The Purpose of Me: A Futurist's Perspective on the AI Paradigm Shift

Envisioning Tomorrow — Rethinking Human Purpose

Imagine a world where career centers are not merely places for employment assistance, but sanctuaries of self-reflection and design. Picture a career center in 2050—a dynamic space, free of conventional walls. Students enter with curiosity—"innerview," and leave with clarity and purpose. It’s a place where they shed their fears and limiting beliefs, walking out inspired to shape their lives with meaning and impact.

The truth is, we don’t have to wait until 2050. I'm not. Across many institutions, leaders are already transforming career "services" into deeply personal, purpose-driven experiences. These emerging models integrate human-centered design, advanced technology, and a focus on individual narratives, setting the stage for meaningful, lifelong impact.

In this reimagined future, career services are not just renamed but reborn.

What if these centers were designed to be transformative from the very first interaction? The role of a career center extends beyond simply guiding students to their first job. Instead, it's about helping them find purpose, craft a narrative, and empower them to become architects of their own lives.

This futuristic career center is more than a physical space—it’s a supercharged career and life ecosystem that integrates advanced technology with human-centered design, fostering an environment where students explore their values and strengths, confront their limiting beliefs, and unlock their potential. Here, students don’t just prepare for careers; they prepare for life. The journey through these doors becomes an experience of self-discovery, equipping them not only for work but for the world.

“Much like a glassblower shaping their glass and art, students are artists of their careers and lives, actively shaping their perspective and building clarity. A glassblower carefully molds molten glass into a work of art, a student, too, molds their career through a series of deliberate choices, intentionality, and the acquisition of new skills.” —Hassan Akmal

Through this lens, individuals create intricate patterns and shapes in their career portfolios. Every decision made, every skill acquired, and their collective experiences through peaks and valleys create a career and life canvas. They focus not only on their first employment but also on the lifelong pursuit of transferable skills, meaning, and fulfillment, transforming their career journey into a life masterpiece. Through this odyssey, they meet diverse individuals, celebrate small wins, bounce back from shortcomings and losses, and build resilience, each designing the richness of their narrative.

The Evolution of AI: From Simulations to Superintelligence

To understand where we are headed, it’s crucial to know where we’ve been. The journey of AI spans decades, originating from early theories and evolving into today’s complex systems. From the first artificial neurons developed in the 1950s to the intricate neural networks and machine learning models of the 21st century, AI has transformed into a force that drives industries, influences economies, and reshapes societal norms.

Today, we categorize AI into types that represent different stages of intelligence and autonomy. Narrow AI powers tools like virtual assistants, recommendation algorithms, and autonomous vehicles—highly specialized systems focused on specific tasks. In contrast, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) represents an aspirational stage where AI could reason, learn, and adapt in ways similar to human intelligence. To understand the significance and potential impact of AGI, it’s insightful to consider the definitions and perspectives from key leaders and organizations driving AI innovation.

Defining Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Perspectives from Leaders in AI

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), often regarded as the holy grail of AI research, refers to a form of intelligence that matches or surpasses human cognitive abilities. Meta describes AGI as a system capable of understanding and solving problems across diverse fields, with the flexibility to adapt as humans do. Google DeepMind sees AGI as a pathway to unlocking new scientific discoveries, believing that an AGI could autonomously pursue and achieve breakthroughs in complex fields like biology, chemistry, and physics. OpenAI’s founder, Sam Altman, defines AGI as an AI that is as “good as humans at most economically valuable work.” He emphasizes the necessity of building AGI responsibly, focusing on alignment with human values. Elon Musk, a co-founder of OpenAI and vocal AI skeptic, often warns about AGI’s existential risks, referring to it as humanity's “biggest existential threat.” Musk advocates for strict oversight and governance, viewing AGI as potentially more impactful than nuclear weapons. These perspectives reflect both the ambitious potential and the profound responsibility involved in pursuing AGI, highlighting the need for thoughtful development and robust safeguards.

Finally, superintelligence refers to a hypothetical AI that surpasses human cognitive abilities in every domain, raising profound ethical and philosophical questions about control, purpose, and coexistence.

Organizations like OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta are at the forefront of these advancements. Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, notes, “The development of AI is as significant as the discovery of electricity or fire.” This statement underlines the paradigm shift AI is bringing to society and signals the necessity of responsible innovation.

