Moroccan students: Stop with the "Application de Gestion" PFEs. It's time for some "Cool Shit" with AI
It all started with a LinkedIn post. My friend, Abdellah, recently shared a sharp observation that really struck a chord: "Why are you still pitching 2014 PFEs to companies?" It’s a question that, honestly, every Moroccan student heading into their Project de Fin d'Études (PFE) – and indeed anyone involved in education in Morocco right now – needs to grapple with.
Abdellah's post sparked a great offline conversation between us. Ideas started flying, connections were made, and suddenly, I found myself writing... and writing... and co-writing with the help of Claude. The thoughts just kept flowing, expanding far beyond the character limit of a LinkedIn post. So, I decided to take these ideas and flesh them out into a more comprehensive form – this blog post.
What started as a reaction to a LinkedIn observation has become a deeper exploration of a critical moment for Moroccan students: the urgent need to embrace the AI revolution, not just as a future trend, but as a present reality that demands a fundamental shift in focus, skills, and career aspirations.
The 2014 PFE Problem: Why "Gestion de Stock" Just Doesn't Cut It Anymore
Let's be blunt. If your PFE topic is still centered around "gestion de stock," "gestion de bibliothèque," or anything that feels vaguely like it belongs in a textbook from a decade ago – we need to have a serious talk. These types of projects, while perhaps valuable exercises in basic software development in the past, are simply outdated and irrelevant in today's AI-driven landscape.
Think about it. As Abdellah's post rightly points out, tech-savvy individuals can now build basic "gestion de stock" apps in a matter of days, not months. And here’s the real wake-up call: even students without deep coding skills, leveraging today’s powerful no-code and low-code AI tools, could likely create something similar in a week or two.
This isn't meant to diminish past efforts or the value of foundational skills. But it’s a stark reality check: the baseline has shifted dramatically. The job market, both in Morocco and globally, is no longer rewarding basic application development skills in the same way. The demand is now for something far more… let's call it "cool shit."
"Cool Shit" PFEs and the Democratization of AI Creation
So, what should Moroccan students be focusing on for their PFEs, internships, and future careers? The answer, in short: "cool shit". Projects that are innovative, impactful, and genuinely exciting – the kind of work that pushes boundaries and solves real-world problems in creative ways.
And here’s the incredible part: AI is making "cool shit" creation accessible to everyone, not just software engineering gurus. This isn't just hype; it's a tangible shift driven by the rise of no-code and low-code AI platforms.
These platforms are game-changers, especially for students who might not have years of coding experience but possess valuable domain expertise, creative ideas, and a drive to innovate. Think about tools like:
Lovable: (User-Friendly AI for Creative Tasks): Imagine effortlessly generating AI art, videos, music, and interactive experiences – all without writing a single line of code. Lovable empowers students in design, marketing, creative fields, and beyond to explore AI's artistic potential visually and audibly.
Bubble: (No-Code Web App Powerhouse): Want to build a full-fledged web application to showcase your AI project? Bubble's visual drag-and-drop interface allows you to create complex web apps, integrate AI services, and build dashboards to visualize AI insights or create interactive POC demos. Its versatility is perfect for students across diverse fields.
Webflow: (Design-Focused Web Presentation): First impressions matter. Webflow empowers you to create stunning, professional-looking websites without code to showcase your AI projects in a visually compelling and polished manner. Build a portfolio website that truly grabs attention and impresses potential employers – while less direct AI-focused, presentation is key.
n8n: (Open-Source Workflow Automation - Powerful Integrations): For those wanting to dive a bit deeper into automation, n8n is a flexible, open-source platform. Connect different apps and AI services to build sophisticated automated processes – perfect for data analysis pipelines, automated marketing campaigns, and custom business workflows. While slightly more technical, its power is immense.
Make (formerly Integromat): (Visual Workflow Automation - User-Friendly): If n8n feels a bit daunting, Make (formerly Integromat) offers a similar visual workflow automation platform, often considered more intuitive for beginners. Automate repetitive tasks, seamlessly integrate AI services, and build streamlined workflows relevant to marketing, operations, data processing, and many other fields.
Kissflow: (Business Process Automation with Low-Code): For business-minded students, Kissflow focuses on streamlining and automating business processes with a user-friendly, low-code approach. Build AI-augmented business process automation POCs to optimize workflows in finance, operations, project management, and more – showcasing practical business application of AI.
