Graduates' perspectives on AI integration: Implications for skill development and career readiness

Abstract

This study aims to explore artificial intelligence's (AI) significance for graduating students and its impact on their future skills. Through a survey of Bachelor's and master’s students across diverse departments in Saudi Arabian public and private universities, we gathered 465 responses from 500 questionnaires distributed in various regions. Employing a 5-point Likert scale, the survey covered nine dimensions, including AI's influence on future skills, its integration into education, student preparedness, real-world exposure, exploration, ethical considerations, global perspectives, curricular adaptation, and communication and collaboration. To evaluate the research aim, we employed a one-sample t-test and correlation coefficients across different dimensions. This paper contributes by extensively examining the influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on graduating students in Saudi Arabia. Through a robust survey methodology, it elucidates students' perceptions of AI's impact on their future skills and education. The findings accentuate the positive attitude towards AI, recognizing its potential to enhance problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability. Moreover, it highlights the importance of integrating AI into education to prepare students for evolving career opportunities in a technologically advanced society. Furthermore, they believe that AI can provide them with opportunities to gain real-world experience and exposure to AI-driven industries, which can enhance their learning and future career prospects. Students express a strong interest in exploring AI-related projects and activities to build their future skills, particularly in data analysis and interpretation, which are in high demand in the job market.