AI boosts student opportunities in the Career Resource Center

In the UB School of Management, that idea is no longer just a daydream. It’s part of a wide-reaching effort to link cutting-edge research and real-world business needs — one that feels both ambitious and surprisingly down-to-earth.

The school’s Career Resource Center stands at the heart of this movement. They’ve replaced a former platform with ResumeAI, a “smart” résumé critique system that guides students on shaping powerful applications. Instead of staff combing through paragraph after paragraph of content, the AI handles those typical edits. That means career advisors can shift their attention to deeper conversations, helping students clarify their goals and strategize for success.

AI tools, real benefits

Another big piece of this puzzle is Big Interview. Think of it as a virtual rehearsal space that provides instant feedback on interview performances. Once a student saves a practice video, the system analyzes their tone, pacing and nonverbal cues. It even highlights strengths they never knew they had. And yes, there’s still a human touch — advisors build on the AI’s assessment with targeted advice so students can shine even brighter.

It doesn’t stop there. A homegrown AI platform for cover letters has also emerged, thanks to the creative spark of Dominic Sellitto, clinical assistant professor of management science and systems. Students give it a try, then share suggestions that help refine the tool. The result? More polished cover letters and a clear sense of how language can shape first impressions.

A growing toolkit

The CRC also showcases emerging job-search helpers that harness AI. CareerflowAI suggests new openings based on user data, while EZtrakr replaces clunky spreadsheets by tracking applications automatically. Jobalytics compares your résumé with an online job posting, suggesting wording to improve relevance. And for students seeking U.S. work sponsorship, the Ultimate H1B Sponsor Checker pinpoints data from the USCIS database, delivering clarity on employer possibilities.

While technology is racing forward, the CRC hasn’t lost sight of the human element. Tools like Connect-A-Bull and LinkedIn now offer AI-generated responses, but CRC experts teach students how to inject personality into every interaction. After all, being authentic is just as important as being accurate.

Preparing leaders for tomorrow

What’s next? A keynote speaker at MBA Advantage recently highlighted how AI can reshape the quest for internships and jobs. The CRC is also tapping new AI presentation tools to revamp web content. The School of Management is determined to make sure students understand how to harness these digital resources while staying genuine, adaptable and in tune with real-world pressures.

“Honestly, that’s the beauty of this initiative. Instead of pushing technology off to a hidden corner, we’re weaving it into the School of Management’s core,” says Melissa Ruggiero, assistant dean and CRC director. “We want to show how AI can be a teammate rather than a mysterious black box. And as these platforms evolve, our students and faculty get to evolve with them.”

At the end of it all, the real breakthrough might not be a tool or a gadget. It could be the new mindset: where research meets practice, innovation meets empathy and a simple chatbot can open doors to richer, more meaningful career conversations. That’s the story unfolding at the UB School of Management — one that invites everyone to join the conversation, step by step.

This story was written by AI and edited by a member of the UB School of Management Marketing and Communications Office.