On Tuesday, February 24, HCC Central Campus hosted an artificial intelligence (AI) & Careers Pathways panel for students interested in exploring job opportunities in the expanding field of AI and technology. The panel included a special Q&A session with Samir Saber, the dean of the Digital and Information Technology Center of Excellence and executive director of Workforce Technology at HCC Southwest. Saber discussed how AI is transforming various industries and explained the skills employers increasingly seek in candidates for AI-related roles.

Saber is no stranger to helping students bridge the gap between learning about AI in the classroom and landing roles after they graduate. He helped HCC launch its pioneering Bachelor of Applied Science in Technology in AI and Robotics degree, a first-of-its-kind program at any community college. Since its launch in 2023, following the introduction of the AI associate degree program in 2020, graduates of this program have successfully applied the skills they learned in various roles beyond HCC. Saber mentioned during the panel that there are currently 50 students enrolled in the program, and that number is expected to continue growing.

Houston is rapidly emerging as a major hub for AI, with organizations such as Chevron, Exxon, and the Texas Medical Center integrating this technology into their daily operations. Given this trend, it’s not surprising that many students at HCC are eager to learn more about this burgeoning field. Regardless of what the future may hold, it seems that HCC will remain at the forefront of AI and technology development.

You can watch a video of part of the panel here!