Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence: Ambivalence, Adaptation, and the Future of Work
Engineering Students’ Perceptions of Artificial Intelligence: Ambivalence, Adaptation, and the Future of Work

Summary/Abstract: This study explores the perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) among undergraduate engineering students, with a special focus on how AI will impact their future employment prospects. Based on a qualitative analysis of one hundred written reflections, the research reveals a landscape of ambivalence, in which AI is described both as a blessing and a curse. While students embrace AI as a supportive tool for learning and productivity, they also express concerns about over-reliance, ethical dilemmas, and the erosion of creativity and critical thinking. Moreover, their responses highlight three interconnected dimensions: ambivalence in attitudes, strategies of adaptation, and expectations regarding the future of work. These findings suggest that students not only observe technological advancements but also engage with them actively, offering both pragmatic and visionary responses. In their view, adaptability, integration, and excellence are the keys to succeeding in an AI-shaped world. The paper contributes to ongoing discussions about how younger generations, positioned at the forefront of technological transformation, envision their professional and educational futures in the age of artificial intelligence.

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