Reflections on lifelong learning
Chair's Message
Boz Bostrom | December/January 2025 Footnote
Editor's note: Updated December 5, 2024
In summer 2004, I completed my final course in the University of Minnesota’s Master of Business Taxation program. At the time, I believed it would be the last course I’d ever take. I was going through the transition from being the student to becoming the teacher. True to my prediction, in the past 20 years, I’ve taught around 150 courses and haven’t taken any.
That changed this semester when I enrolled in a Gonzaga University doctoral-level course titled AI & Communication. With AI poised to significantly impact our industry, I wanted to deepen my understanding so I can better prepare my students for their future careers.
Much of the course focused on generative AI, which involves using artificial intelligence to create content. Prior to this, my experience with AI was limited to dabbling with ChatGPT. But throughout the course, I extensively used ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Microsoft Copilot and a variety of other platforms.
I learned how to better engineer prompts to achieve desired results. Generative AI proved to be excellent at brainstorming ideas and refining written work. However, I discovered that its data analytics capabilities are not to be fully trusted — though it can help identify areas worth further investigation. I also explored using graphics and avatars, which I’ve already begun incorporating into my continuing education sessions and classroom lectures to add some fun and variety. We also discussed the ethics, morality, humanity and environmental impacts of using AI.
The course was rigorous, demanding more than 100 hours of my time in just seven weeks. I read dozens of articles, watched numerous videos and completed various interactive assignments, reflections and discussion posts.
One realization struck me: All of the materials I accessed were available to me before the course, and I didn’t need to pay for a class to access them. So, do I regret investing the time and money? Not at all. The course commitment gave me the structure and accountability I needed to take the subject seriously. If I had tackled AI study in my free time, it likely would have remained a lower priority, and I’d have ended my evenings with Netflix instead of intense study.
As you reflect on your own professional development, I encourage you to consider whether there’s a bold step you need to take. Maybe it’s enrolling in a course, attending a conference or pursuing another path that requires a strong commitment and some accountability.
Speaking of accountability, while the grade itself didn’t really matter, being graded pushed me to work harder. I wanted to impress my professor and classmates. In the end, I earned 98% of the possible points — an A. I missed two points for not responding to a discussion post — something I overlooked while wrapping up my own extended tax return! My professor’s final words to me as she graded my final project were, “Thank you for your strong engagement in this course, Boz. You were an exemplary student.”
Usually, I’m the one offering encouragement and handing out compliments. But for a couple of months, the roles were reversed — and I soaked it up.
Sincerely,
Boz Bostrom, CPA
Chair, MNCPA board of directors
boardchair@mncpa.org
