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Information Technology Self-Improve Workforce Development

Visiting His Mentee: A Senior Citizen’s Concerns Over AI Usage

In today’s fast-paced world of technology, it’s not uncommon to see people of all ages embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. However, for some individuals, such as 60+ years old man, the idea of relying on AI can be somewhat unsettling. This was the case for John, a retired writer who recently visited his mentee, a successful author in his 30s, and was taken aback by his use of AI as an editor for his second book.

John had mentored his protege for several years and was proud of his progress and success in the writing world. However, when he saw that his mentee was using AI to edit his book, he was hesitant and upset. He had long-standing relationships with many experienced editors, and the thought of someone else, even if it was a machine, editing his work was difficult for him to accept.

John’s concerns stem from the fact that he believes that the human touch is essential in the editing process. He felt that a machine could never fully understand the nuances and subtleties of language, and as a result, could never do as good a job as a seasoned editor. Additionally, John was worried that the use of AI could lead to a loss of creativity and individuality in the writing process.

Despite his reservations, John was determined to have an open mind and listen to his mentee’s perspective. His mentee explained that using AI as an editor allowed him to save time and money, and that the machine was able to catch errors and inconsistencies that he may have missed. He also mentioned that the AI editor was able to suggest improvements and alternatives to his writing, which he found extremely helpful.

After much discussion, John came to understand the advantages of using AI in the editing process, but he still felt uneasy about it. He suggested that his mentee consider using his long-time editor friend, who was experienced and reliable. However, his mentee was hesitant to do so because the editor had demanded to charge double for the second book, which was something he could not afford.

In the end, John and his mentee reached a compromise. They agreed to try using the AI editor for a few chapters, and if they were not satisfied with the results, they would go back to using John’s friend. This solution satisfied both parties, and John felt that he had done his best to impart his wisdom and experience to his mentee.

The use of AI in the editing process can be a contentious issue for some, especially for those who are older and more set in their ways. However, it’s important to keep an open mind and consider the benefits of using technology, while also taking into account the importance of the human touch. In the end, the decision to use AI or a human editor is a personal one and should be based on individual needs and preferences.

Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH

Di Tran’s new book “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH” encourages us to believe in ourselves and move forward with faith, as change is a constant and inevitable part of life. By embracing this philosophy, we can be mindful of ourselves and find peace in the midst of change. When we focus on our faith, rather than our fear, we open ourselves up to new opportunities and experiences that allow us to grow and evolve. Di Tran’s book reminds us that the journey of life is not always easy, but by having faith in ourselves and our abilities, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve our goals. So, let us drop the fear and focus on the faith, and experience the growth and fulfillment that comes with it.

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Information Technology Leadership Development Workforce Development

The Role of Human Instructors in the Age of AI: Balancing Knowledge Management and Emotional Intelligence in Education

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of our lives in the future, including knowledge management and education. As AI technology advances, it is likely that AI will play an increasingly important role in these areas, taking over tasks that were previously performed by humans.

One of the main benefits of AI in the field of knowledge management is that it can process and analyze vast amounts of data much faster and more accurately than a human could. For example, AI-powered systems could be used to manage vast databases of information, identify patterns and relationships, and provide insights and recommendations to decision-makers. This could greatly improve the efficiency and accuracy of knowledge management, allowing organizations to make more informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition.

In education, AI has the potential to transform the way that students learn. For example, AI-powered tutors could provide personalized and interactive learning experiences, adapting to the individual needs and learning styles of each student. This could greatly improve student engagement and motivation, and help students to learn more effectively and efficiently.

However, while AI may be able to perform many tasks related to knowledge management and education, there are certain things that it cannot do. For example, AI cannot understand or experience emotions, and it cannot truly understand the human experience. This is where human instructors come in. While AI may be able to provide students with a wealth of knowledge and information, human instructors still have an important role to play in teaching children how to be human.

One of the most important things that human instructors can teach children is how to be kind, loving, and caring for others. These are qualities that cannot be learned from a machine or a database, and they are essential for a fulfilling and meaningful life. By teaching children these values and helping them to develop empathy and emotional intelligence, human instructors can help to create a better future for everyone.

