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Jim Holm is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in scaling education and technology companies. As the CEO of Stukent®, an EdTech innovator providing experiential learning opportunities through Simternships™ in business, marketing, and communication, Jim leads the charge in transforming education. Prior to Stukent®, he served as CEO at Examity and General Manager at Certiport, both leaders in educational technology and assessment. His extensive experience includes serving on the board of directors for several companies in the education and technology sectors.
Jim studied economics at Brigham Young University and information technology at the University of Edinburgh. An avid angler and a devoted fan of Brandon Sanderson novels, Jim balances his professional life with his passion for the outdoors and literature. Under his leadership, Stukent continues to empower students with real-world skills and bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Connect with him to learn more.
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Here are Three Things We Cover:
Sure! Here are three key topics discussed in the podcast episode featuring Jim Holms:
- Simternships and Their Value: These are designed to give students hands-on experience in a controlled, virtual environment that mimics real-world business tasks. Students go through tasks, receive feedback, and can track their progress, ultimately giving them practical experience they can leverage in their careers.
- The Evolution and Impact of IT Certifications: Jim shares his personal journey from being a senior at BYU with an econ degree worth $20,000 a year to significantly increasing his earning potential through IT certifications from Cisco, Microsoft, and HP. He underscores the importance of proving one’s ability to do tasks rather than just knowing theoretical knowledge, which is a recurring theme in his career philosophy.
- AI and Ethical Use in Education: The conversation dives into Stukent’s approach to integrating AI in their platform. Jim speaks about using AI not only to enhance their simulations and provide personalized learning experiences but also stresses the importance of ethical AI use. This includes understanding when and how to disclose AI usage to maintain integrity within academic and professional environments.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Embrace Practical Skill Development: Look for internships, volunteer work, or simulation platforms that offer hands-on project experience relevant to your career aspirations. This will help you stand out to potential employers by demonstrating your capability to perform real-world tasks.
- Leverage AI Ethically: When using AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments or professional tasks, make sure to disclose your use and understand its ethical implications. This could include mentioning AI assistance in your cover letters or interviews to demonstrate transparency and ethical professionalism.
- Tailor Your Learning to Real-World Applications:Actionable Step: Take advantage of simulated learning environments or case studies that mimic the responsibilities of your target job. This prepares you more effectively than traditional study methods and gives you a clearer idea of what to expect, which you can then communicate confidently to potential employers.