Meanwhile, companies like Salesforce are leveraging AI to augment human potential. Salesforce’s AgentForce integrates AI into customer service, turning digital interactions into personalized, meaningful experiences. Here, AI does not replace human workers but empowers them, allowing us to envision a future where technology and human insight work in harmony, amplifying our capacity for empathy, efficiency, and problem-solving.

The Coming Wave: Multimodal AI and the Future of Interaction

Imagine having access to an AI career development agent as knowledgeable and insightful as Albert Einstein—free to assist you in answering any question, unraveling complex ideas, and sparking your creativity. This is the promise of future AI advancements: democratized access to unprecedented expertise, available to anyone, anywhere.

As AI continues to evolve, the next big leap is the integration of multimodal capabilities, expected to reach maturity around 2025-2026. Multimodal AI systems can process and synthesize information from multiple sources—such as text, audio, video, and sensory data—enabling richer, more intuitive human-machine interactions. Imagine an AI that not only understands language but also interprets emotions from a facial expression or analyzes environmental context from a video feed. This explosion of multimodal AI will redefine industries, bringing unprecedented depth to applications in education, healthcare, and customer service. By blending modes of interaction, multimodal AI promises a new era of seamless integration, where technology anticipates human needs and adapts in real-time, making our interactions with machines more natural, personalized, and impactful. However, this transformation will also raise new ethical considerations, demanding thoughtful approaches to data privacy, consent, and equitable access.

From Silicon to Cells: DNA, Data, and the Dawn of Living Machines

As AI continues to evolve, a fascinating frontier emerges at the intersection of biology and machine intelligence, the rise of living AI. Biological or DNA-based AI involves embedding computational functions into living cells or leveraging biological materials for data processing and storage. Researchers are exploring DNA as a medium to encode and retrieve data, offering staggering storage density and durability. In parallel, breakthroughs in neural interfaces and synthetic biology hint at the possibility of integrating AI with living systems, creating entities that challenge our definition of “artificial.”

When algorithms mimic biology and machines adopt life-like characteristics, the term “artificial intelligence” begins to feel incomplete. AI may not always remain artificial—future systems could breathe, evolve, and perhaps even self-repair, drawing from the very blueprints of life itself. These advancements may usher in a new era where AI is indistinguishable from its biological counterparts, redefining intelligence as something both constructed and alive.

"AI" — Alien Intelligence, not Artificial Intelligence 👽

Are we building AI or discovering it? What about when machines start breathing? But let’s be honest—if we keep calling it "artificial intelligence," we might be underselling it. The leaps we’re making in biological AI start to feel less like programming and more like meeting alien intelligence for the first time. Imagine explaining to future generations, “Oh no, that wasn’t extraterrestrial; we just coded it into a petri dish.” AI might not just be out of this world—it might literally grow out of our world. Cue the science-fiction movie trailer voice: “Coming soon... to a planet near you.”

The Future of Learning, Not Education

The future of education is not only about what we learn but also about who we become in the process. Educational leaders, employers, and students must unite in proactively creating an environment that not only imparts knowledge but cultivates character, critical thinking, and adaptability. Through intentional student employment programs, for example, we cultivate the fertile ground where the seeds of knowledge, skills, and personal growth intertwine to shape a future where every student becomes a force of learning for positive change.

The evolution of higher education requires transformative partnerships that infuse joy into the learning experience.

Part of this joy is the creative process, think of it as the mosaic of career and life design. Just as a mosaic artist meticulously selects each fragment to compose a masterpiece, so too do we have the power to design our careers and lives with intentionality and purpose. In the vibrant hues of our professional pursuits and personal endeavors, we find the raw materials from which our mosaic of life is crafted. From the bold strokes of career milestones to the delicate intricacies of personal growth, each piece contributes to the richness and complexity of personal narratives.

Let’s celebrate the diversity of our experiences and perspectives, recognizing that it is through the harmonious blending of these unique elements that the true beauty of our mosaic emerges.

The journey does not end with job placements; it extends far beyond, into the realms of lifelong learning, meaningful contribution, and societal impact. With the call to action as our guiding light, it serves as a constant reminder that we must empower students to not just close career readiness gaps and build professional skills, but to nurture the imagination, wisdom, and character essential for thriving in the future of work — as disruptors.