And the best part? You are not alone in this journey. AI itself can be your guide! Tools like ChatGPT and Claude are invaluable resources for learning these platforms, brainstorming innovative project ideas tailored to each tool's capabilities, and even providing troubleshooting assistance when you encounter challenges.
This democratization of AI creation means that students in any field, regardless of their coding background, now have the power to build impressive, AI-powered Proofs of Concept (POCs) and Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that truly showcase their knowledge, creativity, and innovative potential. This is a huge boost for your PFE, your internship applications, and your future career prospects. Don't underestimate the impact of building something tangible, even without being a software engineering expert!
How to look for exciting internships and jobs in the AI era
Okay, so "cool shit" PFEs are within reach. But what about internships and jobs? The fantastic news is that companies across Morocco and globally are actively seeking students who can bring AI skills and innovative thinking to their teams. Research consistently shows AI is a global game-changer, leveling the playing field, creating leapfrogging opportunities, and fast-tracking careers. This is not just abstract theory; it's a tangible shift reshaping the internship and job market.
Here’s a glimpse into the "cool shit" avenues opening up for Moroccan students:
For Future Tech Builders (Software Engineers, Computer Scientists, etc.):
For those with a strong technical foundation, the demand for deep AI expertise is exploding. "Cool shit" internships and entry-level jobs are emerging in:
AI Innovation Labs at Major Moroccan Banks and Telecoms: Contribute to cutting-edge AI projects directly impacting the financial and communication systems of Morocco.
Agile Moroccan AI Startups: Join dynamic, fast-growing teams building innovative AI solutions in AgriTech, HealthTech, FinTech, and various other sectors – be part of the ground floor of something truly groundbreaking.
Internal AI Tool Development within Established Companies: Help companies across industries build their own AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and create new internal capabilities – directly impacting a company's operational backbone.
Research-Focused Internships at Leading Moroccan Institutions like UM6P AI Lab or MAScIR: Engage in fundamental AI research, pushing the boundaries of AI knowledge and potentially contributing to future breakthroughs in the field – ideal for those passionate about the scientific foundations of AI.
For Future Field Experts (Finance, Marketing, Business, and Beyond):
Even if you're not aiming to be an AI developer, your field expertise, augmented by AI skills, is incredibly valuable. "Cool shit" internships and roles for you include:
AI-Driven Marketing Internships at E-commerce Powerhouses: Dive into the world of personalized marketing, working on AI-powered recommendation systems, hyper-targeted marketing campaigns, and data-driven customer insights within leading e-commerce companies.
Financial Analyst Roles within Banks' AI Innovation Teams: Apply AI tools for critical tasks like fraud detection, sophisticated risk assessment, and algorithmic trading analysis within the rapidly evolving financial sector – become fluent in the language of AI-powered finance.
Project Management Internships Focused on AI Implementation in Tech Companies: Be at the forefront of organizational transformation by helping companies deploy and manage AI-powered project management tools, optimize workflows with AI-driven insights, and lead teams in executing complex AI-centric projects.
Service Industry Internships Focused on AI-Powered Customer Service Solutions: Transform customer experiences by working on chatbot development, optimizing AI-driven customer support systems, and designing personalized customer journeys, particularly within Morocco's expanding service industries.
The message is clear: companies aren't just seeking generic graduates anymore. They are actively looking for students who can bring AI innovation to their teams, regardless of their specific field of study. Your PFE and your internship are no longer just academic exercises; they are your crucial launchpads to prove you are that student – the one ready to lead in the AI era.
Actionable Steps: How to Position Yourself for "Cool" AI Internships and Jobs
Ready to move beyond "gestion de stock" and grab your piece of the "cool shit" AI pie? Here’s a practical guide to get you started, tailored to your specific path:
For Future Tech Builders (Software Engineers, etc.):
Strategic PFE and Internship Targeting: Focus your applications on AI Innovation Labs, AI-focused startups (explore the emerging Moroccan AI startup scene!), and companies actively building in-house AI tools. These are where the most cutting-edge projects and impactful learning opportunities reside.
