Our European Project Management intern, Florence Nkemjika Okoroegbe hosted a successful AI workshop drawing all of our interns attention on how they can use artificial intelligence in their everyday work. The workshop covered AI basics, AI tool introductions and a brainstorming workshop. Participants engaged in lively discussions on AI’s impact. The workshop was held in the office on the 3rd of September in 2024.
AS FAR AS I KNOW YOU TOOK PART IN A WORKSHOP ABOUT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN SPAIN. CAN YOU TELL ME MORE ABOUT IT?
Inercia Digital in partnership with EXTRAMUS hosted a five-day workshop titled “Practical Workshop on Digital Competences for Young Women” from July 1 to July 5, 2024, in Huelva, Spain. This initiative aligned with the European Commission’s Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp) and aimed to equip young women with the necessary digital skills to thrive in the modern world. The workshop participants included Five(5) ladies from the Human Resources, Project Management, and Digital Marketing departments in EXTRAMUS. During the workshop on Gender Equality in Digital competencies, we delved into how AI tools can enhance our professional lives. We learned how AI streamlines work processes, automates repetitive tasks, and supports better decision-making. The workshop also demonstrated how AI can be integrated with other technologies and social media, empowering us to advance in our careers by making our work more efficient and flexible.
WHAT DID YOU LEARN DURING YOUR WORKSHOP IN SPAIN?
The workshop emphasized the practical applications of AI in the workplace. We explored tools that assist with automating tasks, improving communication, and making data-driven decisions. There was a strong focus on how technology can facilitate collaboration, across different teams or departments.
Moreover, we discussed how AI can enhance career development by using social media for networking, branding, and advocacy. In addition to AI, we were also introduced to digital tools for content creation, cybersecurity, and responsible use of technology. The hands-on learning experience helped solidify the skills we can apply in real-life professional contexts.
DID IT CHANGE YOUR VIEW ON AI?
Yes, the workshop definitely broadened my perspective on AI. I learned more practical tools that can simplify everyday work tasks and increase efficiency. The workshop illustrated how accessible AI really is and how it can be used not just to enhance productivity but also to support gender equality by reducing biases and creating more inclusive work environments. It broadened my view of AI being tangible, useful, and beneficial for promoting diversity in the workplace.
WHAT ARE SOME AI TOOLS THAT CAN BE USED IN EVERYDAY LIFE?
Chatbots and Virtual Assistants: Tools like Google Assistant and ChatGPT can help organize schedules, answer queries, and improve productivity by handling routine tasks.
Automated Translation Tools: Apps like Google Translate use AI to overcome language barriers, making communication more inclusive.
Social Media Algorithms: AI tools analyze trends and optimize content strategies on platforms like LinkedIn or Instagram, which can be useful for both personal and professional growth.
Data Analysis Tools: Software like Power BI and Tableau utilizes AI to process and visualize large amounts of data, aiding in informed decision-making across various industries.
Project Management Automation: Tools like Trello and automation via IFTTT (If This Then That) can streamline tasks, helping professionals focus on more strategic work.
WHY DO YOU THINK TALKING ABOUT AI IS IMPORTANT?
AI is becoming a fundamental part of daily life, and its influence will continue to expand in the years to come. Discussing AI is important because it helps raise awareness of its capabilities and potential risks. By talking about AI, we ensure that people understand how to use it ethically and responsibly, particularly in addressing crucial issues like gender equality, diversity, and social justice. Conversations about AI also encourage the responsible development and integration of these technologies into our lives while helping prevent misuse or ethical dilemmas, such as data privacy concerns or algorithmic bias.
HOW DO YOU SEE AI EVOLVING OVER THE NEXT DECADE?
In the next decade, AI is likely to become even more integrated into every aspect of life, from healthcare to business decision-making. I believe that AI will become more user-friendly, allowing individuals with little to no technical background to harness its power in their everyday tasks, whether for personal productivity or professional growth. AI’s applications in automation, predictive analytics, and data-driven decision-making will become commonplace across industries. However, as AI evolves, we will need to carefully manage ethical issues related to privacy, data security, and bias to ensure it benefits society as a whole while minimizing risks.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO GET INVOLVED IN AI?
If you’re interested in AI, the first step is to start learning the basics through online courses, workshops, or educational programs. Focus on understanding how AI works, its real-world applications, and the ethical concerns associated with it, such as data privacy and bias. Experiment with AI tools in your own work or personal projects to get hands-on experience. Additionally, stay updated on AI trends and innovations, and build a network of professionals in the field to exchange ideas and learn from others. Finally, always keep an open mind and remain curious, as AI is a rapidly evolving field that will continue to grow and change in the years ahead.
Written by: Veronika Gruber