The "Happily Employed" Metric: The Healer

One of the most profound insights in my journey came during my time at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I was conducting research on treatment adherence for HIV/AIDS patients at a methadone clinic when I met Jose, a janitor, who loved his job. Despite his humble title, he considered himself: “The Healer.” For him, the cleanliness of the clinic was not merely a task but a vital component of patient care. Jose’s meticulous work was driven by his belief that a pristine environment contributed to the health and well-being of the patients. His perspective transformed my understanding of purpose and dedication.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do." — Steve Jobs

Jose’s story mirrors the findings of Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski at Yale, who has explored how individuals can reframe their work as a “calling.” Dr. Wrzesniewski discovered that people often interpret their roles in one of three ways: as a job, a career, or a calling. While those with a “job” orientation view work as a means to an end, those with a “calling” orientation see their work as integral to their identity and personal mission. This intrinsic motivation is powerful, leading to greater fulfillment, commitment, and resilience against burnout.

In Jose’s case, his role transcended his job description and job title. In fact, he came up with his own. He felt connected to the clinic’s mission and viewed his work as a healing contribution. His perspective is a powerful reminder that purpose is not limited by titles. It’s an internal alignment, a deep sense of identity and contribution that elevates any role. In a world increasingly focused on metrics and efficiency, Jose’s example invites us to remember the human side of work—the impact we have on others and the pride we take in what we do.

#TeamHuman: A Framework for Collective Flourishing

As AI reshapes industries, the concept of teamwork and collective purpose must evolve as well. Dr. Wrzesniewski’s research on team dynamics during crises demonstrates the critical importance of connection and mutual support. In environments that are fast-paced and challenging, having a sense of belonging can make all the difference. This isn’t merely about sharing tasks; it’s about building a #DreamTeamTheme where each member feels seen, valued, and aligned with a shared purpose.

The #TeamHuman approach emphasizes collaboration and resilience, reminding us that the strength of our teams lies in the diversity of our perspectives. When we feel supported and connected, we are better equipped to navigate change, innovate, and thrive. AI can enhance this framework by helping us identify strengths, match complementary skills, and foster environments where trust and creativity flourish.

Ask yourself:

• What is your team doing to stay ahead in this era?
• How will the next generation of AI affect your organization’s mission and impact?

By reframing the question, we open the door to transformative potential, where teams are not merely functional units but communities that uplift and empower each other.

From Job Descriptions to Personal Missions: The Power of Reframing

As highlighted by the research at Yale, there is a profound link between identity alignment and emotional engagement at work. When individuals see their roles as integral to who they are—crafting personal narratives that align with their work—they report higher satisfaction and are less likely to experience burnout. This is a cornerstone of what Wrzesniewski describes as the difference between viewing work as a “job,” a “career,” or a “calling.”

Building on this, the practice of job crafting empowers individuals to redefine their roles in ways that feel more meaningful and personally relevant. Research from Gallup shows that employees who craft their roles—reshaping their tasks, relationships, or perceptions—experience significantly greater happiness and engagement. When people actively create their work identity, they forge deeper emotional connections to their roles. This is further reinforced by studies showing that individuals who pursue mastery in their craft naturally enjoy their work more, as competence breeds confidence and fulfillment.

One effective strategy for achieving this alignment is the creation of personal working titles, which go beyond official job descriptions to reflect one’s unique contribution and sense of purpose. For example, my own branding statement on LinkedIn, “I help build dreams and witness their impact,” has been a part of my professional identity for over a decade. This title resonates deeply with my mission and reinforces my emotional connection to my work. Similarly, a Creative Researcher at Getty Images might embrace the title of Brand Optimizer, or a Technical Analyst in business intelligence reporting might see themselves as a Growth Accelerator. At Walt Disney Studios, a Senior Manager of Streaming Analytics might identify more as a Data Visualizer.

One of my former students, who holds the title of Construction Administrator at Turner, reframed her role as Community Builder, better reflecting her dedication to creating spaces that connect and inspire people. These examples demonstrate the transformative power of reframing: when individuals redefine their roles to align with their values and strengths, they create a more authentic and satisfying professional narrative.

Your Life As a Canvas: Masterpieces in Career and Life Design

Every student has a story. Let’s begin with these stories and unique student experiences. Students draw inspiration from perspective and stories. Your first job is not just a job; it's an opportunity to shape one's narrative. It's about crafting a unique blend of Career and Life Readiness Skills – On Purpose, experiences, and, most importantly, purpose in what you do.

As I discuss in The Interior Design of Your Career and Life, the story you tell yourself about yourself matters. Your story, the story behind the design, is the Interior Design of Your Career and Life. This secret is your masterpiece. You have a canvas of opportunities.

The power of stories and identity aligned with purpose transforms lives.

