Blog

Why Choose STEM? The Best STEM Careers for 2018

Steve Waddell • May 20, 2018

Did you know that the career choice you make will determine your financial future and overall lifestyle?

Of course you knew that! That’s why it’s important to be extra careful when choosing the career field you want to pursue. Some of the most in demand careers are STEM majors . You may have heard about various STEM careers and you may have done your own research as a result.

In this article we’ll help you learn more about STEM careers, and talk about some of the best majors you may want to consider for the future. Just read on to find out more!

What is a STEM Career?

So what exactly is a STEM based career? Why are they in high demand and what is required when you want to pursue one? The acronym “S.T.E.M.” stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. In some cases, the “M” in STEM can represent Medicine.

 

Experts say that the demand for STEM careers will not only increase drastically the future, but will also help to boost the economy . One reason students are urged to pursue a career in STEM is that their meaningful work will help to touch and improve every area of our lives.

 

We have already seen a drastic shift in how technology has shaped our world. As a result, the practice of artificial intelligence, robotics, and cyber security have become critically important.

How Do STEM Careers Impact Our World?

These careers impact our lives quite a bit as you can imagine, but how do they influence our world? Consider the following:

  • Science is all around us (health and fitness, dieting, animals, nature, and more)
  • Technology controls our daily lives and it evolves every now and then (mobile devices, programming, game developers, web design, electronics, robots, and other smart devices)
  • Engineering is all about the designs of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures. It also solves the challenges of global weather changes and other changes of the environment around us (mechanical engineers, civil and structural engineers, electrical engineers, and more)
  • Mathematics is typically in every activity or occupation we do in life. (Data analysts, bankers, statisticians, research scientist, actuary, data scientist, investment analyst, software engineering, and more)

STEM careers and the jobs they create produce innovations that drive our lives. We find new and more efficient ways to approach existing industries from plumbing to sustainable landscape design. STEM is important since it opens a wide range of career opportunities for students. There are many types of STEM jobs that are all in high demand, hence the chances of qualified candidates being hired will only increase. Most of all, students will feel like they are playing an important role in the innovation of our new world.

How Much Do STEM Careers Pay?

Now, this is a question every student would want to know. Most students pursue a specific career because it would give them a good income. This is not bad at all. If you choose a STEM career that you are passionate about , you’re sure to have a happy life since you’ll earn a great salary while doing what you love .

So, how much do the STEM careers pay? Well, this of course depends on the field that you choose to major. On average, the most STEM jobs pay a rough figure of about $65,000 per year . On the contrary, non-STEM majors pay an average yearly salary of $49,500. Keep this in mind!

Out of all the STEM categories, Technology and Engineering tend to have an upper hand when it comes to annual salary . Engineering and Engineering Technology careers pay an average salary of $73,700, about 13% more than the average. Computer and Information Science pay an average salary of $72,600, which is still really great .

 

On the other hand, physical and biological sciences, mathematics, science technology, and agricultural sciences pay around $50,400 on average. Regardless of the STEM career you pursue, you can be sure of having a higher salary compared to most non-STEM majors . You are also more likely to be working in exciting fields that produce the most innovation in the world.

 

Keep in mind that it’s not always about the salary, but doing what you actually enjoy. Luckily, there are plenty of careers in the STEM field, so you’re bound to find something you are passionate about.

Degree Requirements for STEM Jobs

Just like any other job, STEM careers also require a minimum level of education. Surprisingly, there are some STEM careers that don’t require a college degree. For instance, careers like Manufacturing Technician and welding will need an industry certificate or a 2-year degree.

On the other hand, the top STEM careers will require either a bachelor’s degree or an associate degree. For instance, careers like a dietitian, teacher, personal financial advisor, UX manager, and global marketing manager will need a bachelor’s degree.

However, careers like lab technician, radiologic technologist, registered nurse, dental hygienist, and nuclear technician require an associate degree.

