Abstract:

Most individuals pursue formal education at higher education institutions, while others gain expertise through informal education. Examples of the latter include free online courses, training materials for professional certifications, professional or semi-professional activities or projects, hobbies, and on-the-job experience. Platforms like ChatGPT may become increasingly relevant for informal education in the future [1]. While certain fields (such as medicine) require formal professional training, informally trained individuals have been able to secure high-paying jobs in other fields that require specialized knowledge and skills. In this paper, an analysis is made of the methods used to informally acquire knowledge and skills, as well as the careers that could be studied with the help of ChatGPT or similar tools in the future. Informally trained individuals are sought not only by private companies but also by government and public organizations [2]. This increasing competition for jobs obligates university graduates to be aware of the growing number of informally trained individuals in the job market. The number of competent individuals will depend on their economic resources for education, available tools, and employment demand, potentially benefiting more urban areas. An analysis of the near future job demand in Mexico due to nearshoring in areas such as electric vehicles, batteries, and semiconductors is presented. Among the conclusions is that more students may opt not to pursue a university degree and instead decide to self-train for certain jobs. Meanwhile, universities may be the place for students who need more time to determine their career paths, have the financial means for formal education, or are not self-taught learners. Some recommendations for higher education institutions, private and social sectors, as well as the Government, to incentivize the rapid growth of informal education in areas with the potential to attract nearshoring companies in the very near future are given.

References:
[1] G. Veletsianos, R. Kimmons and F. Bondah, ChatGPT and Higher Education: Initial Prevalence and Areas of Interest, EDUCASE Review, 15 March, 2023. Retrieved from https://er.educause.edu/articles/2023/3/chatgpt-and-higher-education-initial-prevalence-and-areas-of-interest
[2] G. Hernández, “Bancos rompen el molde y salen a la búsqueda de nuevos perfiles profesionales,” El Economista, 16 March, 2023. Retrieved from https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/capitalhumano/Bancos-rompen-el-molde-y-salen-a-la-busqueda-de-nuevos-perfiles-20230316-0046.html

Keywords:

Informal education, chatGPT, future education.