By crafting personal narratives and working titles that align with your identity, you don’t just enhance your career satisfaction—you strengthen your resilience against burnout. This process is more than a branding exercise; it’s an act of self-discovery and empowerment. When your story aligns with your identity, your work becomes not just a job, but a source of fulfillment and purpose.

Marc Benioff, CEO of Salesforce, emphasizes that being entrepreneurial—the ability to take initiative, adapt, and innovate—is the most desired skill in the marketplace. Crafting a personal title is an entrepreneurial act: it empowers you to take ownership of your role, tell a compelling story, and stand out in a competitive world. When your story aligns with your identity, your work becomes not just a job, but a source of fulfillment and purpose.

Life is a Symphony of Ups and Downs

Much like a composer tells a story through music, we all tell our stories through a collection of experiences we cultivate on our personal career and life journey. These pathways have curves; it's not a linear or straight path, but rather a dynamic composition that evolves with the changing landscape in our struggles.

In this era where careers are no longer confined to traditional trajectories but rather resemble a vibrant symphony, individuals are becoming master composers of their destinies. Resilience, once viewed as a personal trait, has now become the harmonizing force in this concert of experiences, essential for navigating the uncertainties of the future of work and embracing innovation as a mindset.

In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping every facet of our lives, it holds immense potential as a transformative ally in addressing mental health challenges. AI-powered tools, such as chatbots and virtual companions, can provide immediate support, offering 24/7 accessibility for those in distress. Beyond just support, AI is revolutionizing personalized therapy, utilizing natural language processing to analyze emotional patterns and offer tailored coping strategies. Imagine an AI that not only listens but learns—adapting its responses to suit the unique needs of individuals, bridging gaps in traditional care.

Imagine the integration of wellness and resilience programs and AI within the employment initiative. This could encompass mental health workshops, stress-management sessions, and immediate access to counseling services tailored to the specific anxieties associated with access to resources, job searching, and career transitions. The program could also incorporate mindfulness practices, promoting self-care and emotional well-being.

AI can also act as a preventive measure, using predictive analytics to identify early signs of burnout or anxiety, empowering individuals to act before a crisis occurs. However, the true innovation lies in its ability to humanize technology, transforming a screen into a source of solace and hope. As we integrate AI into career services and beyond, we must embrace it as a resourceful tool to enhance well-being, fostering resilience and mental clarity in the face of life's uncertainties. Together, we can design a future where technology uplifts the human spirit.

As the definition of careers continues to change and evolve, individuals must not only master a specific skill set but also conduct an ongoing ensemble of learning, adaptation, and resilience, crafting a unique melody that resonates in the ever-changing cadence of a new world of work.

Everyone Needs a Sounding Board

The value of teamwork is not just about achieving goals—it’s about sustaining ourselves in the process. Dr. Amy Wrzesniewski's research has demonstrated that feeling part of a supportive team significantly reduces burnout, especially during high-stress periods. Teams act as a buffer, providing emotional and psychological support, which fosters resilience and increases engagement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, workers who felt their leaders were “in the trenches” with them reported greater job satisfaction and lower burnout levels than those who felt isolated from their colleagues.

This concept of what I call, a "#DreamTeam theme," underscores the importance of creating environments where individuals feel connected and valued. This increases the collective sense of belonging and fullfillment while reducing burnout, Whether it’s a workplace team, a collaborative project, or a peer network, the presence of supportive relationships enhances not only productivity but also well-being. Teams create a space where people can share burdens, celebrate victories, and stay aligned with their collective purpose.

As we integrate AI into the workplace, teamwork takes on new dimensions. AI tools can help teams identify strengths, match complementary skills, and foster better collaboration. However, technology cannot replace the human connection that forms the foundation of any effective team. The challenge is to ensure that AI serves as a tool to strengthen these bonds, not replace them.

As you reflect on your journey, ask yourself: Who is on your team? How are you supporting each other? And how can AI be leveraged to enhance—not detract from—your team’s cohesion and success?

The Quantum Leap of Faith

In my exploration of the evolving landscape of student employment and professional development, I introduced the concept of the 'Quantum Career.'

In today’s world, careers are no longer linear; they are dynamic, multidimensional, and ever-evolving. That’s why I coined the term “Quantum Career”—a concept that encapsulates the fluid, multidimensional nature of modern career paths. Quantum Careers are not constrained by a single trajectory but embrace the rich, interconnected experiences that bring together personal growth, professional impact, and purposeful living.

This is a term coined to encapsulate a paradigm shift in how we perceive and navigate careers in the 21st century, the #QuantumCareer is not a title; it's a transformative lens through which individuals can view their professional trajectories.