Who is the Ideal STEM Major Candidate?

Other than considering the degree of the student, it is also important to mind the student’s personality. This is a deciding factor in why some people will be successful in a STEM career compared to others. Generally, there are no restrictions on who should and who shouldn’t pursue a STEM career.

Nevertheless, it is important that those pursuing a STEM related major possess specific personalities. For instance, STEM students are expected to be curious (having a will to learn) since they should have the urge of comprehending how stuff works . Unless a student is willing to get inside of the inner workings of a system, they wouldn’t understand how things work.

A STEM candidate should also be creative . These majors require people who will bring new ideas, solutions, and be unique with their approaches. If you are creative, you will have a better chance of solving problems . For that reason, STEM candidates / professionals should create, innovative, and invent solutions to complex problems.

Who Will Benefit From STEM Majors?

Typically STEM education is meant to bridge the gender and ethnic gaps , which are occasionally found in science and math fields. For instance, there have been plans to boost the roles of women and other minorities in STEM based fields.

With STEM, customary gender roles are broken, and it gives way to equality in every possible way . It isn’t just students that will benefit from STEM. Rather, the entire world will enjoy the new innovations that come from STEM careers. The more advanced the technology, the more of the worlds problems we can possibly solve .

 

The problems STEM based careers can solve include solutions to global warming, food production, sustainable energy, and even colonization of other planets .

 

Which Stem Careers are in Demand?

 

Some STEM majors that have a higher demand compared to others. In the 21st Century, STEM fields that are in high demand are scientific and technology based. The modern world depends on technology as we’ve mentioned a number of times in this article, and elsewhere .

 

Hospitals, governments, newsrooms, homes, and other workplaces depend on technology to communicate and run operations efficiently. That said, here is our STEM careers list for students that want to earn their major in the field.

1. Computer Engineering

This career is ideal for those that want to deal with computer hardware. Computer engineering is one of the highest-paying STEM careers in the current world since computers are all around us. You’re likely reading this through a computer/laptop. Even your mobile device is a mini-computer !

 

Computers come in all shapes and sizes, from the tiny computer in your smart watch to the computer found in a remote controlled crane .

 

These engineers are responsible for creating a wide range of computer equipment, and they will test and analyze the hardware that they have developed.

The median salary for computer engineers is around $111,700 .

2. Web Development/Design

Today, any brand, company, or organization that wants to reach out to the world via the internet must have an active and appealing website. A web developer can help the brand have a website that functions well, whereas the designer makes it look appealing.

You’ll need an associate’s degree to be a web developer or designer. A good web developer should be good with HTML, PHP, CSS, and Javascript . A good web designer should have a solid understanding of graphic design. To simplify your choice, a designer handles what you see on the front, and a developer takes care of the code that you don’t see in the back.

This is a competitive field that needs uniqueness and skillfulness. As a web developer / designer, you can expect to earn an average salary of at least $66,000 .

 

You can receive or help someone else a achieve a head start in this field by obtaining industry certification , even high school students. Get more information at course information page for Web Development and Design .

 

3. Architecture

You’re probably wondering how architecture falls on this list yet it isn’t exactly related to any of the STEM fields. Well, there are what’s called STEAM careers , which includes Arts (the A in STEAM represents Arts), and most times, STEM and STEAM fall into the same category.

 

Architecture depends on scientific laws that are combined with artistic design. As an architect, your unique designs will help you create commercial structures as well as domestic home plans. The real estate industry has been growing steadily in recent years. As a result, architects will definitely play a major role in designing residential and commercial properties for new land projects.

 

You can be sure of making a mean salary of at least $76,000 as an architect.

 

View the Building Green & Residential Architecture information to learn more about preparing yourself for the future of this field.

 

4. Information Security Analytics

Commonly known as cyber security , your job will be to protect companies and organizations from any cyber attack, and find exploits (back-doors). Typically, you will be expected to analyze, plan, and execute preventative security measures to the digital systems of the company/organization.

