Smart Ways to Use AI for Your Career Journey: A Guide for Kelley International Students

Why Use AI for Your Career?

AI can simplify your job search and career exploration process, but it is important to use it wisely.

Here’s how AI can help you:

  • Career Exploration: AI can mates your skills and interests with potential career paths.
  • Resume & Cover Letter Creation: AI can help optimize your resume and generate drafts for your cover letter.
  • Job Search: AI can help you find tailored job listings based on your profile.
  • Interview Preparation: AI can provide mock interviews to help you improve responses.
  • Networking Strategy Support: AI can help you draft outreach messages to professionals, suggest questions to ask, and identify relevant alumni or industry groups.

However, AI is not a quick fix—ensure it complements your efforts, rather than replacing your unique voice.

How to Make AI Work for You, Without Losing Your Voice

AI tools are helpful in many aspects of the job search but should not replace your personal input. Here’s how to use AI strategically:

  • AI for Structure: Let AI help you organize your resume, cover letter, or LinkedIn profile, but do not rely on it to write the full content.
  • AI for Idea Generation: Use AI to brainstorm ideas, sample bullet points, or find keywords—but always add your own examples and personal impact.
  • Consult a Career Coach: Before submitting your application, get feedback from a Kelley Career Coach to make sure your materials reflect your true experiences and career goals.

Networking Tips

Networking is a key part of job searching—especially in the U.S. AI can support your efforts, but your personal outreach is what builds real relationships.

How AI Can Help with Networking:

  • Drafting LinkedIn Messages: Use AI to draft an initial outreach message to Kelley alumni or professionals.
  • Informational Interview Prep: Ask AI to generate questions to ask in coffee chats or informational interviews.
  • Identifying Contacts: AI tools (or LinkedIn’s AI assistant) can help you find Kelley alumni or people in your desired role/industry.

Action Steps for Networking:

  • Step 1: Use AI to Draft, Then Personalize
    Do not send generic AI-drafted messages. Edit them to reflect shared interests or Kelley connections.
    Example: “I saw you studied at Kelley and now work at PwC. As a fellow Kelley student interested in consulting, I would love to learn more about your experience transitioning into the industry.”
  • Step 2: Build Your Digital Presence
    Use AI to refine your LinkedIn summary and headlines, but add your own goals, interests, and experiences to make it unique.
    Tip: Highlight class projects, case competitions, or global business perspectives you bring as an international student.
  • Step 3: Practice Your Story
    Use AI to practice answering “Tell me about yourself” or “Why this company?”—then refine your answers with help from a Career Coach to reflect your personal journey and strengths.
  • Step 4: Follow Up with Intention
    AI can help you draft polite follow-up emails, but make sure you express gratitude and a clear interest in continuing the conversation.

Action Steps to Use AI Effectively

Step 1: Use AI to Generate Ideas, Not Complete Documents

Action: Use AI to draft structure and brainstorm points, but do not rely on it for your final draft.
Tip: Treat AI like a brainstorming partner, not a ghostwriter.

Step 2: Personalize AI-Generated Content

Action: After using AI, rewrite sections to include your real experiences and strengths.
Example: If applying for a marketing job, include specific transferable skills like organizing campus events or managing social media for a student org—not just AI-generated descriptions.

Step 3: Avoid Over-Reliance on Keywords

Action: Focus on substance over keyword stuffing.
Example: Rather than saying “I am results-driven,” describe a time you increased engagement in a student-run business club campaign.

Step 4: Proofread for Coherence and Authenticity

Action: Carefully review AI output for clarity and logic.
Tip: Watch for repetitive or awkward phrasing and edit to reflect your voice.

Step 5: Consult Career Services for Final Review

Action: Book an appointment with a Kelley Career Coach to review your cover letter and resume.
Benefit: We will help you refine your documents so they reflect your authentic voice and align with what recruiters are looking for.

How to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Recognize AI Limitations

AI can not always understand context. It may suggest unrelated content.
Example: You are applying for a marketing internship, and AI adds dog sitting duties from an unrelated job—irrelevant to your target role.

Focus on Specificity

Vague phrases like “I’m passionate about marketing” don’t stand out. Instead, explain how you led a campaign or analyzed consumer trends in class.

Practice Your Storytelling

Employers remember people, not templates. Use AI to brainstorm stories—but refine them to highlight your values, actions, and impact.

While AI is a powerful tool in your job search, your authentic voice, experiences, and relationships are what truly set you apart.

Questions? Schedule an appointment with a Career Coach.