Showcase Deep Technical Skills: Your CV and online presence (especially GitHub) should scream "AI expertise." Highlight your proficiency in Python, major Machine Learning frameworks (like TensorFlow or PyTorch), and most importantly, showcase practical experience building and deploying AI models.
Proactive Networking in the AI Community: Actively participate in Moroccan AI meetups and events. Strategically connect with AI professionals on LinkedIn, especially those working at companies and institutions that pique your interest. Networking is key to uncovering hidden "cool shit" internship openings.
For Future Field Experts (Finance, Marketing, Business, etc.):
Embrace No-Code/Low-Code AI Power: This is your secret weapon. Master no-code and low-code AI platforms like Lovable, Bubble, Webflow, n8n, Make, and Kissflow. These tools empower you to build tangible AI applications and POCs even without deep coding skills.
Leverage AI Assistants for Learning and Idea Generation: Don't be intimidated! Tools like ChatGPT and Claude are not just for generating text; they are fantastic learning companions. Use them to master no-code tools, brainstorm project ideas relevant to your field, and get coding help when needed.
Target Field-Specific AI Internships: Focus your internship search on roles where you can apply AI within your specific domain – think AI-driven marketing roles in e-commerce companies, AI analyst roles in bank innovation teams, AI-focused project management internships in tech companies, and so on.
Build a Portfolio of Business-Relevant AI POCs/MVPs: Crucially, your portfolio should demonstrate not just theoretical knowledge but practical application. Showcase POCs and MVPs built with no-code tools that solve real business problems within your chosen field. This is what will truly impress employers.
Cultivate the "Human Edge": In the AI era, human skills become even more valuable. Actively hone your strategic thinking, creativity, critical analysis abilities, and communication skills. These "human" traits are essential to guide and enhance AI-powered solutions and will set you apart.
You can learn AI everywhere: Simply follow the right people online!
One of the most transformative shifts in the AI age is how we learn. Don't limit yourself to traditional textbooks and university lectures when it comes to acquiring AI knowledge. The real, cutting-edge learning is happening live, online, and in real-time!
Embrace the Power of Social Media Learning: Platforms like YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and even streaming platforms like Kick are now invaluable goldmines for practical, up-to-the-minute AI knowledge and real-world insights.
Seek Out Real-World Practitioners and Streamers: Actively curate your online feeds to include AI practitioners, leading researchers, and streamers who are actively building, experimenting, and generously sharing their learning journeys. Marouane Lamharzi Alaoui (seriously, check out his Kick streams!) is an absolute MUST-FOLLOW for Moroccan students. He dedicates a significant portion of his time to live-coding AI projects, rigorously testing the latest tools, and transparently demonstrating how AI development is actually done in the real world.
From Stream Inspiration to Real-World Impact: The 9anoun.ma Story is Proof: Need tangible evidence of the power of online learning and community inspiration? Look no further than 9anoun.ma, the now-live AI-powered chatbot for Moroccan laws. This impactful service originated from a project idea Marouane Lamharzi Alaoui tested and built live on his Kick stream, in a matter of hours! A student watching, inspired by the open demonstration of possibility, saw the immense potential, took the initial concept, refined it, developed it further, and transformed it into a valuable, publicly accessible service. This is a powerful testament to the speed of innovation and the democratizing force of online AI communities.
Expand Your Horizons, Learn in Public, and Have Fun Building "Cool Shit" Live: Actively participate in these dynamic online AI communities, expand your learning far beyond the confines of the traditional curriculum, and most importantly, have fun experimenting with the readily available AI tools and building the "cool shit" projects that were simply unimaginable just a few short years ago. The AI revolution isn't just being discussed in textbooks; it's being streamed, tweeted, debated, and shared live – tap into that dynamic, real-time learning ecosystem!
It's Time to Build Your AI Future, Starting with Your PFE
The message is clear and urgent: Moroccan students, the AI revolution is not knocking at the door; it's already inside. It's time to decisively shift away from outdated "2014 projects" and fully embrace the incredible opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence. Whether you aspire to be a deep tech builder, a field expert augmented by AI, or simply an innovator in your chosen domain, the tools, the resources, and the demand are all there, waiting for you.
So, are you ready to land that "cool shit" AI internship or job right here in Morocco, or even on the global stage? It all starts now, with your PFE. Let's move beyond "gestion de stock" and start building the AI-powered future, together.