As an English literature graduate, I was one of those people who frowned whenever someone said: “The future belongs to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates.”
I was annoyed. As if not only were my 6 years of study considered worthless, but also my passion for language was seen as having lower value.
And that had a significant impact in many ways. Especially on well-being. In crasser language, salary. The salaries of English literature graduates seem to lag behind those of STEM graduates who are more valued in the global job market.
But the tech winter and oversupply of STEM graduates from year to year eventually leveled the playing field again.
Given this bitter state of English literature graduates’ well-being, I felt extremely optimistic and delighted when Connor Grennan said in his TikTok video that appeared on my FYP that English/Literature graduates would become leaders in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Of course, I didn’t believe it at first. Then I read in detail Connor Grennan’s writing, who turns out to be the Dean at New York University’s Stern School of Business, on this gregoryfca.com page, and understood why he dared to make such a bold claim.
Superior Storytelling Ability
According to Conor, English literature graduates and graduates of other creative fields have an advantage in using generative AI.
The plus point of English literature graduates is that their ability to construct an engaging story and communicate any story or idea in language that is easily absorbed by others becomes more valuable than technical skills like coding.
Generative AI is driven by prompts in natural human language, so the ability to translate business needs into clear prompts is crucial.
This makes writers, strategists, and creative directors potentially more valuable in the job market than software developers in the coming AI era.
Continuously Learn and Experiment
Although awareness and usage of generative AI is high, Conor estimates that truly transformative usage is only around 5% in most organizations/companies.
Most companies currently have tried basic AI applications like content creation, but few have strategically reinvented workflows, operations, or business models.
To reach that level requires a mindset and behavior shift driven by leadership.
In the AI era, a willingness to continuously learn and the ability to adapt are key.
An openness to experimentation, a readiness to accept failure as a learning opportunity, and the ability to think laterally are all crucial for transformative AI utilization.
With new AI industry achievements arriving almost every week, a commitment to continuous learning can help us identify new opportunities.
People who are more adaptive and not rigid about accepting all sorts of results from AI tools are less likely to feel threatened, and may even leverage the smallest of opportunities.
Super Content Creators = AI + Creative Humans
Connor also states that the future will belong to content creators capable of harnessing AI’s potential in creating premium quality content with a human creative touch.
As we know, the emergence of Sora and other text-to-video tools will almost certainly disrupt Hollywood and current production workflows.
Just like Uber uncovering latent transportation demand, Sora has the potential to reveal demand for personalized content that has been constrained by production bottlenecks.
We may witness an explosion of indie media from super creators who can realize their creative visions with the help of AI without being hindered by gatekeepers.
This is where outstanding content creators can stand out and outperform content industry giants like Hollywood.
The ability to write, empathize, build narratives, and engage emotionally allows writers, communicators, and creative designers to use AI to optimize their creative visions even if they lack technical expertise.
Implementing AI in a transformative way requires a mindset and behavior shift facilitated by leadership. And this leadership must not have an outdated mindset, be resistant to continuous learning and adapting to changing times.
The key to winning as a content creator in the AI era is a willingness to continuously learn, high stamina to constantly adapt, an open mind to experimentation, and the courage to face failure as an opportunity, Connor asserts.
If you are an English literature graduate like me, doesn’t Connor’s explanation above boost your confidence?
But of course, don’t forget to be willing to keep learning and be open to new things! (*/)
