Careers of the future presented by Quebec experts

Quebec is one of the world leaders in technology, especially in artificial intelligence. Young people may have heard this statement before. However, they probably don't see the possibilities that are available to them when it comes to making a career choice. A web series now demystifies the world of artificial intelligence for them.

Ms. Ravy Por founded the organization Heroes of our country in order to democratize technology education among young Quebecers. Coming from a modest background in Quebec City, she had the opportunity to access higher education and make her place in the world of technology, even though school counselors had never told her about this possibility. Today, she is the Executive Director and leader of the Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies for the global strategic consulting firm KPMG.

At the age of 11, the young woman, whose Cambodian parents immigrated to Quebec before she was born, had the opportunity to volunteer and tutor students in difficulty. Ravy, who had a real talent for math and science, wanted to pass on her passion. Then, technology was added to her expertise. Today, she wishes to inspire young Quebecers and lead them to become the digital creators of tomorrow.

Valuing Quebec's experts

Through Héros de chez nous, she offers a first web series, called AI Tech Break: the jobs of the future which demystifies the fields of the future and proposes meetings with Quebec experts in artificial intelligence. The series of 8 short episodes is available to schools through the Télé-Québec in the classroom and of TFO Idello since mid-May.

After an introduction to AI, the other episodes deal with AI in different fields: transportation, environment, health, video games, quantum and ethics. The objective is to demonstrate that AI is something concrete in different sectors.

 Each episode is built according to the same scenario:

- Notions related to AI are stated;

- 2D animations illustrate the concepts;

- Interviews with Quebec specialists with atypical profiles help inspire young people;

- Avenues of exploration are offered so that young people can position themselves as the workers of tomorrow (examples of jobs of the future).

Additional materials and teaching guides are provided with each episode.

Workshops and conferences

Ravy has already had the opportunity to visit elementary and high schools in Quebec to speak to students. She now hopes to do so on a more regular basis in order to bring the series to life and further the experience with young people. She also proposes more practical workshop series.

"Young people are curious, they must be able to be in discovery mode. I want to open up the possibilities for them, show them examples of Quebecers who are inspiring role models. Everyone must feel that they can make their own way and succeed," says the young woman.

In addition : 

• The YouTube channel of Héros de chez nous offers other information capsules.