Generative AI technology, such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, and other generative and multimodal AI systems,are widely used in career exploration, job searching, networking and professional development. When used thoughtfully, these tools can support brainstorming, research, skill development, and productivity.
At the Mignone Center for Career Success (MCS), we have seen growing student interest in using AI for activities such as exploring career paths, preparing application materials, practicing interviews, and navigating career transitions. MCS encourages students to explore emerging technologies while maintaining integrity, authenticity and good judgement. We support Harvard University’s emphasis on responsible, transparent, and ethical experimentation with AI technologies. AI can be a valuable partner in the learning and professional development process, but it should not replace your own thinking, experiences, voice, or decision-making. The following guidelines are designed to help students use AI tools effectively and responsibly while maintaining integrity, accuracy, professionalism, and authenticity.
First, some important considerations:
- AI is not always accurate. AI systems generate responses based on patterns in data; they do not independently verify facts. As a result, they may create inaccurate, outdated, incomplete, misleading, or entirely fabricated information. AI tools may also invent sources, statistics, credentials, citations, employer information, or application requirements. Always review AI-generated content carefully and confirm important details using reliable sources.
- AI can reflect and reinforce bias. AI models learn from data created by people and institutions and may reproduce existing social, cultural, or historical biases. Users should critically evaluate AI generated content to ensure materials align with their values, goals and lived experiences.
- Be mindful of the information you share. Avoid sharing confidential, sensitive, proprietary, unpublished, or personally identifiable information. This may include student records, research data, employer materials, financial information, or application materials that you do not wish to disclose. Different AI tools offer different privacy protections, so review platform policies before use. Harvard recommends taking particular care when using public AI systems with sensitive information.
- Start with your own work. Use AI as a collaborator, not a replacement for your work. Start with your own knowledge, experiences, interests, and ideas. Rather than asking AI to complete work for you, use it to brainstorm options, organize information, identify areas for improvement, generate questions, practice interviews, or offer feedback on drafts. Employers and admissions committees value authenticity and can often recognize generic, overly polished, or impersonal AI-generated materials.
- AI works best through iteration and critical thinking. Strong results come from refining prompts, evaluating outputs, providing context, and asking follow-up questions. Consider the audience, purpose, tone, format, and goals of your request. Treat AI output as a draft rather than a finished product.
- Review your materials with an MCS career advisor. AI tools are most effective when combined with human feedback, judgement, and insight. Take advantage of all available tools and resources, including meeting with an MCS advisor.
- Be sure to adhere to guidance from each employer, school, or department you are engaging with. Each organization you encounter may offer specific guidance for using generative AI relevant to their population. Review and follow the guidance provided by each organization. If disclosure of AI use is requested, be transparent about how you used AI in your work.
- Stay alert to AI-enabled scams and misinformation. AI has made it easier to create convincing phishing emails, fake job postings, deepfake audio and video, and fraudulent recruiting communications. Verify opportunities through trusted sources, use caution when sharing personal information, and independently confirm the identity of recruiters or organizations when appropriate.
- Practice responsible, ethical AI use. Responsible AI use includes respecting privacy, acknowledging limitations, understanding bias, complying with applicable policies, and maintaining ownership over your work. Many centers and initiatives across Harvard University are engaged in addressing AI and ethics. We recommend practicing responsible AI use by reviewing Harvard’s OUE Generative AI policies, HUIT’s Guidelines, GSAS Academic Integrity policies, and HES Academic Integrity guidelines. For comprehensive information on university-wide research, policy and educational initiatives, visit the AI at Harvard website and explore the many AI centers and initiatives at Harvard.
