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Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping industries, and at William Paterson University, students are examining what that shift could mean for their future careers.
A group of first-year Honors College students recently explored how AI is already affecting professions ranging from music performance and film production to psychology, education, data science, and computer science. Rather than focusing on speculative extremes, the students, who were enrolled in a semester-long Honors course, analyzed realistic scenarios to understand how AI may change the everyday work of the jobs they hope to pursue.
Mentored by Jacob Felson, associate professor and chair of the Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work, the students broke down occupational skills using the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net database. They then evaluated whether AI is more likely to complement human labor or replace it, and what that could mean for long-term demand in their fields.
“Students choosing careers today need to consider how AI will alter their fields and explore ways to adapt to this emerging reality,” Felson says.
Hollie Maniscalco ’29, who aspires to work film production someday, is certainly thinking accordingly, thanks to her Honors College research.
“I learned that AI will most likely support filmmakers instead of replacing them by taking over repetitive technical tasks like editing and pre-production. Hopefully, this will allot humans more time to focus on the more creative and thoughtful aspects of their work, such as storytelling and developing a unique style,” Maniscalco says. “This changed my academic and professional outlook by emphasizing the importance of building strong narrative and visual skills, along with learning how to effectively use AI tools, since the future of filmmaking will rely on balancing creativity with technology.”
For students in creative disciplines, especially music, the conversations were especially charged, Felson says. Music majors expressed skepticism about AI-generated performers and compositions, pointing to the rise of AI-created “musicians” on streaming platforms like Spotify as a troubling signal.
Gabriel Freire ’29, who aspires to become a music educator, discovered the benefits of AI when it comes to education, however.
“This project helped me understand the resources that students can use when teachers or private instructors are not an option. Specific AI platforms can provide personalized feedback and interactive assignments that not only help students learn, but also keep them motivated by tracking their progress,” Freire says.
Students presented their findings during Honors Research Day, when more than 100 first-year Honors students shared research across disciplines, gaining early experience in college-level inquiry, analysis, and presentation.
By grounding conversations about artificial intelligence in real jobs and real tasks, the students working with Professor Felson were encouraged to move beyond speculation and begin defining how they want to navigate – and shape – an increasingly AI-driven world.
