Earlier this month, a cohort of 20 students participated in the first-ever Deloitte Future of Work Institute™ (FoWI) at Franklin College. The institute offered a collection of learning experiences to cultivate leadership skills and reinforce career skills, empowering students to not only navigate but also excel in the ever-changing landscape of today’s professional environment.

A major emphasis throughout the institute was artificial intelligence (AI) and how students can adapt to work with technology, as new innovations disrupt the skills needed to thrive in the workplace. They explored how generative AI could be used to enhance their work, as opposed to replacing or competing with their own contributions.

The collaborative two-day workshop on campus was a joint initiative between the college and Deloitte, offering students the unique opportunity to earn a valuable microcredential as a testament to their acquired skills and knowledge.

The institute was embedded in one of the college’s Immersive Term courses, “Into the Unknown: Charting a Course for the Future,” taught by Rev. Hannah Adams Ingrim, Ph.D., Franklin College Director of Religious Life and Chaplain. Students not enrolled in the course also had the opportunity to participate. With Deloitte’s facilitators leading the way, students built skills around adaptability, resilience, critical thinking, problem-solving, written and verbal communication, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

“These are human skills that are important, timeless, and shared across all careers,” said Adams Ingram. “Many jobs of the future don’t yet exist today, so it is critical students develop these skills to allow for the adaptability and resilience future careers will require of them. We are pleased that we could combine this practical training with their reflective coursework to result in the thoughtful, integrated experience that the liberal arts promise.”

She went on to note that learning technical skills is obviously important for students, but cultivating human skills is just as important and often overlooked as a key to career advancement.

“We are proud to work with Franklin College to bring this innovative career readiness program to their students,” said Heather Neal, senior manager at Deloitte and alum of Franklin College. “Amid technological and societal changes impacting all industries, human skills are a timeless asset to members of the workforce. As this group of students prepares to enter the workforce and begin careers that will inevitably be disrupted, it’s important for them to understand how they can leverage their human skills and liberal arts education to navigate and thrive in their future careers.”

“As a software engineering major, Deloitte’s Future of Work Institute™ was a game-changer for me,” said Nyasha Choga, a Franklin College student from Zimbabwe. “Exploring the applications of AI across industries broadened my perspective, showcasing the vast impact of technology. This experience was particularly valuable as I have been uncertain about my career path. The workshop not only emphasized the importance of embracing technology in any career but also highlighted transferable skills. Learning that skills gained in different careers are adaptable empowered me to confidently pivot if needed. It’s a revelation that will undoubtedly shape my future decisions, thanks to the Institute’s insightful program.”

The following Franklin College students earned a Deloitte microcredential:

Chet Adams, of Lafayette.

Quentcy Perry, of Frankfort.

Reagan Rhea, of Indianapolis. 

Troy Smith, of Frankfort.

Trinity Whitted, of Edinburgh.

Andrew Baker, of McCordsville.

Braylon Russell, of Indianapolis.

Noah Bunner, of Rockport.

Lauren Agee, of Morristown.

Grant Leytham, of Franklin.

Ian Shaw, of Fort Campbell, KY.

Jesse Faires, of Indianapolis.

Brittain Vann, of South Bend.

Ezra Baker, of Indianapolis. 

Nyasha Choga, of Harare, Zimbabwe.

Michael Carter, of Indianapolis. 

Kalao Ebalo, of Franklin.

Kaitlyn Beck, of Mulberry.

Jonathan Aldrich, of Bargersville.

Olivia Alvey, of Franklin.

For more information, contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

About Deloitte

Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world’s most admired brands, including nearly 90% of the Fortune 500^® and more than 7,000 private companies. Our people come together for the greater good and work across the industry sectors that drive and shape today’s marketplace — delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthier society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Building on more than 175 years of service, our network of member firms spans more than 150 countries and territories. Learn how Deloitte’s more than 415,000 people worldwide connect for impact at www.deloitte.com.

About Franklin College

Founded in 1834, Franklin College is a residential liberal arts and sciences institution located 20 minutes south of Indianapolis. Franklin offers a wide array of undergraduate majors as well as master’s degree programs in Physician Assistant Studies and Athletic Training. The unique curriculum merges classroom instruction with immersive experiences, research opportunities and study away programs. Students participate in 21 NCAA Division III sports, esports, Greek life, musical and theatre productions and more than 40 student organizations. As the first college in Indiana to become coeducational with the admission of women, Franklin welcomes diversity of thought, belief and person into a community that values equity and inclusion. Franklin College maintains a voluntary association with the American Baptist Churches USA. For more information, visit www.FranklinCollege.edu. Find Franklin College on Facebook, follow @FranklinCollege on X, formerly known as Twitter, and watch FranklinCollegeGrizzlies on TikTok.

POSTED Jan 31, 2024