The AI imperative: Why embracing AI is key to career progression

Everywhere you look, there’s another headline, another tool, another bold prediction about how artificial intelligence is going to change everything. Some people are leaning in with excitement. Others are quietly wondering if they should be worried. I’ve talked to plenty of people who are thinking, Is this really something I need to understand right now?

Here’s what I’ve learned: AI isn’t a future-state concept anymore. It’s already part of our everyday lives. We’ve just stopped noticing it.

When your streaming service recommends the perfect next show, when a chatbot helps you solve a problem online, or when your social feed seems to know what you care about before you do, that’s AI at work. It’s been quietly integrating itself into how we live and work, and now it’s moving faster and becoming more visible.

At Maximus, we’re investing in AI and machine learning because we see real opportunities to improve outcomes for our government customers and the citizens they serve. What excites me most isn’t efficiency for efficiency’s sake; it’s what AI gives back to people. When technology handles repetitive, time-consuming tasks, it creates space for work that truly matters: creativity, empathy, judgment, and human connection. The goal isn’t to replace people. It’s to elevate them.

Whether you’re early in your career or leading a team, embracing AI is no longer optional. It’s becoming a foundational skill, and the good news is, you don’t have to become a technical expert to get started.

My advice? Start small.

Use AI in ways that feel practical and familiar. Ask it to help plan a family trip. Brainstorm a gift idea. Organize your week. The more you use it in everyday situations, the more comfortable you become and the easier it is to see how it can support your work. Think of it like learning to swim. You don’t dive into the deep end on day one.

For leaders, this is especially important. If you have team members who feel unsure about AI, a few simple shifts can make a big difference. Skip the technical jargon. Focus on outcomes people care about, like saving time or reducing frustration. Show real examples instead of talking in abstractions. And most importantly, acknowledge what people are feeling. Curiosity and concern can coexist, and creating an open environment to learn builds trust.

History gives us some perspective here. Decades ago, elevator operators were essential. When automation arrived, those jobs didn’t disappear; they evolved. Many shifted into concierge and customer-facing roles that emphasized human interaction. The same thing is happening today. Roles aren’t vanishing; they’re changing.

At Maximus, we approach AI adoption by starting with the people doing the work. We ask what’s tedious, what slows them down, and what pulls them away from higher-value tasks. Those repetitive, administrative activities are often the best candidates for automation. From there, we look at how humans and AI can partner, what technology can handle, and where human judgment, empathy, and decision-making remain essential.

Recruiting is a great example. Automating interview scheduling frees recruiters to spend more time building relationships with candidates and making thoughtful hiring decisions. Same role. Better use of time and talent.

What’s also clear is that skills matter more than ever. AI can generate content, analyze data, and surface insights, but it still needs human oversight. It needs people who can verify accuracy, understand nuance, and apply context. It doesn’t replace creativity, critical thinking, or emotional intelligence.

That’s why AI literacy is quickly becoming a differentiator. According to the Society for Human Resource Management, employers are increasingly seeking candidates, especially new graduates, who understand how to work with AI rather than avoid it. I often say, AI won’t take your job; someone who knows how to use AI effectively might.

The pace of change isn’t slowing down. The tools we use today will look different in a few years, and that’s not something to fear. It’s an opportunity to keep learning, adapting, and growing.

The future of work isn’t humans versus machines. It’s humans and machines working together to achieve outcomes neither could accomplish alone.

Here’s my challenge to you: use AI to help with one task this week. It doesn’t have to be work-related, and it doesn’t have to be complex. Start somewhere. The people who thrive in the years ahead won’t be the ones who wait. They’ll be the ones who leaned in with curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to learn.

The future is already here. The real question is how you choose to engage with it.