While AI has the potential to revolutionize many aspects of knowledge management and education in the future, it is important to recognize that there are certain things that only humans can do. By focusing on what makes us unique as human beings, and by teaching children the values that are essential for a fulfilling life, we can ensure that AI will be used to complement and enhance human capabilities, rather than replace them.

Be Human – Be a Best Version of Oneself

Becoming the best version of oneself is a personal journey that requires effort and self-reflection. However, there are some general principles that can help individuals to become their best selves:

  1. Embrace self-awareness: Understanding one’s own strengths, weaknesses, values, and motivations is an essential step towards personal growth and self-improvement. Regular self-reflection and journaling can help individuals to gain insight into their own thoughts and feelings, and to identify areas where they would like to make changes.
  2. Practice empathy: Empathy involves the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. By making a conscious effort to understand the perspectives of those around us, we can develop stronger relationships and become more compassionate individuals.
  3. Cultivate gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help individuals to appreciate what they have, rather than focusing on what they lack. This can lead to increased happiness and well-being, and can also improve relationships with others.
  4. Seek personal growth: Personal growth is an ongoing process, and individuals who are committed to becoming the best versions of themselves are always seeking new opportunities to learn and grow. This can involve taking on new challenges, learning new skills, and expanding one’s knowledge and understanding of the world.
  5. Nurture relationships: Strong relationships with family, friends, and loved ones are essential for personal happiness and well-being. By making an effort to connect with others, to listen and to be supportive, individuals can build and maintain meaningful relationships that will enrich their lives.
  6. Focus on physical and mental health: Taking care of one’s physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being and personal growth. This can involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle, seeking medical care when needed, and engaging in activities that promote physical and mental well-being.
  7. Practice kindness and generosity: Acts of kindness and generosity can have a profound impact on both the giver and the receiver. By making a conscious effort to be kind and to help others, individuals can create a ripple effect of positivity and compassion, and can become a better version of themselves in the process.

By following these principles, individuals can begin their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves. However, it is important to remember that this is a lifelong process, and that there is no one “right” way to become the best version of oneself. The most important thing is to be patient, persistent, and to approach the journey with an open mind and a positive attitude.

Take away

In conclusion, Di Tran’s message of “Drop the FEAR and Focus on the FAITH” is a powerful reminder that our faith and beliefs can guide us in becoming the best version of ourselves. By embracing our humanity and being faithful to the God within us, we can overcome fear and uncertainty, and find a greater sense of purpose and meaning in our lives. This message is a continuation of Tran’s first book “Drop the ME and Focus on the OTHERS,” which emphasized the importance of putting others first and serving others with compassion and kindness. Together, these two books encourage us to embrace both our spiritual and human sides, and to strive towards a more harmonious and fulfilling existence. So let us drop the fear, and focus on the faith within ourselves, as we work towards becoming the best version of ourselves and making a positive impact on the world.

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Self-Improve Workforce Development

Becoming a Winner: The Importance of Building a Winning Mentality

Winning isn’t just about reaching the finish line first or achieving grand success; it’s about the daily habits and actions that lead to those victories. Building a winning mentality is the foundation for success and can be cultivated through small wins in everything we do. This idea is aligned with the principle of the Navy SEALs’ “General Presentation,” which states that success in one small task can lead to greater achievements.

One of the ways to cultivate a winning mentality is by making your bed every day. According to Admiral William H. McRaven, making your bed sets the tone for a productive day and can lead to greater success in life. Similarly, cleaning the dishes immediately after use and organizing things as they come can help you maintain a tidy and organized environment, which in turn can foster discipline and focus.

Another key aspect of building a winning mentality is to add value to others in small ways. A simple genuine smile or act of kindness can have a big impact on someone’s day and bring positivity to both you and those around you. Zero negativity thinking is also crucial in building a winning mentality. By focusing on the positive and practicing gratitude, you can develop an optimistic outlook and lay the foundation for success.