In a world marked by constant change, multidimensionality, and interconnectedness, the Quantum Career acknowledges that careers are more than linear paths—they are dynamic, ever-evolving journeys. By introducing this term, I aim to provide a language that resonates with the complexities of modern professional identities, inviting students and institutions alike to embrace the richness of diverse experiences, celebrate authenticity, and navigate the intricacies of the professional world with agility and purpose.

The Quantum Career invites us to transcend traditional career boundaries and step into a realm where personal growth, passion, and purpose converge, empowering individuals to design both their careers and lives in an era of limitless possibilities.

What Remains Uniquely Human?

While AI excels in tasks requiring speed, efficiency, and precision, it lacks the core qualities that define our humanity. Let’s consider some of the traits that remain uniquely human:

• Consciousness: Our self-awareness allows us to make ethical choices, reflect on our actions, and pursue personal growth.
• Imagination: Humans can envision realities beyond the present, using creativity to innovate and solve complex problems.
• Intuition: AI analyzes data, but intuition is a deeply human trait, drawing on experiences, emotions, and subtle cues to make decisions.
• Empathy: True empathy is more than recognizing emotions; it’s about understanding and responding to others with compassion, a quality AI can mimic but not embody.
• Wisdom and Morality: Through lived experiences, humans develop a nuanced understanding of right and wrong, guiding us to act responsibly and thoughtfully.

These qualities are foundational to our identity. They represent the depth of human experience and the complexity of our connections with one another. As we integrate AI into more aspects of life, it’s essential to recognize that these irreplaceable traits are what make us unique—and what AI should support rather than replicate.

Unlocking Human Potential: AI as an Ally

At AI—YA, my AI passion project and division of Career and Life Mastery®, our mission is clear: to unlock human potential. We envision AI not as a replacement for human capabilities but as an enhancement. By using AI responsibly, AI—YA seeks to empower individuals and organizations to achieve meaningful goals, unlocking the best of human creativity, decision-making, and empathy.

Our goal is to create AI that works as an ally in personal and professional development, providing insights, optimizing processes, and facilitating growth. Whether in career development, personal coaching, or team dynamics, AI should amplify human creativity and decision-making, fostering a future where technology enhances life rather than diminishing it.

In the end, AI should be a tool to help us become more human—not less. This belief drives everything we do at AI—YA, as we strive to create technologies that respect, support, and uplift human aspirations.

Call to Action: A Human-Centered Future

The AI revolution demands more than technical skills; it requires a commitment to humanity. As we integrate AI deeper into our lives, we must ask ourselves:

• How can we ensure AI aligns with our values and contributes positively to society?
• What steps can organizations take to cultivate a human-centered approach to technology?
• How can we nurture creativity, empathy, and ethical thinking in an AI-driven world?

These questions invite us to reimagine AI as a catalyst for positive change, one that enhances our shared human experience. By prioritizing human values and fostering responsible innovation, we can shape a future where technology empowers rather than controls.

As we navigate the super highways of skills, stories, and strategy, we understand that skills serve as the foundation, stories breathe life into the narrative, and strategy provides the roadmap for success. Skills must be actively cultivated, stories consciously crafted, and strategies thoughtfully devised.

Let’s embark on this journey together. Each of us has a role in designing a narrative where AI enhances our lives, amplifies our purpose, and respects our humanity.

Exploring the Story of AI, Together

"Innovation is the bridge between what we know today and what we can achieve tomorrow." — Hassan Akmal

Don't get it mixed up, I'm #TeamHuman. The future is unwritten, and the role of AI in it remains a compelling story. As we navigate this uncharted territory, let us remember that AI’s greatest promise is in unlocking human potential, not replacing it. Together, we can co-create a narrative where humanity thrives alongside innovation, shaping a world where technology serves to fulfill our highest aspirations. Let's write this story together.

The process of career and life design in the face of the AI paradigm shares a profound resemblance to an author crafting a book, with one significant difference—the individual seeking career development is not an expert penning a thesis, but rather an individual embarking on a journey of self-discovery. They don't write because they possess expertise in a subject matter; they write because they are curious explorers of their own potential.

Their journey is a narrative of research and investigation, an exploration of the self, and an endeavor to uncover the deepest truths about who they are and the meaning they seek. In essence, they are authors of the most intricate and unique book ever penned – the story of themselves.

Mindfulness and self-awareness help each writer focus their thoughts and intentions, reconnecting to their Purpose.

