the technology industry?
APR: Artificial intelligence, understood as a cognitive tool, represents a breakthrough in the way we approach education and professional work. The availability of AI tools, often at low costs or even for free, opens doors to the IT industry that were previously more difficult to access. A key approach is based on exploration and learning without fear. Thus, AI becomes a kind of bridge, enabling women to enter and develop in the IT sector, encouraging them to break barriers and expand their professional horizons.
FC: What are your observations on the role and impact of diversity in the IT sector in your country, Finland, especially from the perspective of women’s engagement?
APR: Finland has long cultivated a culture of diversity and empowerment of women. Currently, we are focusing on increasing their presence in the IT industry, which is a priority for us. Artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities for women, facilitating their entry and development in various areas of technology, including IT. This is a key element of our strategy to promote diversity in the technology sector.
FC: What are Finland’s experiences and approaches in implementing AI in public administration, especially compared to other European countries?
APR: In Finland, we focus on creating programs that integrate AI with public administration, emphasizing a humanistic and trusted approach to this technology. We try to follow global trends while paying attention to the ethical and safety aspects of AI. This is a process in which we balance the need for innovation with the necessity of regulation and data protection. We strive to make our activities in this field an example for other European countries.
Deep Understanding of AI – The Key to the Future.
Artificial intelligence is no longer just an element of futuristic visions, becoming a key tool shaping our professional reality. In particular, the importance of AI is emphasized in the context of the future of professions and skill development, as well as in the role it can play in shaping the professional careers of women in the IT industry.
Anu Passi Rauste, Business Officer and CMO at Headai, during the Women in IT Day event, pointed out the possibilities that AI offers in predicting future professional trends and developing skills.“Artificial intelligence can help us predict which professions and skills will be needed in the future… to program the path of education and mentoring,” she said.
Monika Mrówka from Accenture emphasized how AI is revolutionizing processes in large companies, especially in the area of services and sales.“AI has broken the code of human language. This allows us to minimize monotonous, tedious tasks in our work,” she noted, pointing to the growing possibilities of using AI.
AI as a Tool Supporting Education and Development
Anu Passi Rauste also emphasized that AI technology is a supporting tool, offering new opportunities and resources.“We are dealing with a natural change, seeing how education can benefit from artificial intelligence,” she stated, pointing to the potential of AI in retraining and upgrading skills.
The Role of AI in the IT Industry and Its Impact on Women
Akanksha Goel, founder and CEO of Socialize and Vice President at Plus Company, noted that “Artificial intelligence will not replace people, but employees will be replaced by those who understand the AI industry.” Her statement sheds light on the importance of adapting to the changing work environment and the opportunities it opens for women in IT.
Research conducted by Stanford University sheds new light on the potential of artificial intelligence in transforming the work environment. According to their findings, the implementation of AI-based tools, such as chat GPT, can lead to a significant increase in efficiency in many positions, even by 20%. This significant leap in efficiency highlights how artificial intelligence can optimize work processes and at the same time opens up new, exciting professional opportunities for employees.
Further, this data from Stanford University emphasizes how AI is transforming the traditional approach to work, introducing innovations and creative solutions that were previously unattainable. In an era where AI is no longer limited to automating routine tasks but becomes a catalyst for creativity and innovation, new horizons open up for personal and professional development. Especially for women in the technology industry, AI can become a tool enabling them to cross traditional barriers and open the way to innovative career paths, thereby creating space for diversity and new perspectives in the technology sector.
The 5th edition of “Women in IT Day 2023,” under the theme “Technology is changing the world before our eyes – be a part of this breakthrough!” was organized by Future Collars, in cooperation with EWA European Women’s Association and DIGITALEUROPE, as part of the Erasmus+ project. “Women in IT Day 2023” is a free online conference dedicated to women who want to consciously shape their career paths in IT. The event offers eight hours of an intensive program, including lectures, debates, meetings with potential employers, workshops, speed mentoring sessions, and a wealth of knowledge and inspiration.
The main goal of the event is to support women in the technology sector through education, relationship building, and mentorship. It features female leaders and experts from the Polish and European IT industry, sharing their knowledge and experience.
Future Collars, the primary organizer, is an online school for programming and digital skills, offering unique teaching methods. It is aimed both at individuals looking to change their career direction and enter the world of IT, and at companies seeking effective developmental programs for their employees.
More: www.womeninitday.com
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