Earlier this month, WPI Graduate Studies attended The AI Conference in San Francisco to promote our newest AI graduate degree program. The event provided an exciting opportunity for WPI to connect with AI professionals, enthusiasts, and companies. It was an important step in establishing the university’s presence in this rapidly growing field.
Hillary Lyons, the Senior Associate Director of Student Engagement and Recruiting at WPI, represented the university at the event. Although the conference was relatively new and smaller in scale, Lyons emphasized the strategic importance of attending, “It’s positioned in a very good location when it comes to AI.” WPI’s attendance highlighted its AI graduate program, which offers both on-campus and online options, appealing to a wide range of potential students.
The conference atmosphere was set against the scenic backdrop of San Francisco’s Bay Bridge and Alcatraz. “The overall atmosphere was surprisingly intimate and… human?” Lyons said. “There was great energy and a good mix of vendors. I believe we were the only school, although some companies provide AI-related boot camps and in-house trainings.”
WPI stood out as a more traditional educational option in a sea of newer non-degree offerings. Lyons mentioned that attendees appreciated WPI’s presence: “I received feedback that it was cool we were there and that we could help answer the question, ‘Where do I start if I want to upskill in AI?’” This interaction reaffirmed the value of a structured, degree-granting program, even in a landscape filled with alternative certifications and non-credit options.
What can you do with a graduate degree in Artificial Intelligence?
Throughout the event, Lyons met many different attendees, from San Francisco locals to international visitors. She even encountered WPI alumni and a current parent of a WPI robotics student. “I was able to talk to him about the benefits of the BS/MS program,” she shared. This mix of technical professionals and those from other industries made for engaging conversations about AI’s impact on fields ranging from ethics to business integration.
When it came to questions about the program, Lyons noted that most people were curious about common topics: admissions qualifications, the application process, and costs. “Because the structure of the AI program is so unique (a set of core classes and then students pick their specialty), I tended to lead with that information,” she explained. Prospective students were also pleased to learn about the program’s flexibility, which includes both online and on-campus formats, as well as WPI’s long-standing expertise in AI, even though the program officially launched this year.
Despite being unable to attend conference sessions due to staffing the booth alone, Lyons felt that the experience was a success for WPI. “I think attending this conference was a great first step forward for brand recognition overall, and specifically on the West Coast,” she said. Her interactions helped her gain a deeper understanding of the AI field while positioning WPI as a key player in AI education.
And, of course, no tech conference would be complete without some impressive robotics. Lyons mentioned a fun moment interacting with robots similar to Boston Dynamics’ famous Spot and Atlas, adding a touch of futuristic excitement to the event.
As WPI continues to grow its presence in the AI space, events like the AI Conference are vital for building connections and showcasing the university’s unique offerings. As Lyons aptly put it, “People liked seeing that a more traditional and comprehensive option is out there for them.”