Students learn skills for the future at Generative AI Bootcamp Accelerator
To better equip students with the technical skills and credentials they need for the future, Ted Rogers School of Management’s Business Career Hub partnered with CGI, the largest IT and business consulting services firm in Canada, to host a program on one of the top emerging technologies – Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Generative AI is a type of AI that can create various types of content, including text, images and video, and is changing the way we work. During the eight-week Generative AI Accelerator held during the winter semester, 60 Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) students learned about the advancements of Generative AI and its impact on industry, applied their knowledge in a case competition and earned Microsoft certifications.
“We are passionate about collaborating with post-secondary educational institutions. Our goal is to integrate technological skills into the academic journey of future generations, preparing them for the challenges ahead,” says Maria Khan, Manager, Campus Recruitment Canada, CGI, and Ted Rogers School alumna (’09).
“We are dedicated to the rapid development of tomorrow's leaders and take pride in initiatives that influence students' career paths,” she adds. “By providing access to comprehensive training and upskilling opportunities, we empower students to excel in their future endeavors."
Generative AI Accelerator
CGI led industry initiatives in the partnership, which included a panel with senior leadership to discuss advancements of AI, an in-person workshop on networking and recruitment considerations, and a case study which was judged.
The BCH provided peer support to help students in their journey to get Microsoft Certified in key applications – Power Platform Fundamentals (external link, opens in new window) (PL-900) and Azure AI Fundamentals (external link, opens in new window) (AI-900) – and covered the examination process.
“Completing this Accelerator that covers Generative AI, AI Fundamentals and Power Platform will equip students with a valuable skill set for future careers,” says Hitesh Khodani, Director Consulting Services, CGI. “This program provides students with in-demand technological skills and fosters a problem-solving mindset, making them strong candidates for future careers in various fields.”
Entry into the Generative AI Accelerator program was application-based where 60 undergraduate students from TMU studying at the Ted Rogers School or completing their program in Computer Science or Computer Engineering were selected. This Accelerator was a hybrid program with asynchronous learning.
“Our Accelerators led by industry play a crucial role in preparing students for success in rapidly changing sectors by providing them with relevant knowledge, skills, networking opportunities and tangible ways to build their portfolio to showcase their understanding,” says Aakifah Luthfee, Manager, Bootcamps and Stakeholder Engagement.
Student experience
Finance student Jennifer Ha was one of the students who participated in the Generative AI Accelerator. She applied to the program because she was interested in learning more about AI and gaining knowledge beyond her major.
“In this program, I learned about a wide variety of topics, including Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals, Microsoft Power Platform Fundamentals, and Generative AI and its bias and challenges in the industry,” she explains. “The program expanded my technical skills and sharpened my problem-solving and analytical abilities. It also equipped me with the tools and credentials necessary to excel in the future.”
“Despite my major in Finance, I also have a strong interest in a career related to technology and generative AI within the financial industry,” Ha adds. “I believe that participating in these Accelerators will not only enrich my understanding and proficiency in AI, but also open the path toward my future aspirations and goals.”
Business Technology Management student Loneth Seneviratne took part in the Accelerator because he would be able to earn certifications for free and participate in a case competition where he could apply the skills he learned. “These certifications are definitely the right step in boosting my resume and making me stand out from other candidates,” he says.
Both Seneviratne and Ha successfully completed the case competition, finishing in a third place at the event.