The School of Management's top leadership expresses commitment to providing practical insights by working on real-world problems in collaboration with industry partners, creating a win-win situation for both students and businesses. Dr. Thomas Fenzl, Dean of the School of Management, stresses the advantage of students completing micro-credentials in addition to their regular courses: “Additional competencies are an important asset to differentiate graduate profiles! At the School of Management of Carinthia University of Applied Sciences (CUAS) we are committed to support our students learning experiences in order to prepare them in the best possible way for their professional career while having the needs of regional, national and international companies in our focus – Inspiring minds to create impact!”
This winter, we began testing a new certification offered by Google Career Certificates: “AI Essentials.” This program provides students with a foundational understanding of AI and its role in human-AI collaboration. Designed to be accessible to learners from all backgrounds, the course empowers students with essential AI knowledge that can be applied across various industries and job roles.
At SoM a strong foundation for AI education is laid in the first semester through the "Business Software" module, led by Digital Business Management professor Dr. Stefan Dreisiebner. As Bachelor of Arts (BA) students progress into their second semester, they are introduced to the necessary skills via an online digital badge—the Credly AI Essentials certificate. This structured approach ensures that students gain practical AI expertise in a phased and effective manner.
Dr. Stefan Dreisiebner highlights: “In today’s complex information environment, digital skills are more important than ever. By completing online digital badges, our students can enhance their digital skills in areas of high demand in the job market and also prepare themselves to more efficiently take advantage of the possibilities of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence in their professional and personal life.”
The School of Management rolled out pre-integration of the AI Essentials certification in early February, initially engaging alumni in a pilot phase. These alumni are currently testing the process and providing valuable feedback on their experience in obtaining the badge/certification. Their insights will help refine the integration of digital certifications into the broader curriculum.
"Obtaining the AI Essentials certification has shifted my perspective on how AI can automate routine processes, foster creativity and aid with decision-making. While mastering AI tools for automation and learning responsible AI practices, this course provided me a solid ground on AI’s real-world applications. It was
also a great way to learn how to use AI ethically which makes it an invaluable skill to have in the future workplace." Olinic Alexandra-Cristina, Digital Marketing and Sales (DMS) student
"Latest since ChatGPT was launched in 2023, AI has been everywhere and used by everyone. However, as AI becomes increasingly prominent in our daily lives, it is important to not simply use it but to truly understand how to leverage it effectively. The Google AI Essentials course provided a clear and practical introduction to AI, helping me comprehend the fundamentals of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. It also gave me a better understanding of how AI "thinks" and generates output. The course also covered concepts like responsible AI usage, helping me to better reflect on its implications. I appreciate the opportunity to take this course through my alma mater, as it provided valuable insights that I can apply in my daily life." Yasmin Kranewitter, ICM alumna (European & International Business Management Master's Student in Nantes, France)
The Google AI Essentials certification is a self-paced course powered by Coursera, designed by Google to help individuals, regardless of their prior experience, develop fundamental AI skills. Taught by AI experts at Google, the program focuses on making AI knowledge accessible and applicable, thereby boosting productivity and fostering a deeper understanding of AI’s impact on various sectors. As part of this certification, students also learn about biases, glitches in AI, ethical aspects, potential AI harm, and data security, ensuring they develop a critical and responsible approach to AI applications.
Coordination: FH-Prof. Dr. Svetlana Buko, FH-prof. Dr. Stefan Dreisiebner
SoM Strategy: This project is a part of the SoM Strategic Initiative “Micro-Credentials and Certifications”
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