Artificial intelligence is already changing tasks in Norwegian businesses, but according to Noroff's CEO, Erik Brandt, we're still only at the beginning. He believes there's one thing that will become even more important as AI takes over more and more tasks: your professional expertise.
AI is changing the business world, but we haven't seen it all yet
– AI is changing the business world in incredibly many ways, and I think we're still in the early stages. We haven't seen it all yet, says Brandt.
He points out that tasks that used to be manual are now being automated, which places new demands on employees while also making the workday more efficient.
– But on the other hand, AI is becoming a tool in the same way the internet and smartphones have over the past 20 years. It's the same with AI. But I don't think we've seen the full consequences of this yet, he says.
Which skills will become important going forward?
According to Brandt, it's not primarily about mastering the technology itself, but about combining it with solid professional knowledge.
– The workers of the future need to have the technical skills and expertise required for their job. But they also need to be able to use the tools. They need to be eager to learn, curious, and willing to adopt new technology to succeed, he says.
At the same time, he's clear that technology alone isn't enough.
– You need to have your professional expertise as a foundation, and that will never be replaced by AI or anything else. That applies to almost any job you'll ever have, says Brandt.
Close collaboration with the business community
For students to be prepared for a changing working life, Brandt believes education must be developed in close dialogue with the industries it serves.
– Noroff works very strategically and deliberately with the business community. The business community is closely involved in the development of new programs, and in the ongoing development and quality assurance of our study programs, he says.
– The business community is absolutely central to what we do and what we offer our students. The goal is for them to be ready to work and have the skills that the job market demands.
AI in our own study programs
The collaboration with the business community is, according to Brandt, about making sure what students learn is actually relevant to what they'll go on to do.
– It's through close collaboration with the business community that we ensure our programs stay current, so our students learn what's relevant to what they'll be doing afterward, he says.
In addition to professional expertise, Noroff also actively uses artificial intelligence in its own education programs.
– We use AI in our programs, so students get to use these tools and test them, and see how they're used in the different professions and study programs we offer, says Brandt.
The combination is what matters
For anyone currently working or considering a career change, Brandt's point is actually quite simple: AI is a tool you should learn to use, but it's your professional expertise that still determines how valuable you are in the job market. The combination of solid professional expertise and the ability to adopt new technology is what prepares you for a working life in constant change.
At Noroff, this is part of the foundation for how the study programs are developed – in close dialogue with the business community, and with artificial intelligence as an integrated part of several programs.
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