AI is reshaping nearly every industry, and the pace of change continues to accelerate. Businesses are looking at how AI can improve productivity and decision-making, while higher education institutions are working quickly to prepare students for an evolving workplace.
That conversation recently took center stage at a Breakfast with the Chair event hosted by DuPage County Board Chair Deborah Conroy and Choose DuPage. The roundtable brought together business leaders and higher education partners to discuss AI at the intersection of business and education and what today’s workforce truly needs to succeed.
For DuPage County, these conversations carry particular importance. As home to leading employers in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, research, logistics, professional services, and technology, the county’s long-term competitiveness depends on building a workforce that can evolve alongside rapidly changing industries.
One message came through clearly: DuPage County’s colleges and universities are moving quickly to meet the moment.
Representatives from College of DuPage, Aurora University, Lewis University, and Benedictine University shared how they are already embedding AI into curriculum, student support, and workforce preparation.
Aurora University shared that AI is not treated as a separate initiative, but embedded across the student experience. Students practice job interviews with AI tools that provide real-time feedback. AI systems support enrollment by answering common questions, and a closed-loop tutoring model provides students with 24/7 assistance using approved course materials and instructor-defined frameworks.
College of DuPage is also advancing its efforts, offering a machine learning certificate and a program focused on developing AI infrastructure to help students build skills aligned with emerging workforce needs.
Together, these efforts reflect how quickly higher education in DuPage is adapting. AI is not being added on top of existing instruction. It is being integrated directly into how students learn, practice, and prepare for the workforce.
The conversation eventually shifted from how schools are teaching AI to what employers actually value when hiring.
The answer was consistent. While AI skills are useful, employers continue to prioritize critical thinking, communication, curiosity, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
One leader from Argonne National Laboratory noted that success depends less on what someone knows at the moment of hiring and more on how effectively they can apply what they learn. He emphasized that curiosity and communication are often stronger indicators of success than technical credentials alone, especially as tools like AI continue to evolve rapidly.
Another participant captured the idea more directly: “If you know the question, you know how to find the answer.” The larger point was clear. Employers are not simply looking for people trained on specific tools. They are looking for employees who demonstrate intellectual curiosity, sound judgment, and strong critical thinking skills.
That perspective shifts how we think about AI and the workforce.
There is often concern about whether younger workers are prepared for an AI-driven economy. In reality, younger generations will adapt quickly because they are already accustomed to constant technological change. They will learn new tools as they emerge.
The discussion also reinforced the importance of supporting professionals at every stage of their careers.
Experienced professionals and business leaders are also being asked to integrate AI into long-established systems and workflows. For many, that transition requires training and a commitment to continuous learning.
As I shared during the discussion, the focus should not be on worrying about whether young people will adapt to AI. They will. The focus should be on ensuring all workers are equipped with the foundational skills that remain essential in any environment: critical thinking, communication, and people skills.
That is where DuPage County has a clear advantage.
Our region benefits from strong collaboration between business, education, and civic leadership. These partnerships help employers and educators stay aligned on workforce needs, curriculum development, and emerging technologies while creating opportunities for lifelong learning across every stage of a career.
AI will continue to transform how we work. The tools will continue to evolve. But the organizations and communities that succeed will be the ones that continue investing in adaptable people who can think clearly, communicate effectively, and apply sound judgment in a rapidly changing environment.
That remains essential to building a workforce that is right for today and ready for tomorrow.
Written by: Greg Bedalov, President & CEO, Choose DuPage