 

There are also it support and security companies that are looking for new candidates to help smaller businesses protect themselves.

 

These professionals are extremely high in demand because cyber-crimes have been on the rise in the recent years. Big companies hit recently include Target, Equifax, and most recently, the popular food chain, Chili’s . You’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree to be an information security analyst.

Can you help to quell cyber crimes taking place more and more in our world? The median salary is around $85,000 or more.

5. Petroleum Engineering

 

The 21st century depends a lot on energy. As much as renewable technologies have been on the rise recently, the petroleum industry still remains a significant field in the energy sector. That is why you should consider a career in petroleum engineering.

 

As a petroleum engineer, you are responsible for designing equipment that will be used to extract oil and gas. You’ll also learn to make more environment-friendly equipment.

The median salary for petroleum engineers is around $130,000 .

6. Mobile Application Design

Whether you call them Android designers, iOS designers, app designers, or mobile app designers, these professionals play a huge role in today’s world. Mobile application design is a vital STEM field since mobile devices are among the most-used gadgets in the current age. A huge portion of the population has likely used their mobile devices every day for years !

As an app designer, you will work along with user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) designers to apply their design to a mobile device’s interface. Here, you’ll also need to design unique mobile applications of varying uses. Always consider an app that helps solve a specific problem people may be facing.

Mobile app designers can earn an average salary of $65,000 a year.

7. 3D Modelling

These professionals are also called 3D printing engineers, and they are also highly demanded. 3D printing engineering is related to civil, electronic, and mechanical engineering. They can also be related to industrial design.

The 3D printing engineers use technology to bring objects and organs to real life. For instance, they can be responsible for designing organs for transplant in the medical industry.

These professionals earn an average salary of around $40,100

8. Robotics Engineering / Artificial Intelligence

 

Our future world is predicted to be controlled by robots, and understandably so. As mentioned in our unusual STEM careers article , robots will be used in multiple areas, replacing manpower with, well, robot-power. This isn’t a bad thing, or the script from a Hollywood movie, robots can make our lives easier and much more convenient.

 

For instance, automated welding systems and ATM machines are all robots or Artificial Intelligence equipment. There are robots developed to clean houses, help patients at hospitals, and even serve as personal assistants. Robotics engineering combines math, engineering, science, and some creativity.

As a robotics engineer, your job will be to create robots for use in selected areas. This career demands a master’s degree or Ph.D. in some cases.

You can earn around $94,000 a year after years of experience in the field.

 

If you’re looking for a way to learn, or easily teach your students about this subject early on, read about our hands on Artificial Intelligence and Mobile Robotics course.

 

9. Gameplay Engineer / Video Game Design

Video games have been on the rise , and they are not only designed for kids and young adults. Big video game companies such as Electonic Arts are reporting record profits. Even popular individual games such as Fortnite are reportedly making over $100,000,000 dollars per month ! No that isn’t a typo!

Video game designers dedicate their time and effort to come up with engaging software programs for video games. They are some of the most sophisticated software you’ll find anywhere.

Gameplay engineers must bring life to the game, which helps gamers to enjoy what they are playing, and want to play it again and again. This field requires gameplay engineers to be both creative and unique in their delivery. They introduce new concepts, and tie it all together by working closely with the development team.

This STEM field requires a bachelor’s degree, as well as some years of related work experience.

The best part of this field is that it is one of the highest paying STEM jobs . As a gameplay engineer, expect to make over $100,000 a year.

10. Statistics And Data

Statisticians are among the most active professionals in today’s world. They will collect information from clients, students, parents, government agencies, or other companies. Furthermore, these professionals will use a dense and complex amount of data to solve problems, analyze trends, and answer specific questions.

Actually, it’s statisticians that approximate the average salary of a specific career. To become a statistician, you will need a D egree in Statistics . This will help to develop your analytical and mathematical skills. If you are still in school, consider specializing and perfecting  your abilities in math topics like calculus, probability, experimental design, and more.

