On November 12, the Burridge Center for Finance held a pivotal event titled NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services, convening industry leaders to discuss the launch of startups amid the rise of artificial intelligence.
The Transformative Power of Technology in Finance
The financial landscape is being transformed by technological advancements, and students witnessed this firsthand at NextGen Finance: Tech Innovation in Financial Services. This panel discussion delved into what it takes to create startups in an AI-driven environment. The event served as a valuable networking opportunity for accounting and finance students, allowing them to explore the emerging trends reshaping the financial services industry.
AI’s Role in the Future of Work
Patrick Harrington, head of AI and machine learning at MetaRouter, kicked off the symposium by revealing that approximately 92 million jobs, or 8% of global employment, could be displaced by AI. The Leeds School of Business is actively preparing students to navigate the implications of AI on the workforce and their future careers. This symposium presented a unique chance for students to engage with successful entrepreneurs who have launched startups during this AI revolution, thereby forming crucial connections for their professional futures.
“This is a profound moment in our societal development. It’s a lever that no other generation has had,” Harrington shared. “In five years, the knowledge you acquire today will significantly enhance your critical thinking skills.”
Insights from Industry Leaders
Panelists engaged in dynamic discussions regarding career opportunities in the AI era, offering advice on pivotal skills necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace. They showcased live demonstrations of their platforms, illustrating the practical applications of their technologies in real-world settings. The speakers shared their entrepreneurial journeys, emphasizing how finance and accounting firms are leveraging AI to innovate and improve their services.
According to Sarah Angello, co-founder of Daffodil, “Innovative products that propel our industry forward emerge when they effectively address significant challenges and deliver genuine solutions.”
Nurturing Networking Skills
A standout feature of the event was its focus on enhancing students’ networking capabilities. Attendees were encouraged to dress professionally and engage meaningfully with the entrepreneurs present, fostering an environment of connection and collaboration.
Notable authors Elizabeth MacBride and Seth Levine participated in the event, inviting students to share ideas and discuss themes from their book, Evolution of Capital: The New American Economy. The discussions often mirrored the event’s themes, creating a rich dialogue about the evolving dynamics of the American economy.
Takeaways for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Students left the event not only with fresh perspectives but also with signed copies of the authors’ book, providing them a platform for further exploration of the discussed themes. The event underscored the necessity for students to adapt to new landscapes while cultivating their entrepreneurial spirit.
Key Recommendations from Experts
- Recognize the enduring significance of human involvement in AI systems; there will always be a need for human oversight.
- Embrace curiosity about AI tools and actively experiment with them to stay competent in the job market.
- Preserve your creative instincts.
- Focus on building meaningful relationships.
- Maintain humility and optimism, regardless of challenges.
- Prioritize networking—engaging in conversations can lead to unforeseen opportunities.