HSO survey: AI expertise is becoming a career factor
A survey of over 600 students conducted by the HSO business school shows that artificial intelligence has arrived in everyday working life. Those who master AI will gain a decisive advantage. 78 percent are convinced that AI has already changed professional requirements and that targeted further training is essential for long-term competitiveness.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly determining professional success. For students, this is no longer a distant vision, but a living reality. A survey by the HSO business school of over 600 active students shows that Those who master AI gain a decisive advantage - those who ignore it fall behind.
AI has long been part of everyday life
AI tools are a daily companion for the majority of students. ChatGPT leads the way (580 mentions), followed by DeepL Write, Microsoft Copilot and Google Gemini. AI is used wherever efficiency, quality and speed count: for research and information searches (441 mentions), in professional communication (445), for learning and exam preparation (415) and for brainstorming (391).
«For our students, AI has long been part of their everyday working life. It's a tool that makes work more efficient, structured and faster,» says Michael Segrada, Head of HSO. «AI doesn't replace specialist knowledge, but it increasingly determines how productive and connected someone is in their day-to-day work.»
Further training becomes an obligation for your career
78% of students are convinced that AI has already changed professional requirements. Targeted further training is essential for long-term competitiveness. This also increases the demand on educational institutions to teach AI skills in a systematic, practical and responsible manner.
«AI skills are not an optional extra, but a key prerequisite for sustainable professional connectivity,» says Thomas Grosser, Head of Study Management.
Great expectations - but no blind trust
Almost all respondents expect AI to fundamentally change learning and work over the next five years. At the same time, the survey shows a reflected picture: AI-generated content is met with moderate to high, but not blind, trust by the majority. Critical thinking remains central for students.
Biggest fear: disinformation, not technology
The students' biggest concerns are not about AI as a technology, but about its social consequences. In first place is misinformation, followed by targeted manipulation through deepfakes. The potential loss of jobs is mentioned much less frequently, but is still relevant.
«The results show a remarkable maturity in dealing with AI,» says Michael Segrada. «The students see the enormous potential - but expect clear rules, transparency and responsibility. This is precisely where we see our role as an educational institution.»
The HSO Business and IT School is one of the leading private educational institutions in Switzerland. With over 42 courses at 10 locations in German-speaking Switzerland and an online campus, it educates around 5,000 students every year. HSO also qualifies the highest number of business administration graduates in Switzerland.
Source: HSO