This can leak over into the internet world too, as data and statistics are very important in the every day usage of the internet. Companies will hire SEO and internet marketing specialists to read and interpret data collected from a website. This helps them further optimize the client’s website to help increase website conversions.

As a statistician, you will expect to earn an average salary of at least $81,000 .

 

Other types of STEM jobs that pay well include Actuarial Science ($97,000) , Database Administration ($87,700) , Computer Programming ($97,530) , and Software Development ($100,700) . You can view some of the courses we have available to prepare you or your students for a career in STEM by viewing our STEM Courses List .

 

Which STEM Career Will You Pursue?

So, what STEM career will you choose to pursue? Do you prefer the technology / computer-based courses, math-related courses, science majors, or you want to go with the art-related courses? Whichever STEM career you choose, do your best to ensure that you make the right choice.

Go for the one that you have a passion for and can find enjoyment in. Remember that a wrong choice can negatively affect your lifestyle, even if it pays a lot of money.

Share To

Get in touch with us today!


You can book a demo directly using Calendly, call us directly at 913-764-4272 or 877-828-1216, or submit the form and we will reach out to you.


We look forward to helping you and your students.

students with STEM certifications

Most Recent Posts

Introducing a New “Learn and Earn” Certification Model

By Steve Waddell • March 1, 2025
We are proud to introduce a new model for teachers to reward their career and technical students with international industry-recognized certifications. Read on for how our new model provides schools, teachers, students and parents with a better alternative to the old model of students earning certifications.

How Can AI Help People in the Trades?

