At General Assembly, we’re committed to moving learners forward with the real skills they need to thrive in the always-evolving tech landscape. One of the standout leaders of this mission is UK-based Tom Szekeres, a seasoned GA instructor with deep expertise in artificial intelligence, data, and marketing. With his dynamic career journey and passion for teaching, Tom has been instrumental in shaping the learning experiences of many aspiring tech professionals that have come through GA’s doors.
From startup beginnings to a leading voice in tech
Tom’s journey with General Assembly began during the early days of the organisation’s expansion into London. Reflecting on his introduction to GA, Tom recalls, “They were just a plucky little startup touching down in London. We kind of got a call to see, would we want to come along and help out with a digital marketing course.” At the time, he was also building his own agency, which eventually grew into a successful firm that became his first build-and-sell venture.
As Tom’s career evolved, so did his connection with General Assembly, creating a mutually beneficial relationship where he could bring his professional expertise into the classroom and apply lessons from teaching to his own ventures.
Throughout his career, Tom has launched, scaled, and sold companies, but his commitment to General Assembly has remained a constant. He describes it as a “lovely” experience, as GA has allowed him to help others while simultaneously staying up-to-date with the latest in tech. “It’s just been really lovely to bring a lot of those skills across, and also actually bring some skills from GA back into my day-to-day,” Tom explains.
The value of community and continuous learning
For Tom, one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching at General Assembly is the opportunity to connect with a diverse range of students and professionals. “The vast number of people we’re able to meet and connect with and help out—the kind of crazy diversity of companies and people that we get to work with—and it’s ever-changing,” he shares. This exposure to different industries and perspectives makes the learning environment at General Assembly both dynamic and enriching.
Tom is particularly passionate about the role that community and collaboration play in the learning process. Tech is constantly evolving, and the need to adapt is crucial. As Tom puts it, “The great thing about tech and tech-related topics is that everything’s always changing, and the one constant is amazing people.” At General Assembly, this sense of community not only supports learners on their journey, but also fosters innovation by bringing together individuals with diverse experiences and insights.
The role of AI in today’s workforce
As an expert in AI, Tom is well-versed in the transformative impact this technology is having across industries. One of the areas he’s been working on extensively is generative AI, which is becoming an inescapable part of modern tech. “It’s touching almost everything—from data courses to software engineering to UX—it just touches everything,” Tom notes.
While there’s often concern about AI replacing jobs, Tom offers a more nuanced perspective. “We’ve been constantly told throughout the history of tech that technology is going to replace our jobs,” he says. However, he believes that new tools, including AI, tend to augment tasks rather than take over entire roles. His advice to aspiring tech professionals? Learn to work with these tools. “It’s about learning what you’re good at and what AI is good at,” Tom advises.
He also emphasises the importance of adapting to new tools like AI. “Like any tool that comes along, you need to learn how to use it, learn how to be effective with it,” he says. For those concerned about job security, Tom stresses that individuals who can effectively use AI will be the ones who thrive in the future workforce. “People with AI skills, who can use AI, will replace people who can’t,” he explains, drawing a parallel to the IT revolution of past decades.
Embracing the future with General Assembly
As the tech landscape continues to shift, the demand for skills in AI and related fields is only growing. Tom’s work with us is helping to bridge the gap between technological advancements and human skills, preparing students to navigate a world where AI is an integral part of the workforce.
If you’re ready to embrace the future of technology and develop in-demand skills in AI, data, and more, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. With expert instructors like Tom, a collaborative learning environment, and cutting-edge curriculum, GA is the place to build the future you want.
Ready to start your tech career journey? Explore our upcoming courses, workshops, and free classes today, and take the first step toward mastering the skills that will set you apart in the rapidly changing, digitally charged world.