As each of us flips through the pages of our own history into new chapters of self-discovery, the narrative evolves, reflecting personal growth, evolution, and transformation. There is no final page or epilogue, only an ever-unfolding series of new events as we reinvent ourselves and chart a course toward greater fulfillment. This book, this life story, is unparalleled and irreplaceable, for there is only one story of "you."

Your life’s career development journey isn't confined to one profession or role; it's an ongoing exploration of the multifaceted aspects of their identity. With each twist and turn, the narrative grows richer, the character more resilient, and the reader–the world – more captivated by the compelling tale of a life well-lived.

In the end, this is the greatest book ever, not because it's published and bound, but because it's your living testament to the extraordinary journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

References

1. Akmal, H. (2023). The Interior Design of Your Career and Life™. Career and Life Design Publishing.
2. Wrzesniewski, A., & Salovey, P. (2022). Yale Talk: Crafting Your Job into a Calling. Yale University Podcast.
3. Gallup (2020). State of the Global Workplace Report. Gallup, Inc.
4. Wrzesniewski, A., Berg, J. M., & Dutton, J. E. (2010). Turn the Job You Have into the Job You Want: Job Crafting. Harvard Business Review.
5. Pink, D. H. (2009). Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. Riverhead Books.
6. Csikszentmihalyi, M. (1990). Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row.
7. OpenAI (2023). Sam Altman’s Perspective on Artificial General Intelligence. OpenAI Blog. Retrieved from OpenAI.com.
8. DeepMind (2023). Our Vision for Artificial General Intelligence. Google DeepMind. Retrieved from DeepMind.com.
9. Salesforce (2023). AgentForce: Augmenting Human Productivity with AI. Salesforce. Retrieved from Salesforce.com.
10. Akmal, H. (2022). How to Build a Career and Life Vision That Lasts. Triton Mindset Blog, UC San Diego.
11. Benioff, M., & Adler, M. (2019). Trailblazer: The Power of Business as the Greatest Platform for Change. Currency.

About the Author

Hassan Akmal is an American career and life mastery consultant, futurist, author, professor, thought leader, philanthropist, and former professional tennis player and athlete ambassador to the United States. He is best known for his Amazon best-selling book—How to be a Career Mastermind™: Discover 7 “YOU Matter” Lenses for a Life of Purpose, Impact, and Meaningful Work. He is the host of the UC San Diego Career Podcast (CP), Designing Your Career and Life. Akmal is very passionate about giving back and led global efforts in humanitarian work dedicated to Forced Migration and Health early on in his career.

Akmal has been a senior leader in career services for over sixteen years and in higher education for nearly 30 years. Akmal became the inaugural executive director of industry relations and career strategies at Columbia University in 2017 and founded the award-winning Career Design Lab. In 2018, he served on the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) “Future of We” — Advisory Committee and served as a senior advisor to Graduway (now Gravyty), a prominent and top 10 global EdTech startup. He wrote the foreword for the book, Career Revolution: A Design Thinking Approach to Career Development in a Post-Pandemic World, authored by Graduway’s CEO, Daniel Cohen. In April 2019, he delivered the keynote address on the “Future of Career Services” at the Global Leaders’ Summit hosted at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He also serves on several other prominent boards internationally.

In December 2019, Akmal was selected as a speaker for Columbia University’s TEDx RE-VISION, RE-FOCUS-themed event that took place on March 27, 2021. His TEDx Talk was released in May 2021 and has already received over 1.7 million views.

Before his current role, Akmal served as the inaugural executive director of the UCLA Career Center. There, as an alumnus and former Division One athlete, he led an ambitious re-imagination of career services culminating in a large-scale renovation. In September 2021, he became the Executive Director of Career and Professional Development at UC San Diego where he is currently leading a multiyear reimagination of the career center. He also serves on the steering committee for the University of California Television Career Channel which has over a million subscribers. 

Hassan’s most recent book, published in May 2023, is entitled, The Interior Design of Your Career and Life™. He also published a children’s version, You Are the Artist of Your Life: The Interior Design of Your Future. His most recent passion project is a virtual career and life design lab powered by an AI startup entitled, Ai-ya (pronounced "Ay—yah"). Ai-ya is an AI accelerator and learning system providing solutions for a wide range of AI applications, from marketing and advertising to retail optimization and workflow automation. 

Akmal authored two featured and globally recognized articles for NACE in 2023-24. One is entitled, Reimagining Student Employment, and the other is entitled, Designing the Future of Career Services.