By Steve Waddell • December 30, 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries worldwide, and the trades are no exception. Rather than replacing skilled tradespeople, AI is emerging as a powerful tool to enhance their work. From streamlining complex tasks to offering innovative solutions, AI enables tradespeople to work smarter, faster, and more efficiently—saving time and money while improving safety and quality. So often, people think of AI as a tool only for the tech world, but it has applications far beyond coding and software development. Whether you are in a trade, a small business owner, or a tech professional, AI has something to offer everyone—if you know how to use it. By learning how to integrate AI into daily workflows, individuals across all industries can unlock new efficiencies and possibilities. We could apply this approach to every trade career, but we already do this comprehensively with our PromptScout app in our brand-new AI for the Workplace course . In this article we will highlight several career pathways including welding, construction, electrical work, plumbing, dental hygiene, and cosmetology to demonstrate how trade professionals are finding practical ways to incorporate AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, CoPilot, etc. into their daily routines. AI in Welding Applications and Benefits AI in welding is primarily used for quality assurance, process optimization, and safety monitoring. Welding involves precision, and even minor errors can lead to structural weaknesses. AI can analyze welding patterns, detect inconsistencies, and provide real-time feedback to improve quality. For example, AI-powered welding robots equipped with sensors can monitor heat levels, adjust welding speed, and ensure consistent weld seams. These robots don’t replace welders but assist them in achieving precise results, reducing the need for rework and material waste. Example: Using ChatGPT in Welding A welder could use ChatGPT to quickly look up troubleshooting steps for common welding defects like porosity or cracking. For instance, a welder encountering uneven weld beads might ask, “What are some reasons my weld beads are uneven, and how can I fix them?” ChatGPT could provide detailed guidance, helping the welder resolve the issue on the spot. AI in Construction Applications and Benefits Construction projects are complex, requiring meticulous planning and coordination. AI excels in managing logistics, analyzing structural designs, and predicting potential issues before they arise. AI-powered software can create detailed project schedules, optimize material usage, and forecast potential delays due to weather or supply chain disruptions. Drones equipped with AI can survey construction sites, providing accurate measurements and identifying safety hazards. Example: Using ChatGPT in Construction A construction manager might use ChatGPT to draft safety guidelines for a specific task or generate a materials list based on project specifications. For example, “What are the safety precautions for operating a crane near power lines?” ChatGPT can offer a concise checklist, ensuring compliance and worker safety. AI in Electrical Work Applications and Benefits Electricians benefit from AI tools that diagnose electrical issues, design circuits, and predict system failures. Smart home systems integrated with AI allow electricians to set up automated energy-saving configurations for clients, enhancing functionality and efficiency. AI-powered diagnostic tools can analyze electrical panels and pinpoint issues such as overloaded circuits or faulty wiring. These tools save time by eliminating guesswork, allowing electricians to focus on repairs. Example: Using ChatGPT in Electrical Work An electrician could use ChatGPT to find wiring diagrams or confirm code compliance for a specific installation. For instance, they might ask, “Help me diagnose a large voltage drop on an outside circuit.” ChatGPT’s response can serve as a quick reference, ensuring the job is done correctly. Additionally, an electrician could use AI tools to create a brochure or blog post to promote their qualifications, highlighting certifications, services offered, and customer testimonials to attract more clients. AI in Plumbing Applications and Benefits AI in plumbing aids in detecting leaks, mapping pipe systems, and preventing water waste. Smart sensors combined with AI can monitor water flow and alert plumbers to potential issues before they escalate. AI-enabled cameras can inspect pipes for blockages or corrosion, providing plumbers with real-time visuals and analytics. These tools improve accuracy and reduce the time needed to diagnose problems. Example: Using ChatGPT in Plumbing A plumber might use ChatGPT to draft an estimate or explain a repair process to a customer. For example, “How should I explain the steps for replacing a water heater to a homeowner?” ChatGPT can generate a clear explanation, helping the plumber communicate