Di Tran’s book “Drop the Fear and Focus on the Faith” also emphasizes the importance of removing fear by taking small steps toward our biggest fears. This approach aligns with the idea of building a winning mentality by breaking down big fears into smaller, more manageable tasks and focusing on the small wins along the way. By having faith in ourselves and a higher power, we can find the courage to overcome our fears and achieve our goals.

Becoming a winner is about cultivating a winning mentality through small wins in everything we do. Whether it’s making your bed, cleaning the dishes, organizing your environment, or adding value to others, these actions can help you build discipline, focus, and a positive outlook. By aligning your daily habits with this principle and “Dropping the Fear and Focusing on the Faith,” you can become a true winner in every aspect of your life.

Organize Everything Around You

DAILY PRACTICE

Here are 10 steps to practice daily for building a winning mentality:

  1. Make your bed every morning: This sets a positive tone for the day and establishes discipline.
  2. Clean up as you go: Keeping your environment tidy and organized can help you maintain focus and reduce stress.
  3. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you are thankful for and focus on the positive.
  4. Avoid negativity: Surround yourself with positive people and avoid negative thoughts and conversations.
  5. Add value to others: Engage in acts of kindness and offer help to others in small ways.
  6. Focus on small wins: Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to build confidence and motivation.
  7. Set achievable goals: Break down big goals into smaller, manageable tasks and focus on making progress every day.
  8. Maintain a growth mindset: Embrace challenges and failures as opportunities for learning and growth.
  9. Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to focus on the present moment and reduce stress.
  10. Focus on faith: Have faith in yourself and a higher power and use this as a source of inspiration and encouragement.
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Information Technology Workforce Development

The Importance of Building Real-World Projects for New IT Engineers in the Age of AI

The IT industry is rapidly evolving, and with the advent of artificial intelligence, the role of software engineers is changing. Gone are the days when a degree or certificate was enough to secure a job in the field. In today’s highly competitive job market, new IT engineers, software developers, and IT college graduates must demonstrate their ability to build and create if they want to stand out.

One of the best ways to showcase your skills and experience is by highlighting the projects you have built. Employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running and bring real-world experience to their organization. A resume that lists your education, certifications, and coursework is important, but it is even more impactful to show what you have built.

With AI writing code better than humans can today, the role of software engineers has shifted. Instead of writing code from scratch, engineers are now tasked with using AI-generated code to build and create new applications and solutions. This means that the ability to understand, modify, and implement AI-generated code is becoming a critical skill for software engineers.

To stay ahead of the curve, new IT engineers and software developers must embrace AI and work to understand how it can be used to build better and more efficient applications. This requires a willingness to learn, experiment, and continuously improve your skills.

For IT college graduates, it is crucial to seek out opportunities to build real-world projects and gain hands-on experience. This can be done through internships, hackathons, or personal projects. By building your portfolio and showcasing your skills, you will be better positioned to secure a job in the highly competitive IT industry.

The rise of artificial intelligence is changing the world of software engineering, and new IT engineers, software developers, and IT college graduates must demonstrate their ability to build and create if they want to succeed. Employers are looking for candidates who can hit the ground running and bring real-world experience to their organization. By embracing AI and building a portfolio of projects, you can set yourself apart from the competition and secure a promising career in the IT industry.

To Do – For IT Graduates and Future Engineers:

  1. Embrace AI: Familiarize yourself with the basics of artificial intelligence and how it is being used in the software engineering industry.
  2. Build Your Portfolio: Seek out opportunities to work on real-world projects and build your portfolio. Participate in hackathons, internships, or start personal projects to gain hands-on experience.
  3. Learn by Doing: Don’t just learn about AI, experiment with it and use it to build projects. The more you work with AI, the better you will understand how to integrate it into your software engineering projects.
  4. Showcase Your Skills: Create a portfolio that showcases your projects and highlights your skills and experience. This will make you a more attractive candidate to potential employers.
  5. Seek Mentorship: Enroll in a workforce development program or seek out a mentor who can guide you in your career journey and help you develop the skills you need to succeed.

