How ServiceNow University Helped Me Future-Proof My Career
I still remember sitting in a classroom discussion on tech & innovation in environmental policy and realizing - everyone was talking about AI, and I could barely follow. As a student majoring in Environmental Economics and Policy, I’ve always been passionate about how innovation can drive real-world change. But I had no clue how artificial intelligence could fit into that equation, and I felt self-conscious about speaking up in class because I didn’t truly understand AI.
I knew I didn’t want to head into my junior year of college feeling this way. I was lucky enough to get an internship at ServiceNow, and in my first week, I learned about the ServiceNow University courses that were available—and I excitedly signed up for ServiceNow University’s AI Essentials learning track.
Without AI Skills, I Was Starting to Feel Left Behind
With AI rapidly transforming almost every global industry—from climate tech to business strategy—I knew I couldn’t afford to be AI-illiterate. But I wasn’t coming from a technical background. I didn’t want to take a CS-heavy bootcamp or dive into coding tutorials that didn’t connect to my interests. Truth be told, I dreaded the idea of learning about AI because I assumed it would be too technical.
I wanted real, practical knowledge. Honestly, I needed it. I hoped that learning about AI would give me the skills I needed to bridge science, policy, and innovation.
The Turning Point: Finding Snackable Learning That Stuck
I found exactly what I needed in ServiceNow University’s AI Essentials track. It was built for learners like me: early-in-career, ambitious, and short on time. The courses were quick, engaging, and easy to fit into a busy college schedule. But more than that, they actually clicked. Between my full-time job and summer course load, the format worked perfectly for me. The lessons were short, accessible, and engaging. More importantly, they made me feel empowered with the knowledge and tools I need to head back to school in the fall.
What I Learned—and How It Shifted My Thinking
Each course didn’t just teach me something new—it reframed how I see AI in the world around me. Here are a few moments that stood out:
Introduction to Generative AI
I’d heard of tools like ChatGPT, but this course helped me actually understand what was happening under the hood. Suddenly, AI didn’t feel like magic—it felt accessible. I realized I didn’t need to be a computer scientist to have a voice in AI conversations.
AI Agents vs. Traditional AI
This one really clicked for me. It helped me understand why earlier AI models were quite limited, and that today’s adaptive, agentic systems are incredibly powerful. As someone with very little AI background, I found it interesting how quickly the AI market is changing, making major advances across industries—from customer service to environmental modeling. Systems that learn and adapt just make more sense—our world isn’t static, so why should our AI technology be?
What Is Agentic AI? And How Do AI Agents Learn and Adapt?
These were the most challenging for me. I had to pause and replay some parts, especially around goal-based learning. But once I grasped the concept of autonomy in agents, it completely changed how I looked at innovation—especially in systems that need to operate under uncertainty. In the same way that I needed to learn about AI to keep adapting and evolving, AI agents are constantly learning and evolving.
Real-World Uses of AI Agents
This is where it all started coming together. Learning how companies are already deploying these tools—to streamline operations, personalize services, and scale impact—made me realize this isn’t theoretical. These tools are shaping jobs I might apply for in just a year or two. In fact, we’re using them here at ServiceNow every day, and it made my internship onboarding a quick, easy, and straightforward process. I didn’t even realize I was using ServiceNow’s AI agents!
Designing AI for Human Collaboration
This course made me reflect on my own experiences using poorly designed tools. It emphasized that AI isn’t just about power—it’s about usability. That really resonated with me as someone interested in public policy and user-focused systems.
AI Agents and Automation in Workflows
Before this, I’d never imagined how much AI was already integrated into workplace systems like ServiceNow’s Now Assist. This course helped me understand how automation supports—not replaces—human work, especially in repetitive or high-stakes scenarios. By automating repetitive work, humans can focus on more strategic, creative, and fulfilling work.
With each lesson, I learned more of the language, understood the tools, built up my confidence, and gained a clearer sense of how AI applies to real challenges—not just in tech companies, but across industries like energy, logistics, and yes, even sustainability. I’m excited to get back to school, sit at the front of the class, raise my hand, and speak up about AI trends and real-world applications.
Challenges That Made the Learning Real
Not everything came easily. I struggled with some of the terminology and had to rewatch sections a few times. At first, I wasn’t sure how to connect AI to my field. But over time, I started seeing the links—how automation could support environmental compliance, or how predictive models could improve policy decision-making.
Those moments of confusion were actually the most rewarding. They made the learning feel earned—and more applicable.
What Changed: From Confused to Confident
After finishing the track, I wasn’t just more informed—I was transformed.
In interviews, I can now talk fluently about AI trends and where the industry’s headed. In meetings for my internship, I now understand how intelligent systems are shaping customer engagement strategies. What’s more—I’m now helping other interns break down AI concepts using what I learned. I can now “talk the talk”—without feeling like an imposter. It’s incredibly empowering.
These courses didn’t just help me learn about AI. They helped me own it—on my terms.
If you’re a student or early-in-career professional and feel like you’re watching the AI wave from the sidelines—this is for you. You don’t need a coding background. You don’t need hours of free time. You just need curiosity, and a place to start.
ServiceNow University gave me that place. And it’s made all the difference.
Ready to Start?
If you’re ready to feel confident and put AI to work for your career, 👉 Start learning with ServiceNow University’s AI Essentials track today.
It’s flexible. It’s intuitive. And it might just open the same doors for you as it did for me.
