Minister of State in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Delano Seiveright, challenged student entrepreneurs at the Pelican Pitch Series: Entrepreneurship Forum at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, to rethink traditional career paths, rapidly build AI skills, and expand their networks beyond familiar circles to compete in global markets.

9-to-5 alone is not cutting it 

Seiveright underscored that rising living costs, global competition and shifting work models mean single-income, traditional employment paths are increasingly insufficient. He noted that major employers are reducing rigid degree requirements in favour of skills, emotional intelligence, efficiency and a demonstrated willingness to learn, as organisations adapt to faster, tech-driven workflows.

AI is reshaping careers and work arrangements 

He highlighted the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence across professions, noting that AI tools now analyse large volumes of text, draft complex documents, assist coding and automate customer support. Fields such as law and marketing are already being transformed, with routine tasks collapsing into automated workflows and value shifting to judgment, strategy and creative direction.

He urged students to actively learn and practise with AI tools and embed them into business models and career development. He also pointed to unprecedented global investment in AI infrastructure by major technology firms, with annual capital spending now in the hundreds of billions of US dollars and multi-year projections running into the trillions, signalling AI as foundational economic infrastructure.

Build from Jamaica’s strong platform 

Seiveright noted that Jamaica’s macroeconomic stability, financial reforms, strong connectivity and trade access provide a solid launchpad for businesses to scale beyond the domestic market, particularly through diaspora links and regional market entry.

Languages and global exposure matter 

He encouraged students to prioritise Spanish to access Latin American markets with more than 650 million primarily Spanish-speaking consumers, and to consider Mandarin and other global languages as competitive assets. He urged broader exposure through exchanges, trade missions and international collaborations.

Network beyond traditional circles 

Seiveright called on students to break out of their shells, attend events outside familiar networks and build diverse relationships, noting how strong networking cultures within Indian and Chinese business communities have supported enterprise growth and global reach.

Use MIIC resources to scale 

He highlighted the MIIC.gov.jm website as a practical entry point to resources on starting a business, export readiness, intellectual property, and links to support agencies including the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).

Leverage the gig economy

He referenced platforms such as Fiverr and Upwork as pathways to earn globally, build portfolios and diversify income streams alongside entrepreneurship or primary employment.