Shawn VanDerziel
ON THE RECORD · 6 verbatim quotes · every quote source-verified
“Companies are looking at these new grads to be their future leaders, and they want a pipeline for the future,”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel noted that employers still value skills like critical thinking and communication in new graduates.
“are afraid to get caught 'cheating' because of what they've been told in school.”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel discussed how early career workers may feel conflicted about using AI after being discouraged from it in college.
“they're not honing those workplace skills that can be beneficial, and that serve as building blocks, for other work.”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel warned that relying on AI instead of doing work themselves could prevent young workers from developing key skills.
“are lukewarm on what [AI] means for the workplace,”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel described Gen Z's mixed feelings about AI's role in the workplace.
“are even more important today.”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel said skills like critical thinking are even more important in the age of AI.
“Those skills still endure even in the age of AI,”
Shawn VanDerziel · said date not stated · reported 2026-08-20
VanDerziel emphasized that traditional workplace skills remain important despite the rise of AI.