effectively and build trust with the client. Additionally, a plumber could use AI tools to create a spreadsheet showing the return on investment (ROI) for installing low-flow toilets and shower heads, illustrating potential water savings and long-term cost benefits for clients. AI in Dental Hygiene Applications and Benefits Dental hygienists can leverage AI for patient diagnostics, treatment planning, and education. AI-powered imaging tools analyze X-rays and dental scans to detect cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues more accurately and quickly than traditional methods. AI can also streamline administrative tasks like appointment scheduling, allowing dental hygienists to focus more on patient care. Example: Using ChatGPT in Dental Hygiene A dental hygienist might use ChatGPT to draft a patient-friendly explanation of a complex treatment plan. For instance, they could ask, “How can I explain the process of scaling and root planing to a nervous patient?” ChatGPT could generate a calming and clear explanation, making patients feel more at ease. AI in Cosmetology Applications and Benefits Cosmetologists can use AI to enhance customer consultations, create personalized beauty regimens, and manage salon operations. AI-driven apps analyze skin and hair conditions, recommending tailored treatments or products for clients. Additionally, AI can assist in designing hairstyles or makeup looks, using virtual try-on technology to help clients visualize results before committing to a service. Example: Using ChatGPT in Cosmetology A cosmetologist might use ChatGPT to write a social media post promoting a new service or product. For example, “Can you help me create a post about the benefits of keratin treatments?” ChatGPT could draft an engaging post, helping attract new clients and build their business. Additionally, a cosmetologist could use ChatGPT to create an outline and script for giving a workshop for seniors on best practices to maintain healthy hair. For instance, they might ask, “Help me draft a detailed outline and talking points for a workshop on senior hair care best practices.” ChatGPT can generate a professional and engaging plan to ensure the workshop is both informative and enjoyable. Additional Benefits of AI for Tradespeople Time-Saving: AI automates repetitive tasks like documentation, inventory management, and scheduling, allowing tradespeople to focus on hands-on work. Cost Efficiency: AI reduces waste and optimizes resource use, saving money on materials and energy. Safety: AI-powered sensors and monitoring tools enhance workplace safety by identifying hazards and ensuring compliance with regulations. Skill Enhancement: By providing instant access to information and best practices, AI empowers tradespeople to continuously improve their skills. Conclusion AI is a game-changer for the trades, offering tools and insights that help professionals work more efficiently, reduce costs, and improve outcomes. Whether it’s ensuring the precision of a weld, optimizing a construction schedule, diagnosing electrical issues, detecting plumbing leaks, enhancing dental hygiene, or improving cosmetology services, AI enhances the capabilities of skilled tradespeople without replacing their expertise. By integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into their daily workflows, tradespeople can solve problems faster, communicate more effectively, and deliver higher-quality results. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to support and empower the trades will only grow, making it an indispensable partner for professionals in the field. CTeLearning's AI for the Workplace curriculum with an industry-based microcredential enables CTE teachers to give their students a career-boosting industry credential in just five hours of class time. This curriculum empowers learners with skills to use AI as a tool, positioning them as the most hireable employees in their fields. Interested in learning more? Click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications. Citations American Welding Society. (2023). “AI in Welding: Enhancing Precision and Quality.” Retrieved from https://www.aws.org National Association of Home Builders. (2023). “AI Tools in Construction Management.” Retrieved from https://www.nahb.org International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. (2023). “How AI is Supporting Electricians.” Retrieved from https://www.ibew.org Plumbing Manufacturers International. (2023). “AI Applications in Modern Plumbing.” Retrieved from https://www.safeplumbing.org WebProfessionalsGlobal.org “Congratulating the First Students to Earn the New Certified AI for the Workplace Credential” Retrieved from https://webprofessionalsglobal.org/congratulating-the-first-students-to-earn-the-new-certified-ai-for-the-workplace-credential/ WebProfessionalsGlobal.org “Introducing the AI for the Workplace Certificate “ https://webprofessionalsglobal.org/introducing-the-ai-for-the-workplace-certificate/