To Do – For Employers:

Programmer
  1. Embrace AI: Invest in artificial intelligence technology and find ways to integrate it into your organization. This will help you stay ahead of the curve and improve your competitive advantage.
  2. Hire Experienced Candidates: Look for candidates who have real-world experience and a portfolio of projects. These candidates are likely to be better equipped to hit the ground running and bring value to your organization.
  3. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning: Encourage your employees to continuously improve their skills and embrace new technologies like AI. This will help your organization stay ahead of the curve and remain competitive.
  4. Offer Training and Development Programs: Invest in training and development programs that help your employees stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the IT industry.
  5. Be Open to New Ideas: Be open to new ideas and approaches from your employees. Encourage them to experiment with AI and other new technologies and find ways to integrate them into your organization.

Need Help?

Are you an IT graduate or future engineer looking to build your skills and gain real-world experience? Or are you an employer seeking experienced and innovative candidates to drive your business forward? Look no further than Di Tran Enterprise and Louisville Institute of Technology.

Di Tran Enterprise offers a one-stop shop for software development, consulting, software architecture, and business development, providing mentorship and hands-on experience to help IT graduates and future engineers achieve their career goals. Meanwhile, Louisville Institute of Technology is a true work-ready IT workforce development college, offering training and development programs to help both IT graduates and employers stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

Invest in your future or your business today by reaching out to Di Tran Enterprise and Louisville Institute of Technology. Let them help you reach your full potential and drive innovation in the age of AI. Contact them now to learn more about their services and programs.

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Workforce Development

Press Release: Editor, The Louisville Courier Journal – True Work-Ready for Day One Organizations in Louisville KY – Community Rise Back Effort – 03-10-2021

To:                  Editor, The Louisville Courier Journal

Date:               March 10, 2021

The leaders of Kentucky’s public community colleges raised an important and timely issue (“Will you be ready to go to work…” CJ, 3.8.2021) regarding the resources and support necessary to put Kentuckians back to work as the restrictions from the pandemic abate. The gap between available occupational, technical, and professional career opportunities and the workforce-ready talent to meet them has grown, not shrunk, in the last year. Lifting restrictions and opening in-person enterprises will unleash a tidal wave of pent-up demand that generates economic activity and wealth. The question is, who will benefit from that economic turbo-charge and for how long?

The emphasis on institutional diversity, equity and inclusion appropriately sets expectations that demand much more than status quo. Specifically, the DEI post-pandemic economy should benefit minority and low-income populations, and in a manner that is sustainable and long-term. The post-pandemic workforce and small business community in Louisville must reflect and support economic success and personal achievement by minorities, low-income individuals, immigrants, and those displaced by poor health, military service, and other social circumstances. Principles of diversity and inclusion are paramount.

Include Kentucky-based career colleges in the mix of institutions that are helping individuals re-train, re-skill and re-tool for employment and entrepreneurship post-pandemic. The Louisville Beauty Academy (www.louisvillebeautyacademy.net) and the Louisville Institute of Technology (www.louisvilleit.org) excel at providing on-time, immersive and true work-ready programs that prepare graduates for employment on day one.  Completers at LBA immediately go to work for nail and beauty salons because the training specifically ensures their success in earning Kentucky licensure. Likewise, successful apprentices at LIT can attain the Full-Stack Programmer “I Have Done It” certificate in three months. Employers in financial, healthcare, logistics and manufacturing are eager to put those IT professionals to work immediately, solving enterprise system deficiencies and delivering end-to-end interoperability that includes text-driven end user applications.

LIT and LBA programs are extremely specific to the workforce. They are typically shorter and more intense than programs offered at other institutions because they recognize the importance of timely completion and employment. They are highly hands-on, emphasizing practical real-time instruction. The programs are highly affordable and accessible in-person, on-line or in combination.

Community college leaders acknowledged that job-seekers post-pandemic are “most likely to enroll in a nondegree program or seek skills training.” That phenomenon is driven by the economic and entrepreneurial opportunities right around the corner. LBA and LIT are ideal complements to public post-secondary education. The diversity and inclusion principles apply to the academies’ ownership, staff, and student populations. It should also apply to the institutional diversity that is supported in our community to achieve the DEI economic boom that is so necessary.

Di Tran, CEO – Louisville Beauty Academy/Louisville Institute of Technology

References