For many students studying technology, Artificial Intelligence (AI) often begins as something abstract, understood through lectures, coding tasks, and theoretical models. For Sakthivel Sriharini, a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Computer Science student from the University of London at SIM, that perception changed when she took part in SIM’s Career Exploration Journey to Shenzhen, one of the world’s most dynamic innovation hubs.
Before the trip, AI had largely existed for her within academic settings. “I had always learned about AI through modules, coding tasks and lecture content, so it felt theoretical and distant.” That sense of distance quickly disappeared when she encountered AI in real-world environments. During a company visit in Shenzhen, she witnessed a humanoid robot performing tasks independently, responding to interruptions and continuing its work without guidance. “Seeing it in person made AI feel real rather than conceptual.” AI was no longer just something she studied; it became something she could imagine working alongside in the future.
During the SIM Career Exploration Journey, Sriharini visited organisations such as Astribot, Lenovo, CGL Consulting and Corliber Medical. Each visit offered a different perspective on how technology evolves and moves rapidly from research to real-world applications. “Each organisation showed a different side of technological development and helped me understand how quickly ideas become products once they leave research settings.”
At Astribot, she observed embodied intelligence and real-time control systems in action. Lenovo provided insights into the global AI landscape and future industry directions. At CGL, she gained exposure to hiring trends, talent development, and the impact of automation. Corliber Medical highlighted how innovation extends into healthcare and materials science, reinforcing that technology plays a role across diverse sectors. One idea, in particular, stayed with her throughout the journey and reshaped how she viewed the future of work: “AI is slowly moving from something we use to something we work alongside. It is becoming a partner in creation rather than only a tool.”
This shift in perspective encouraged Sriharini to think beyond technical skills alone. The trip prompted deeper reflection on adaptability, ethical responsibility, and the importance of designing technology with people in mind. “The trip reminded me that technology is most powerful when used with intention and purpose—a message expressed repeatedly throughout the journey: AI for all, tech for good.”
Beyond company visits, Shenzhen itself left a strong impression. The city’s blend of innovation and heritage, from advanced commercial districts to places like Dongmen Old Street and Nantou Ancient City, highlights how technology, culture and design coexist. For Sriharini, this reinforced the idea that innovation does not happen in isolation but is shaped by its social and cultural environment.
The experience also strengthened her confidence and sense of direction. Seeing how classroom concepts translated into real applications helped her connect her studies to future career possibilities. “Shenzhen made AI feel closer and more practical. It connected my learning to real applications and gave me a clearer sense of where I hope to contribute in the future.”
Sriharini’s journey reflects that students gain firsthand insights into the industry through international learning opportunities like the Career Exploration Journey, develop global perspectives, and connect theory with practice. For Sriharini, Shenzhen was not just a destination; it was a learning experience that brought her education to life and helped her see how she could contribute to a future guided by purpose, responsibility, and impact.