Learning from AI Failures: Lessons for Educators and Students

By Steve Waddell • December 30, 2024
Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of work. From healthcare to engineering, AI tools are transforming industries. Our recently released AI for the Workplace course prepares students for the world of AI, no matter where their future educational and professional paths will take them. But AI isn’t perfect. When things go wrong, the lessons can be just as valuable as the successes. Our course shows how while AI is an incredibly powerful tool, it cannot just be trusted blindly without verification. Here, we explore some high-profile AI failures and how they can guide educators in preparing learners for an AI-driven workplace. Misleading Outputs The Failure: In one instance, a generative AI system created false news headlines. These included fabricated stories about public figures, leading to confusion and reputational damage. For example, AI erroneously reported that a CEO had committed suicide, causing panic before the truth was clarified. Similarly, Google’s AI suggested bizarre solutions to common questions, such as adding glue to pizza sauce or eating rocks daily. These errors highlighted how AI can misinterpret data or provide nonsensical advice when not carefully monitored. Takeaway for Educators: Teach students to verify AI outputs. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking when using AI tools. Encourage learners to question results and double-check facts. Thought for Students: Always be the human in the loop. AI is powerful, but your judgment is irreplaceable. Bias in AI: Who’s Left Out? The Failure: Recruitment tools trained on biased data favored men over women or excluded older candidates. In healthcare, algorithms gave lower-risk scores to Black patients compared to white patients with similar needs. These issues arose from biased training data that reflected existing inequalities, reinforcing discrimination instead of eliminating it. For example, an AI system penalized resumes containing words like “women’s” or identifying all-women colleges, systematically disadvantaging female applicants. Takeaway for Educators: Highlight the importance of ethical AI use. Show students how biases in data can lead to unfair outcomes. Discuss how diversity in datasets can improve AI systems. Thought for Students: Question the fairness of AI. Ask who’s included, who’s excluded, and why. Legal Trouble: AI and Fabricated Information The Failure: Lawyers have used AI to cite nonexistent legal cases. One instance led to fines and professional embarrassment after a court discovered fabricated precedents. In one case, an attorney submitted a brief with six false citations provided by AI, complete with fake quotes and docket numbers. These errors arose because the lawyer relied entirely on AI without verifying the accuracy of its outputs. Takeaway for Educators: Stress the importance of validating AI-generated information. Create assignments where students cross-reference AI outputs with credible sources. Thought for Students: AI can assist, but it can also mislead. Your diligence makes all the difference. Automation Gone Awry: The Tesla Incidents The Failure: Tesla’s Full Self-Driving AI faced scrutiny after numerous crashes. Investigations revealed safety concerns tied to AI decision-making in critical moments. In some cases, the system misjudged obstacles, leading to collisions, while in others, it failed to recognize road hazards altogether. These incidents raised questions about the readiness of autonomous systems for widespread adoption and the ethical responsibility of companies deploying such technology. Takeaway for Educators: Use real-world examples to discuss AI’s limitations. Encourage students to think about the ethical implications of autonomous systems. Thought for Students: Ask yourself, “How can we make AI safer and more reliable?” Your innovations could save lives. Missteps in Customer Service The Failure: A chatbot advised a business owner to violate legal regulations. In another case, a virtual assistant provided inaccurate airline policy information, leading to financial disputes. For example, a passenger was misled into buying an expensive ticket under false promises of a refund, resulting in a legal battle. These failures underscore the risks of poorly designed AI systems in customer-facing roles. Takeaway for Educators: Teach students the value of user education. Highlight the risks of relying solely on AI for critical decisions. Thought for Students: An AI answer isn’t the final word. Learn to spot errors and seek clarification when needed. AI and False Promises The Failure: A company used AI-generated content in marketing, leading to celebrity likenesses being used without consent. For instance, Tom Hanks’ image was digitally recreated to promote a product he never endorsed. Similarly, AI-created promotional materials for events failed to deliver on their promises, leaving customers disappointed and businesses facing backlash. Takeaway for Educators: Discuss intellectual property and ethical marketing practices. Teach students how to use AI responsibly in creative projects. Thought for Students: AI can enhance creativity, but integrity matters. Make sure your work respects others’ rights. Drive-Thru Chaos: When AI Fumbles The Failure: An AI system implemented in McDonald’s drive-thrus led to widespread frustration. Customers reported repeated errors in orders, including accidental bulk purchases of items. One incident involved an AI misinterpreting a customer’s order and adding 260 chicken nuggets. These mistakes became viral moments on social media, damaging the brand’s reputation. Takeaway for Educators: Use this as a case study in user experience design. Teach students how to anticipate user needs and design for reliability. Thought for Students: Technology should make life easier, not harder. Think about how your designs impact real people. Ethical Red Flags in AI Training The Failure: Microsoft’s chatbot became offensive after being exposed to toxic online interactions. This highlighted the risks of using unfiltered data to train AI models. Within hours, the chatbot began spewing racist and offensive language, forcing Microsoft to shut it down. The failure demonstrated the importance of curating training data and monitoring AI behavior. Takeaway for Educators: Teach data ethics and the importance of curation in AI training. Discuss the consequences of neglecting proper oversight. Thought for Students: The quality of an AI system depends on its training data. Be mindful of what you feed your algorithms. Final Thoughts AI has the power to revolutionize the workplace, but only if used wisely. These failures serve as reminders that humans must guide AI development. For educators, these stories are opportunities to prepare students for thoughtful, ethical, and informed AI use. Remember: Mistakes aren’t the end—they’re a chance to learn. Equip your students to face AI challenges head-on and contribute to a better, smarter future. Our new course, AI for the Workplace , helps educators and learners navigate this evolving landscape. This program provides an industry-recognized certificate and equips students with practical skills to harness AI as a versatile tool across various career paths, trades, and technologies. The course bridges the gap between understanding AI concepts and applying them effectively in real-world scenarios. Want to learn more? Click here or call us at 913-764-4272 to schedule a free 20-minute demo of any of our courses and certifications.
Share by: