Category: Brandpoint Business & Finance

2024-10-29T07:01:00

(BPT) – Modern cell phones are capable of far more than just calling, texting and simple games like Snake. When you carry your smartphone, you have a supercomputer in your pocket that can unlock your car, adjust your thermostat, suggest recipes based on what’s in your fridge and more.

T-Mobile is digging deeper into how AI-powered smartphone features make it easier to use your time efficiently and perform day-to-day tasks. In a recent interview, the company asked cybersecurity specialist Andre Najee to break down five ways AI — combined with the power of the nation’s leading 5G network — has made smartphones even smarter.

1. Hyper personalization: Your phone, your way

Get ready for a phone that knows what you need before you do. AI learns from your habits, adapts to how you use them and even optimizes battery life for the things that matter most.

According to Najee, your AI-powered phone learns your daily patterns, so it can recommend apps you commonly use in your morning routine or highlight content that interests you.

The benefits of these AI features that are useful for everyday habits also trickle down to convenience and increased productivity.

Najee points out most modern smartphones use some form of machine learning to recommend the next word in a text message or the next sentence in an email. With AI, your phone can take this concept a step further and recommend different responses for friends versus co-workers and supervisors.

2. Next-level accessibility and inclusivity

AI is making phones more accessible than ever, with tools like voice commands and speech-to-text empowering people to communicate and navigate the world more easily. For example, many AI-powered smartphones now feature real-time voice transcription, image recognition for the visually impaired and voice-command-based navigation.

These AI accessibility features can also break down communication barriers with real-time translation tools. For example, Google Translate now supports over 240 languages with near-instant speech-to-text translation powered by AI, making cross-language communication seamless.

If you’re multilingual and use multi-language keyboards, you can even rely on AI to enhance your experience with predictive text, smooth language switching and contextual suggestions.

3. AI-powered photo adjustments and editing

Kiss blurry photos goodbye! The AI-powered smartphone cameras on today’s smartphones use advanced software to help you capture images that were once only possible with professional equipment.

AI can detect the difference between the subject and the background so you can create beautiful portrait-mode shots that rival high-end cameras. Whether you’re taking a group photo at a dimly lit concert or trying to capture the perfect sunset selfie, AI adjusts the camera settings to the ideal exposure and clarity.

After taking a photo, AI steps in to sharpen details and boost colors so every photo pops. Real-time image enhancement and scene recognition help you capture those epic, Insta-worthy shots even with zero photography skills.

4. Always-on security

In a world full of hackers and scammers, you need your phone to have your back 24/7. AI is helping to make sure that’s the case.

“Through pattern recognition and computer vision, AI has enhanced the accuracy of facial recognition and fingerprint scanning systems, making them faster, more reliable and more secure,” said Najee. “This technology allows systems to more effectively differentiate between genuine biometrics and fraudulent attempts.”

For T-Mobile customers, the company’s AI-powered Scam Shield offers an additional layer of protection. This feature blocks millions of scam calls every day, shielding you from those annoying robocalls before they even reach you.

5. Virtual assistants that get you

Did you know that in 2022, 142 million people — nearly half the U.S. population — were using virtual assistants? That number is predicted to hit 157 million by 2026. These virtual assistants could learn your behaviors, send texts, control smart home devices and provide directions.

By integrating AI, these virtual assistants have only gotten smarter. Now, if you’re searching for a recipe shared via text, note or email, or need your passport number for booking a flight, it can quickly locate the information on your device — which is far more complex than simply answering, “What’s the weather today?”

Are you ready for an AI experience?

These are just five of the many ways AI has allowed smartphones to live up to their name. “They’ve become devices that actually feel intelligent,” said Najee. “This has an impact on how we use our devices to be more productive every day as they become true extensions of us and our capabilities.”

If you’re ready to upgrade to an AI-powered smartphone, make sure to get T-Mobile’s best experience only on America’s largest, fastest and most awarded 5G network.

To learn about T-Mobile’s latest devices, plans and offers, visit T-Mobile.com.

2024-10-22T07:01:00

(BPT) – Financial Planning Month is a great time to clear up common misconceptions and misunderstandings about your money. These myths about banking and personal finance can set up unnecessary roadblocks that get in the way of you building wealth and creating a solid financial foundation for your life. Let’s bust some common financial myths.

Myth: I can’t buy a house because I’ll never save enough for a down payment.

It’s true that a healthy down payment will save you money in the long run on interest and mortgage insurance. But that 20% standard down payment is indeed very tough for most people. In today’s real estate market, the median home price in the U.S. is $412,000. If you’re putting 20% down, that’s $82,400! For the average person, saving that kind of money can take years. But you have options. Talk with your bank about the best avenues to get into a home with a lower upfront investment. Several banks offer low down payment programs for first-time homebuyers, like Citi’s HomeRun Mortgage, with down payments starting as low as 3% with no costly mortgage insurance required. This program is offered in select markets only and may have income limitations. Also, FHA loans or VA loans might be great options if you qualify.

Myth: I need to be wealthy to start investing.

No, you don’t need a lot of money to start investing. In fact, if you have a work-sponsored 401(k), you’re already investing. And you don’t have to be wealthy to expand on that. Many platforms allow you to begin with small amounts, sometimes even as little as $5 or $10. Talk to your banker about the best options for you, start small and decide how much risk you’re willing to take. Over time, you can gradually increase your contributions as you become more confident and knowledgeable about investing. Hint: consistency is often more important than where you start!

Myth: Checking and savings accounts are all the same.

This is where it pays to shop around. Many banks offer benefits you might not be considering, and some even help to ensure you’re maximizing these benefits without lifting a finger. For instance, Citi’s simplified banking offers everyday benefits like no overdraft or returned item fees and is designed to make it easy and automatic to unlock enhanced benefits and features as your sustained balance grows. The bottom line here is, your money can be working harder for you, depending on where it is.

Myth: Switching banks is a pain.

Switching your primary bank can offer several advantages, and today, the process is easier than ever. Start by exploring your options — think about what you want from a new bank, like lower fees, better interest rates, or access to a personal banker in a branch. You can open a new account online easily. Closing your old account is equally straightforward. Typically, it involves a few simple steps, starting with a call to your bank’s customer service number. Just remember to update any automatic deposits, payments, and subscriptions to ensure they’re linked to your new account.

By busting common money myths, you can take advantage of all the ways to grow wealth, become more financially secure and reap the rewards of your good habits. Visit Citi’s simplified banking to learn more.

Mortgage lending products and depository products provided by Citibank, N.A. NMLS ID 412915. Equal Housing Lender and Member FDIC.

2024-10-18T08:01:00

(BPT) – New Empower research explores the annual process and what matters most to American workers

Over half of Americans (53%) report that cost is the primary driver for choosing benefits during open enrollment, and 35% of Millennials (27% of people overall) enroll in the least expensive option regardless of what the plans offer, according to research from Empower, a leader in financial planning, investing and advice.

Some 41% say they would have made different benefit elections if they had a better understanding of the options. Less than half of younger generations know where to find the information and details needed to make decisions about their benefits (44% of Gen Zers, 50% of Millennials). Fewer than 2 in 5 (38%) Americans feel that the open enrollment process is easy and user-friendly, and 37% admit to feeling overwhelmed when it comes to selecting benefits.

Beyond healthcare (70%), dental (53%) and vision plans (45%), Americans rank access to retirement plans (45%) and financial advice (24% overall, 42% Gen Z) among the most important employer benefits.

“Our study shows that Gen Zers are especially craving financial advice, and it tops their wish list of workplace benefits,” says Rebecca Rickert, head of communications at Empower. “From a retirement plan to financial coaching, plus concrete safeguards like an emergency savings account, people highly value benefits that directly support their financial happiness.”

Americans have ideas for how to make the open enrollment process better. Nearly half (48%), including 60% of Baby Boomers and 53% of Gen Xers, would like to see a side-by-side comparison of plans and benefits, a clear explanation of pricing differences among plans (46%), and better pricing on plan options (44%). One in five (21%) say a longer enrollment period would improve the process.

More findings:

• HSA-a-day: 1 in 4 (24%) Americans (27% of men and 21% of women) have money in a Health Savings Account (HSA). Just half of people (50%) say they understand what an HSA is, with more Gen Xers (57%) and fewer Gen Zers (40%) familiar with the option. About 1 in 5 (21%) have used their HSA benefit so far this year.
• Roll call: One in 5 (20%) overall do not enroll in their employer’s benefit plan, and the likelihood of opting out is even greater for younger generations: 1 in 4 Gen Zers (26%) and Millennials (27%) do not enroll in their employer’s plan, compared with just 16% of Gen Xers and 15% of Baby Boomers.
• Time saver: Time is Money to many people, and more of it might make for an improved open enrollment process, too: Just 39% feel the open enrollment window is long enough.

About the study

The Empower “Open Enrollment” study is based on online survey responses from 1,237 Americans ages 18+ fielded by YouGov from September 27-30, 2024. The survey is weighted to be nationally representative of U.S. adults (aged 18+).

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2024-10-11T00:01:00

(BPT) – What’s next for branded content?

Branded content is a powerful, targeted way to connect with consumers, aligning your brand with their values. And it’s highly effective. A Nielsen report found branded content produced 86% brand recall. According to the International Journal of Advertising, branded content is 22 times more effective than traditional advertising.

If it’s not on your PR and marketing radar now, it should be. But, as the industry and technology evolve, branded content is evolving, too. For PR pros and marketers, it’s important to stay current on how best to use this powerful tool.

David Olson, senior vice president at Brandpoint, the industry leader in creating and distributing branded content, offers his insights into the future of this powerful tool. (Spoiler: it’s about leveraging AI correctly and focusing on personalization.)

Generative AI improvements and refinements

Longform content? Expert writers are the best at that. But AI can be a powerful ally in the process of creating that content. And it’s getting better at it.

Generative AI is best at story ideation and brainstorming, coming up with different approaches to a topic, and optimizing headlines. It can also help adjust tone and style for customized outreach. AI previously struggled at research — a critical aspect of brand storytelling — but has recently made positive strides and can help save time, as long as you double-check all sources for accuracy.

AI can create different versions of the same content

AI can quickly create multiple versions of your content, customized for different target audiences.

A basic example would be a lawn mower company using different imagery when speaking to people in Mississippi versus Minnesota to reflect the regional landscape and weather conditions. They might highlight different benefits of the product based on what people need in those locations. Digging even deeper, it could use language that is more appealing to people in those locations, such as different dialects or idioms.

Augmented and virtual reality

Immersive experiences through augmented reality and virtual reality will be huge.

Let’s say a museum is doing an exhibit on Ernest Hemingway that offers AR or VR where people scan or interact with artifacts to learn more. It may include photos of the writer and others at Hemingway’s favorite haunt in Key West, Sloppy Joe’s. You could use your phone to scan a code next to the photos to learn the history of this venerable establishment, Hemingway’s ties to it and to the owner, and that yes, the restaurant really does serve Sloppy Joes. Email yourself the recipe and enjoy one for dinner that night, in honor of Papa.

Even more personalization

Remember Tom Cruise in “Minority Report” and the customized advertisements as he walked through the mall? Spielberg was correct in seeing branded content as hyper-personalized. The more you can make content relevant to the individual, the more powerful the connection you create.

Inclusivity and diversity

Forget the broad strokes; we need to carefully consider things like age, ethnicity, abilities and sexual preference. In brand storytelling we must remember the people we’re talking to and reflect the things that matter most to them. This aligns well with the idea of personalized content.

Search is not the holy grail it once was

Much of branded content is not indexable by Google. Search is changing because of AI, so ranking is going to be even more difficult now. If you’re a brand putting out blog content, getting it to rank is challenging. It’s tough for a lot of brands to let go of that as the holy grail.

It’s not a quantity game we’re playing anymore. It’s not about posting more than your competitors. If you’re just posting for the sake of getting something up and out into the digital world, you’re doing yourself a disservice. You become the exact white noise you’re hoping to break through. Focus on quality instead.

Branded content is always evolving

Ultra personalized branded content will be more interesting and relevant. But, things are always evolving, which means it will be key for brands to pivot and embrace change as it comes.

Brandpoint is the leader in creating and distributing branded content, with average results of 1,000 print and online placements and a site audience of 140 million-170 million. Contact Brandpoint today to learn more about how to put the power of branded content to work for you.

2024-10-10T16:03:00

(BPT) – This year’s Medicare Annual Enrollment brings a major change for prescription drug users: a new payment program for older adults and those with disabilities to spread out their costs over time, making it easier to manage out-of-pocket expenses.

With 90% of Americans over 65 taking at least one prescription, and one in five skipping doses due to costs (Source: KFF), this plan could make a meaningful difference for millions, helping them afford the medications they need to stay healthy. Starting in 2025, Medicare drug plan members can spread out their prescription costs over time, avoiding the need to pay in full each time they fill a prescription.

“The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is an important new option that can help Medicare beneficiaries manage their prescription drug costs and access the medications they need,” said Patrick Wildman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy at the Lupus Foundation of America. “The option to spread out prescription costs over the course of the year is critical — especially for those living with chronic and serious conditions like lupus who can have high drug costs and who rely on multiple medications to manage their disease.”

What Does This Mean for You?

Eligible beneficiaries can enroll in the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan during annual enrollment starting Oct. 15, 2024 and throughout the plan year. This benefit, along with a newly instituted $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum for Medicare Part D members, represents the biggest change to Medicare since the introduction of Part D in 2006. The “donut hole” will disappear in 2025, so no one will have to pay more than $2,000 per year for their covered prescriptions.

This change means you can worry less about managing large bills at the pharmacy, and instead spread those costs out over manageable monthly payments, giving you more control over your finances.

Who Benefits the Most?

While all eligible beneficiaries can use the new program to better plan and manage prescription costs, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has previously stated that those most likely to benefit include anyone who spent more than $2,000 on out-of-pocket prescription costs in the past year and anyone struggling to pay out-of-pocket costs upfront at the pharmacy.

Pharmacists Are Ready to Help

Pharmacists nationwide are prepared to answer customer questions about the program. However, beneficiaries will need to enroll via their Part D plan sponsor before they can receive their medications for $0 upfront at the pharmacy.

“Taking your medications as prescribed is one of the most impactful things you can do for your overall health and well-being,” said Summer Kerley, Vice President of Health Plan Solutions for Rite Aid Corporation. “By spreading out your payments, this program makes it easier to stay on track with medications, which means better disease management and better quality of life.”

The Future of Cost Smoothing in Healthcare

This shift in spreading healthcare costs over time is becoming a standard approach across the industry, with commercial insurers, employer plans, and Medicare embracing cost smoothing programs. The solutions provide certainty of affordability, allowing more patients to access the care they need without the stress of large, unexpected bills.

Don’t Miss Out — Explore Your Options

With the Annual Enrollment period opening Oct. 15, 2024, now is the time to explore your options. Visit Medicare.gov, Paytient.com/MPPP, or call your Medicare plan provider to see if you qualify and learn how to enroll. Don’t wait — taking control of your healthcare costs today could mean better health and financial stability in 2025 and beyond.

2024-10-08T07:01:00

(BPT) – What’s scarier than ghouls and goblins? Cybercriminals. According to the FBI, people lost $12.5 billion to cyber scams in the U.S. in 2023. Now, that is frightening!

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to take stock of your cyber protections. While the fear of scammers getting access to your personal and financial information can be daunting, fear not! Here are five tips to keep your finances safe.

Update your devices to keep the tech-zombies away: Keep your devices’ operating systems up to date. Those updates contain more than just fancy features; they include critical security updates that protect you from vulnerabilities. Keeping your devices updated ensures that fraudsters won’t have a ghost of a chance to access your personal information.

Steer clear of public Wi-Fi to dodge the cyber-goblins: Don’t shop or complete any financial transactions on public Wi-Fi. Instead, wait until you get home or to a more protected network connection. Public Wi-Fi is risky as there could be scammers lurking, waiting to steal your private data!

Secure your sign-on to keep the digital demons at bay: Protect your online accounts with multi-factor authentication, known as MFA. Enabling MFA means you require a combination of two or more authenticators to verify your identity before you’re allowed to access the service. Why does this matter? Because even if one factor (like your username/password) is compromised, fraudsters won’t be able to meet the second authentication requirement (like a biometric or text code), ultimately stopping them from trick-or-treating their way into your accounts and walking away with your personal information, money or worse!

Use your digital wallet to avoid spooky surprises: When making transactions, use your digital wallet for an extra layer of protection. It’s like having a high-tech Ghostbuster keeping your financial info secure.

Zero Liability ensures you’re guarded from nightmares: Financial institutions that issue Mastercard cards won’t hold consumers responsible for “unauthorized transactions,” provided they are promptly reported, and the cardholder used reasonable care in protecting the card from loss or theft. As a Mastercard cardholder, Zero Liability applies to your purchases made in the store, over the telephone, online or via a mobile device and ATM transactions. With protections like that, paying with your card brings more peace of mind than paying with cash or check. So, keep your card close, and don’t let your security turn into a nightmare!

2024-10-01T06:01:00

(BPT) – A topic that many people find challenging to understand and even talk about is life insurance. However, having life insurance is like any other kind of insurance — it offers peace of mind and financial protection in case something unexpected happens in the future.

In the 2024 Insurance Barometer from the Life Insurance Marketing and Research Association (LIMRA), while just over half (51%) of American adults said they have some type of life insurance coverage, 42% say they need life insurance — and 22% say they do not have enough coverage.

The good news for anyone who needs more insurance (or would like more coverage) is that it’s most likely easier to navigate, purchase, and pay for life insurance than you think. In addition, features such as a no-fee electronic funds transfer (EFT), which is offered by Boston Mutual Life, make the process even more seamless.

What’s holding so many people back from having a financial safeguard against the unexpected?

Why don’t people have life insurance?

The LIMRA study uncovered the top 3 reasons preventing people from buying life insurance (or having enough of it):

• The belief that it’s too expensive.
• Having other financial priorities.
• Not being sure what type they need or how much to buy.

Fortunately, these reasons may not be as big of a hurdle for you as many believe. Here’s why:

Most people overestimate the cost

In the LIMRA study, 72% overestimated the true cost of a basic term life insurance policy. In fact, the overestimate from all respondents totaled over 3 times the actual price. Where did they get the idea life insurance would be much more expensive than it really is? Over half (54%) said their estimate was based on a “gut instinct” or “wild guess.”

To learn the actual cost of life insurance for you, contact a local insurance professional. It may surprise you how much more affordable it is to get the peace of mind you’re looking for.

Navigating financial priorities

It’s understandable for people of all ages to have feelings of financial insecurity. While those feelings pervaded all demographic groups in the LIMRA study, almost two-thirds (62%) of the people who currently own life insurance reported feeling financially secure, compared to the feelings of less than half (46%) of those who do not own life insurance.

In fact, for those earning a household income between $50,000-$150,000 per year, those who own life insurance were 20% more likely to feel secure than those who do not.

Financial obligations and priorities may vary for each family, but the top five financial concerns revealed in the LIMRA study have remained consistent for a number of years:

• Having enough money for retirement
• Paying for long-term care
• Saving for an emergency fund
• Supporting oneself if disabled or too sick to work
• Paying for emergency medical expenses

Many of these concerns can be addressed through investing in whole life insurance. Whole life insurance is permanent life insurance that provides protection for your entire life and offers financial support through a claims payout to your beneficiary (or beneficiaries) at the time of your passing. But in addition to that protection, whole life insurance also accumulates a cash value that you can access during your lifetime if you need it for expenses such as buying a home, paying for college, or settling debts.

What kind of insurance will best protect you and your family?

It can be confusing to know what kind of insurance to purchase, and how much. Every individual and family situation can be unique, so it’s important to consult an insurance professional about your specific needs. In addition, ensure that you’re making the most of all the insurance benefits provided by your employer by talking to your HR representative. You can also find information about insurance options that can provide peace of mind and future financial protection at BostonMutual.com.

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2024-09-30T08:01:00

(BPT) – Are you more worried about fraud than you were a few years ago? According to the 2024 Trust Index Report by Telesign, almost 60% of people worldwide and nearly half of all Americans are more fearful of becoming fraud victims than they were just two years ago. Not only do we need to stay vigilant about the traditional forms of digital fraud, but now there is increased global anxiety fueled by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI).

This is not a nebulous fear, nor is it an idle threat. People are more anxious about fraud because there’s more fraud, period. Considering we need to watch out for data breaches, online attacks, telephone scams, phishing, and bank and mail fraud, just to name a few, if you’re not concerned, you’re not paying attention.

According to the Trust Index, nearly one-third of people in the U.S. have been victims of fraud in the past three years. Of those, most have said it happened during the past six months alone. That uptick is troubling. Part of the problem stems from the fact that fraud tactics evolve rapidly, especially in this new era of AI. The report found that 68% of Americans believe they or their family members are vulnerable to digital fraud. The most common fraud tactics include:

Phishing. This is when you get an email, text, or phone call from a fraudster claiming they’re from a reputable company or organization. For example, you might get an “alert” that you need to update your information. A link in the email goes to a fake site that looks like the real thing. Generative AI has enabled fraudsters to super-charge phishing attacks.

Social engineering. Social engineering attacks occur when fraudsters combine publicly accessible information with manipulative tactics to pressure you to provide sensitive identification data. Bad actors often begin the attacks by collecting information about their targets on social media and websites. Next, they contact you directly and pose as a trusted connection, such as your employer. Combining these tactics can quickly lead to compromised credentials and the potential for account takeover, resulting in damage and theft.

Fake accounts. This is one of the most troubling aspects of AI. According to the Trust Index, 14% of people believe they have recently been exposed to deep fake videos or voice clones, and this number is expected to rise in the future. While technology firms are making strides in how quickly they can identify, label, and remove AI-generated images and videos from the digital world, not enough attention is paid to how this content is distributed. One of the primary ways is through fake accounts, both online and via social media.

Although artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) provide benefits to many companies and consumers, they have also ushered in a new era of sophisticated tools that facilitate fraud. As businesses fight to protect you and your personal information from bad actors, they’re learning it’s often necessary to use those same AI and ML capabilities to defend against them.

How best to protect yourself from fraud in this rapidly evolving AI landscape? Here are six tips from Telesign:

Use two-factor authentication whenever it’s available. It will be more annoying to have to deal with the aftermath if your identity is stolen.

Use antivirus software to help protect your personal information. It scans for and detects malware that could infect your computer.

Never click on links from unfamiliar sources and pay special attention to those that look legit but might set off your internal radar. Bogus links can infect your computer with malware or lead you to phishing sites that can trick you into sharing your personal information.

Never share personal information via email. Most companies state clearly that they do not ask for sensitive information over email.

Use complex passwords and don’t reuse passwords. A password manager can help by storing and managing all of your current and past passwords, so you don’t have to remember them all.

Use online security alerts for your digital accounts when available, such as banking or other financial services.

Telesign solutions provide fraud protection, secure communications, and enable the digital economy by helping companies and customers to engage with confidence. To learn more about the latest fraud trends, read the full 2024 Trust Index Report.

2024-09-30T07:01:00

(BPT) – Artificial intelligence (AI) undeniably continues to shape the workplace. Companies across the globe are navigating how to integrate AI into their business operations and strategies — making it increasingly paramount for professionals to keep pace with these modern tech advancements.

This AI-focused landscape might be overwhelming for some, but there is a significant opportunity for workers to excel by learning new skills and enhancing existing ones. Based on new research conducted by Reputation Leaders and sponsored by DeVry University, there are several considerations individuals should keep in mind when working to progress in an economy influenced by AI.

1. AI skills are no longer a nice-to-have

Gone are the days when AI was a distant concept; it is now a present-day reality shifting current roles and creating new ones. From automating routine tasks to providing data-driven insights, AI tools are changing what businesses, and their workers, need to succeed in the future. Employers recognize this, with the research finding that 73% believe hiring more people with AI skills will benefit their organization. Meanwhile, most workers (83%) say AI skills will have some impact on their ability to remain employable.

The challenge is that while nearly 9 in 10 employers (87%) are offering upskilling opportunities, they estimate on average only about half of workers (55%) participate. While employers continue to identify how to best train on AI, this signals a vast opportunity for workers to take advantage of their company’s continuing education offerings. If they are not sure how to align their skills with the future needs of their company, they can proactively ask how they should be upskilling for their specific career advancement.

2. Responsible AI use is imperative

Most workers already see the benefits of AI, such as an increased ease of working and productivity, and only 1 in 5 workers (19%) feel their job security has decreased because of the technology. In addition, AI can allow employees to concentrate on work involving things like strategic decision-making and collaboration, rather than administrative or other mundane tasks.

“The future of work is all about the synergy between the individual capabilities and AI technologies,” said Shantanu Bose, Ph.D., provost and chief academic officer at DeVry University. “Embracing AI as a partner in your work can enable you to engage in higher-value activities that foster innovation and growth.”

With that, it is important for workers to abide by the guidelines set by their employers to make sure they are using the technology responsibly and can take advantage of its benefits. In fact, half of employers say AI poses potential data privacy and confidentiality risks for their organization. If workers are not sure how or when to use AI in their roles, they should be cautious when experimenting with the technology and ask their manager about the best options for proper training.

3. Learning for the future doesn’t require a traditional degree

There are a variety of options for workers to acquire new skills, and this does not always necessitate a four-year college degree. Engaging with academic institutions that offer flexible, accessible and personalized alternate learning pathways can help workers pursue their desired career ambitions while balancing other commitments.

Seventy-five percent of employers agree that people who take the initiative to upskill or reskill, including in AI, will get ahead in their careers. If a worker is unsure about their employer’s professional development offerings, they should ask their HR department about available resources for ongoing learning. This could include earning certifications, certificates or participating in other targeted skills development opportunities funded by employers.

“Asking about AI training opportunities not only demonstrates your willingness to learn, but it also signals to your employer that you are invested in the future of the company,” said Dave Barnett, chief administrative officer at DeVry University. “I’d remind anyone who feels they are not being adequately trained on AI that it is not too late to build the skills for the future you want.”

Lifelong learning can have a positive impact on career mobility. While workers should not be alone in their quest to learn, this quest requires a sense of individual ambition to keep up in an AI-driven era. To learn more about continuing education opportunities and preparing for the modern workplace, visit DeVry.edu.

2024-09-26T13:31:57

(BPT) – With cattle ranching featured front and center in America’s living rooms due to the popularity of shows highlighting the western lifestyle, and with Climate Week piquing interest in sustainability, it’s a good time to raise awareness about how farmers and ranchers — and their cattle — do a lot more for the country and environment than just being the backdrop of a popular western drama series.

According to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, it’s about ranchers as stewards of sustainable land management, their cattle playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change and wildfires, and beef’s role in a healthy, sustainable diet.

New research links cattle grazing to wildfire mitigation

New research by the USDA Agricultural Research Service recently reported some surprising findings: Grazing can benefit invasive sagebrush communities and more than that, can combat wildfires. With much of the western U.S. beset by wildfires in recent years, it is crucial for people living in those areas to understand that cattle grazing actively mitigates the effects and spread of fires by consuming plants that would otherwise act as fuel.

Outdated dogma suggests livestock grazing in the sagebrush steppe in western rangelands negatively impacts those ecosystems. This new research, published in the scientific journal Ecosphere, found the opposite is true. According to the report, the ARS discovered that “strategically applying livestock grazing prior to the occurrence of climate-induced wildfires can modify sagebrush steppe characteristics in ways that decrease fire probability in the communities, promote biodiversity while reducing postfire annual grass invasion, fire-induced loss of native bunchgrasses and fire damage to soil biocrusts.”

In plain language, it means that if cattle graze on the sagebrush steppe regularly, it will induce shorter flame lengths if a fire occurs, slow the rate of fire spread and prevent invasive grasses from popping up after the fire moves through. That’s because, when cattle graze, they’re munching away on grass and plants that could otherwise act as fuel during wildfire season, and they’re doing so on land that is most often unsuitable for growing crops.

How cattle grazing can benefit the land

“As we talk about climate change, and the dryness that we see, cows are a great mitigator of wildfires,” said Janey VanWinkle, a fourth-generation cattle rancher in Colorado. “In a lot of areas where there are invasive plant species, for example, cheatgrass, cows will eat that forage down, which slows the burn once a wildfire is started.”

Ranchers like the VanWinkle family are conservationists. While caring for their animals, they’re also caring for the land.

“When talking about land use, you could ask, ‘Could this land be used for producing crops and other types of food?’ and the answer is, most likely not where I live, with one of the limiting factors here being water,” VanWinkle explained.

The ways cattle grazing can benefit the land go even deeper than preventing wildfires. According to 2024 UC Davis research, grazing:

• Decreases the potential for soil erosion and regulates the return of nutrients to the soil
• Promotes plant diversity and abundance by regulating weed growth
• Preserves open space and regenerates soil and plant life to promote carbon sequestration through the biogenic carbon cycle.

Cattle and bison have been grazing on U.S. lands for centuries. With careful stewardship of ranchers like the VanWinkle family, they can be helping the planet for centuries more.

“Cattle grazing truly is the best use of this land as it provides wildlife habitat and a very high-quality source of protein,” VanWinkle said. “What really matters is protecting our landscapes. I assure you that I want my grandchildren to know what it’s like out in nature and on the ranch.”