Embrace the Emerging

Mr. Michael Koutsostamatis, an AI and automation leader at Ernst & Young, discusses careers in technology with National Louis Students. This is an ongoing dialogue with students and industry professionals about what preparation is necessary to transition into the industry from college. This is one of many industry-student discussions about being marketable in the tech industry. Dr. Newton Moore is the moderator. The 90-minute presentation is broken down into several bite-sized, 3-minute vignettes for the busy student.

Michael Koutsostamatis- AI and Automation Leader, Ernst & Young	Newton Moore Adjunct Professor, National Louis University
In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young advises computer science students to focus on "emerging" technologies and the mindset required to navigate a rapidly shifting tech landscape. He emphasizes the importance of balancing deep technical expertise with the ability to communicate value to stakeholders, a critical skill for transitioning from academia to the professional industry. The discussion highlights that being marketable requires an ongoing dialogue between your current skills and the evolving needs of modern businesses.	In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young discusses the differences between technology consulting and industry roles, noting that consulting offers diverse, fast-paced projects across a range of clients. He highlights that consulting is particularly valuable for computer science students because it builds critical soft skills like "executive presence," stakeholder management, and adaptability. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes that being marketable in tech requires a balance of technical expertise and the ability to communicate value to non-technical leaders.
In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young explains the distinction between Agentic AI, which handles autonomous decision-making, and Generative AI, which focuses on automating workflows and document processing. He encourages computer science students to build "personal AI ecosystems" using tools like HomeAssistant and DeepSeek to gain hands-on experience with custom automation and IoT integration. By experimenting with these small-scale personal projects, students can better understand how AI will eventually be seamlessly integrated into daily business operations and professional environments.	In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young explains that while computer science students focus on coding, daily professional life heavily involves the Microsoft Suite (Teams, Excel, Outlook) for communication and data management. He emphasizes that the specific technical stack—such as Miro for architecture or various cloud and automation tools—often changes depending on the client's needs. Therefore, the key to success in the industry is adaptability, as graduates must be prepared to switch between different environments, like a "Microsoft shop" versus a "Google shop."
In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young explains that he is a visual person, and that when working with software, you have to use not just text but visual communication in diagrams, Kanban boards, topologies, and other visual concepts.	In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis explains that for computer science graduates, the "technical stack" of a project is highly fluid and depends entirely on whether a client is a Microsoft or Google shop. While core communication happens via the Microsoft Suite, automation and architecture work requires proficiency in diverse tools like UiPath for RPA, Jira for project management, and Miro for system design. Ultimately, he stresses that adaptability is the most critical skill, as engineers must be prepared to switch between different cloud and automation ecosystems based on specific client needs.
For students entering the tech industry in non-coding roles, Michael Koutsostamatis recommends a "mindset shift" centered on building professional confidence and identifying market gaps to create unique solutions. He suggests that technical knowledge alone is insufficient; students should supplement their degree with business courses or minors to better understand the corporate landscape. To remain competitive, he advises staying informed on emerging trends such as Agentic AI, Robotics, and Autonomous Systems, while using tools like GitHub to document and showcase work visually.	This video features Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young defining the evolving landscape of AI for computer science students. He distinguishes between Generative AI, which focuses on automating workflows and document processing, and Agentic AI, which involves autonomous agents capable of complex decision-making. To prepare for the industry, he encourages students to build personal AI ecosystems using tools like HomeAssistant and DeepSeek to understand how sensors and IoT can be integrated into daily operations.
n this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young outlines essential steps for computer science students to become industry-ready. He emphasizes that technical skills alone are often insufficient, recommending that students take business courses or minors to better understand corporate operations. To build a professional portfolio, he advises starting a GitHub account to contribute to open-source projects and showcase work visually. Finally, he encourages a mindset shift where students "dream big" by identifying market gaps and proactively creating solutions rather than just following a standard curriculum.	In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis discusses the transition from academic deadlines to professional expectations in the tech industry. He emphasizes that while college provides a structured environment with clear due dates, the "real world" demands a higher level of adaptability and proactive communication as project scopes and technical requirements frequently shift. The key points regarding professional delivery include: Theory vs. Reality: Workforce demands often differ from college teachings; while schools focus on theory, companies prioritize experience, projects, and the ability to pivot when a technical stack changes. Business Knowledge: Technical expertise alone is insufficient; understanding the business context is critical for meeting deadlines and delivering value to stakeholders. The 2025 Landscape: He notes that the industry has shifted significantly since 2018, requiring graduates to be more agile in how they manage their time and technical tasks. Efficiency Tools: He shares that his entire presentation was built using AI and ChatGPT, illustrating how modern professionals use automation to meet tight turnarounds and refine their ideas quickly.
In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young discusses the critical skill of Articulating Your Ideas in a professional tech environment. He explains that while technical proficiency is the foundation, a consultant's primary value lies in their ability to communicate complex architectures and solutions to stakeholders clearly. By mastering the art of articulation, computer science graduates can better manage client expectations, lead teams, and bridge the gap between technical development and business objectives.	In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis from Ernst & Young discusses how a college degree serves as the "foundation" but is just the beginning of a tech career. He highlights that while colleges are often theory-heavy, the modern workforce (especially in 2025/2026) demands adaptability, practical project experience, and a strong understanding of business context. He concludes by emphasizing that technical skills alone are no longer enough; students must be ready to pivot their technical stacks and embrace continuous learning to remain marketable.
In this video, Michael Koutsostamatis provides a "primer" on the gap between academic computer science and the professional workforce. He argues that while colleges focus heavily on theory and foundational languages, the industry demands a mix of technical experience, business knowledge, and extreme adaptability. Key takeaways for students include: The Three Pillars of Success: You must know your foundation, embrace emerging tech (like Agentic AI), and be ready to pivot your technical stack at any time. Degrees vs. Skills: A degree is only a starting point; companies prioritize candidates with tangible projects and the ability to navigate "Real-World Implications." Modern Workflow: Highlighting the shift in the landscape, he reveals that his entire presentation was built using AI and ChatGPT, demonstrating how professionals now use these tools to refine ideas and increase efficiency.