Adapting to AI - Karam Kanwar

Artificial Intelligence is advancing at an incredible pace. With each passing week, new tools and updates seem to push the boundaries of what’s possible. For students preparing to enter university, this rapid growth can feel overwhelming. There’s a growing sense that the ground is shifting—and fast.

That anxiety isn’t unfounded. Just recently, a leaked internal memo from Shopify revealed that employees are now expected to justify why AI can’t do their job before hiring additional staff. Performance reviews will also factor in how well employees are using AI. This shift signals a new norm: AI literacy is no longer optional—it’s expected.

For students, the takeaway is clear. Now is the time to understand AI, learn how to use it effectively, and integrate it into daily life—not out of fear, but out of preparation. Below are three practical strategies to help do just that.

1. Learn Smarter, Not Lazier

AI can be a powerful study tool when used intentionally. For example, students can use platforms like ChatGPT or Notion AI to summarize long readings, clarify difficult concepts, or generate different viewpoints on a topic. This can save time and help streamline learning, especially when juggling multiple assignments.

Notion Logo

That said, it’s important to avoid relying on AI for answers. Its role should be to support understanding, not to replace critical thinking. Using AI to compress information allows more time to focus on analysis, reflection, and original thought—skills that still matter deeply in both academia and the real world.

2. Build AI Literacy

Beyond simply using AI tools, it’s worth gaining a basic understanding of how they work. Concepts like machine learning, large language models, and data bias may seem intimidating at first, but they’re surprisingly accessible once you start exploring.

Free online courses (like Elements of AI) and educational YouTube content can provide helpful introductions. This foundational knowledge helps users engage with AI more thoughtfully and reduces the risk of misusing or overtrusting the technology. In a world increasingly shaped by automation, understanding how these systems operate is a major advantage.

3. Operate With Leverage

AI can also help students contribute more effectively in workplace settings, especially in roles with limited resources or training. During an internship at a startup, for example, AI tools were used to support the creation of internal processes, automate basic tasks, and quickly build scalable systems.

Rather than relying on AI to make decisions, it was used to accelerate execution—transforming ideas and goals into tangible outputs with minimal overhead. This kind of leverage can be incredibly valuable, particularly in fast-paced environments where time and guidance are limited.

Final Thoughts

AI is not going to replace students—but students who understand and use AI well will have a distinct advantage. The goal isn’t to offload thinking to machines. It’s to use technology to free up more time and mental space for what matters most: learning, reasoning, and creating.

Adapting to this new reality doesn’t require being an expert. It just requires being open, curious, and willing to experiment. Start with small steps, build your understanding, and find ways to integrate AI into your studies and work in a way that enhances—not replaces—your effort.

Because in a world that’s evolving quickly, thoughtful adaptation is one of the most valuable skills you can have.

About me

Hey! My name is Karam Kanwar, and I am a final-year finance student at UBC Sauder. 

I have a background working with startups, consulting firms, tech companies, and non-profits, and I enjoy working across industries and disciplines. Most recently, I was employed by a software company, where I got to design and implement internal scalable systems.