Employers Say Higher Education Remains Vital as Technology Reshapes Work
At a NACAC conference panel in Minneapolis, talent executives from Medtronic, CHS Inc., and General Mills argued that college remains worthwhile as AI changes jobs. They said students gain human skills such as judgment, collaboration, and adaptability, which employers increasingly value. Panelists also urged colleges to help students engage with new technology safely and keep curricula current.
At a Minneapolis NACAC conference session on Oct. 9, talent leaders from Medtronic, CHS Inc., and General Mills joined George Washington University President Ellen M. Granberg to address whether college still pays off. They answered yes, especially as artificial intelligence takes over more routine tasks. Medtronic's Amber Alexander cited a theater-trained manager whose storytelling and team-building strengths illustrate skills gained outside a narrow job path.
The panel also said employers expect AI familiarity but want workers to retain critical thinking and judgment. They urged colleges to offer safe technology practice, help students handle unclear situations and setbacks, and keep programs current. A degree, they suggested, provides a common foundation for entering the workforce and adapting over time.
This panel's message could reassure families weighing college costs, while pressuring institutions to show clearer returns. Students may benefit if curricula emphasize judgment, collaboration, adaptability, and responsible AI use, since employers say those traits matter. Colleges that fail to update programs could lose confidence among applicants and hiring partners. Employers may gain a broader talent pool if graduates can navigate ambiguity and failure. Still, the discussion reflects business perspectives, so its influence on policy and individual choices may vary.