As a college student decades ago, and now as an educator for more than a decade, I have always felt that the greatest challenge, both for myself and for my students, was the human limitation of how to learn more efficiently and master an ever-growing body of knowledge. The pride and sense of accomplishment that come after hundreds, if not thousands, of hours of study and practice have long been part of what defines us as professionals.
In this new era of artificial intelligence (AI), however, that challenge and source of pride feel as if they are shifting, cracking and even shattering. AI is becoming increasingly capable, with the power to perform tasks we once thought unimaginable in our lifetimes. For many of us, this is both exciting and intimidating.
AI can process terabytes of data, generate code and insights, and underwrite thousands of contracts in seconds. These were once high-skill tasks that defined human expertise. While AI saves us time and effort, its very power also raises unsettling questions: how do we define our value in a world where machines can perform parts, if not all, of our job faster and cheaper?
Specifically, for the audience of this inaugural newsletter of the Career Development Community, we must ask with greater honesty: what does career development mean in the new age of AI, even though we have always been told that continuing education is the key to professional growth?
I not only see these questions reflected in students’ eyes, I often wonder about them myself as a researcher and an educator.
My own reflections lead me to believe that career development in the age of AI requires us to move beyond the traditional idea of accumulating technical knowledge alone. Technical mastery will always be essential, but knowledge can now be replicated, summarized and even taught by machines. What cannot be replicated is the uniquely human way we create meaning from knowledge, apply it in uncertain contexts and connect it to values and purpose.
So, what should career development look like in this age of AI? I believe it requires three commitments: to lifelong learning, to human-centered value and to courage.
Commit to Lifelong Learning, Even in the Age of AI
AI is advancing at a pace none of us have witnessed before. Lifelong learning now means more than keeping pace with exams, credentials or familiar tools. It means cultivating adaptability, curiosity and openness to learning in areas beyond the core technical domain.
We will be augmented by AI, our capability will be leveraged by AI, and our time will be extended by AI. Throughout history, there have not been too many da Vincis or Einsteins, rare geniuses who shaped entire eras. Yet with AI, we may see a new kind of creativity and innovation flourish. Every person now has the potential to do more, see more and comprehend more.
Commit to Human-Centered Value, Especially with AI
The rise of AI is not simply giving us new tools. It is reshaping the very landscape in which we live, work and imagine our futures. What sets us apart is not only our ability to compute probabilities or value liabilities. It is our capacity to exercise judgment under uncertainty, to integrate ethics and human understanding into decision-making and to communicate meaningfully with those who rely on our expertise.
The more machines can calculate, the more important it becomes for us to emphasize the human element—providing context, wisdom and guidance. This requires us to strengthen skills such as communication, ethical reasoning, empathy and the ability to listen deeply. These human-centered dimensions are not peripheral to our profession. They are central to its future.
Commit to Courage with the Help of AI
Change brings discomfort. For students and seasoned professionals alike, there is a natural fear of becoming obsolete. Yet fear can also signal growth. We are pioneers navigating an uncertain future, and that requires courage. Courage to experiment with new tools. Courage to admit what we do not yet know. Courage to lead conversations about ethics and responsibility in the use of AI. Most importantly, courage to reimagine our profession not as one diminished by technology, but as one expanded by it.
I remind my students that feeling intimidated is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of growth. If we face this moment with courage, curiosity and humility, we will not only adapt. We will lead.
As I think about the future, I feel both hopeful and responsible. Hopeful because our profession, grounded in rigor and integrity, is uniquely prepared to thrive in this new landscape. Responsible because it is up to us—as educators, researchers and practitioners—to pass the torch with clarity and compassion to the next generation.
The age of AI is here. It will challenge us, it will unsettle us, and it will change us. Yet it also offers us the chance to rediscover what it truly means to be human in our work. AI may change the tools of our trade, but it does not replace the heart of our profession. Hand in hand with AI, the future of our profession remains in our hands.
This article is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Neither the Society of Actuaries nor the respective authors’ employers make any endorsement, representation or guarantee with regard to any content, and disclaim any liability in connection with the use or misuse of any information provided herein. This article should not be construed as professional or financial advice. Statements of fact and opinions expressed herein are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries or the respective authors’ employers.
Tianyang Wang, Ph.D., ASA, CFA, FRM, is a professor in the Finance and Real Estate Department at Colorado State University. Tian can be reached at tianyang.wang@colostate.edu.