The Future Starts With Students
What does the future of higher education look like in a world shaped by AI, automation, and a changing workforce?
In the latest episode of Making New Possible, Anthony Cruz, president of Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC), shares how technical colleges can help students prepare for meaningful careers. His perspective centered on a few key ideas: putting students first, building strong networks, creating real-world experiences, and preparing students to work alongside emerging technology.
Putting Students First
Anthony describes his leadership philosophy as student-first, a perspective shaped by more than 20 years in student affairs and student services.
For him, that means asking a simple question when making decisions:
How does this impact students?
Colleges are complex organizations, and it's easy for decisions to become focused on budgets, staffing, facilities, or internal priorities. Keeping the student voice in the conversation helps ensure that the institution continues to serve the people at its center.
The Power of Peer Mentoring
Anthony also highlighted MATC's peer mentoring program as a way to help students build confidence and social capital.
About 40% of MATC students are first-generation college students, many of whom may not have a built-in roadmap for navigating higher education.
Peer mentors can provide a familiar point of contact, answer practical questions, and help students feel more connected. MATC is also exploring industry mentoring, which can help students understand how their education connects to the workplace.
Together, these relationships can help students build networks while they're still in school.
Micro Internships: A Career Test Drive
Another opportunity Anthony discussed is the micro internship: a short-term, project-based experience with an employer, often lasting less than four weeks.
These experiences allow students to explore careers before making major investments of time and money. They also give employers a chance to meet potential talent and contribute to workforce development.
The goal is to make these opportunities part of the educational experience—not simply another responsibility for students to add to their schedules.
Preparing Students for AI
AI is already changing the workforce, but Anthony sees that shift as an opportunity for technical colleges.
As technology expands, industries still need people who can build, maintain, troubleshoot, and support the systems behind it. Technical colleges can prepare students by integrating AI into existing programs and teaching them how technology applies to their specific fields.
The goal isn't necessarily to create an AI program for everyone. It's to help students understand how to work with AI in the careers they're preparing for.
Build Your Network and Ask for Help
Anthony's advice to students is straightforward: don't be afraid to ask for help.
Building relationships with mentors, peers, professors, supervisors, and industry professionals can create opportunities that students might not find on their own.
Anthony also makes an important distinction between a mentor and a sponsor. A mentor offers guidance and feedback, while a sponsor advocates for you when opportunities arise.
For students, building those relationships can start small: ask thoughtful questions, stay connected, be open to feedback, and follow through.
Connecting Education to Opportunity
Anthony Cruz's message is ultimately about relevance. Technical colleges can help students prepare for the future by staying connected to industry, listening to students, creating opportunities for early career exploration, and teaching students how technology is changing their fields.
For students, the takeaway is just as practical: ask for help, explore your options early, and build both skills and relationships along the way.