[thesuperbigfrog]

>> ChatGPT has shown more understanding, patience and insight than most of my colleagues

It is a computer program, not a person. It matches patterns and generates text, but it has no feelings.

It is no different than ELIZA (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ELIZA) or Clippy )https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Office_Assistant), just more sophisticated.

>> what action should I take, right now, an undergrad, a CRUD "engineer", to prepare myself for the near future

Stick to your studies and finish your degree. Take breaks and have fun. Make friends and spend time with them. The whole world is ahead of you. Don't waste your time worrying about future unknowns and maybe what-ifs.