How students should prepare for career triumph in the AI Era?
A 10 point strategy for an 18 year old Indian student
Today’s paper contained three articles relevant to an 18-year-old seeking a corporate job or looking to design their academics for career success — which I’ve condensed into 10 points for your convenience.
Hope they would be useful for you:
1. Embrace AI Integration: Recognize the increasing importance of AI in various industries, including business and accounting. Seek opportunities to learn AI concepts and skills as they are becoming foundational for success.
2. Take AI Courses: Take advantage of courses offered by business schools and universities that integrate AI into their curriculum. These courses will provide valuable knowledge and skills sought after by employers.
3. Explore Generative AI: Familiarize yourself with generative AI tools like ChatGPT, which are encouraged for tasks such as brainstorming business ideas and performing data analytics. These skills can set you apart in the job market.
4. Enhance Tech Skills: Given the rising demand for technology professionals, consider acquiring additional tech skills beyond AI, such as cloud computing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and machine learning.
5. Seek Internship Opportunities: Companies now prioritize candidates with internship experience. Look for internships that allow you to apply your AI and tech skills in real-world scenarios, gaining practical experience.
6. Obtain Certifications: Companies value candidates with extra certifications like AWS, Salesforce, Oracle, and Microsoft. Consider obtaining relevant certifications to demonstrate your expertise and commitment to continuous learning.
7. Prepare for Psychometric Tests: Be prepared for psychometric tests, which have become part of the hiring process. Practice aptitude tests and psychometric assessments to improve your chances of success.
8. Maintain Strong Academic Performance: Although companies now emphasize skills-based hiring, maintaining a high academic percentage is still important. Strive for excellence in your academics to meet the evolving hiring criteria.
9. Stay Updated: Stay informed about industry trends and changes in the hiring landscape. Adapt your academic and career strategy accordingly to remain competitive in the job market.
10. Network and Stay Proactive: Build professional networks, attend career fairs, and connect with industry professionals. Stay proactive in seeking opportunities and showcasing your skills and achievements to potential employers.
In case you are interested in all the main points from these articles — refer below:
- BUSINESS SCHOOLS ARE GOING ALL IN ON AI
-Business schools, such as Wharton and American University’s Kogod School, are emphasizing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their curriculum.
- Professors like Ethan Mollick are challenging students to automate parts of their jobs, leading to a deeper understanding of AI and potential existential crises.
- AI skills are increasingly sought after by employers, prompting universities to incorporate AI instruction into various courses.
- American University’s Kogod School is introducing AI concepts into 20 new or adapted classes, spanning from forensic accounting to marketing.
- Learning and using AI is becoming foundational, akin to writing or reasoning, according to David Marchick, the dean of Kogod School.
- Columbia Business School and Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business also emphasize fluency in AI as crucial for success in the corporate world.
- Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, is encouraged as a tool for tasks like brainstorming business ideas and performing data analytics.
- Professors are leveraging AI to teach more material, allowing students to explore AI innovations and responsibilities.
- The integration of AI into business education is seen as inevitable and essential for navigating the evolving corporate landscape.
- BIG 4 BET ON EMPLOYEES WITH TECH SKILL
- The Big-Four accounting firms are increasingly hiring individuals with technology backgrounds in India due to heightened client focus on digital transformation, particularly after the Covid-19 pandemic.
- EY India has tripled its overall tech talent pool in the last three years, with over 50% of its workforce now coming from STEM and tech-related fields.
- Deloitte India has increased its tech workforce from 25% to 46% since the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of technology and digital transformation for growth.
- KPMG in India has been growing its tech talent pool by 20–25% year-on-year, while PwC India highlights increased demand for technology professionals in areas like AI, cloud computing, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
- These firms are investing in areas such as business transformation, cybersecurity, ESG, AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
- Tech skills are not only required in traditionally technology-driven functions but also to enhance various other functions.
- The firms focus on training incoming and existing professionals in new and emerging technologies through persona-based training and digital upskilling initiatives.
- Tech hiring is expected to remain high, especially in areas like cybersecurity and cloud computing, reflecting ongoing demand for tech expertise. - CAMPUS TECH HIRING HITS SLOW LANE
- Indian engineering institutes are facing challenges in campus placements as companies exhibit reduced hiring activity compared to previous years.
- Bulk hirers from the IT services sector like TCS, HCLTech, Accenture, IBM, and Cognizant are visiting campuses, but the hiring pace is slower than before.
- Some campuses, including VIT, Anna University, MIT, have confirmed visits from major companies, with TCS leading in the number of hires.
- However, certain campuses, like Rourkela, report minimal hiring by companies like TCS.
- Premier institutes like the IIMs and IIT Bombay have also witnessed a decline in the number of participating companies in placements.
- The hiring process has become more stringent, with companies emphasizing skills-based hiring, internship experiences, and extra certification courses over academic marks.
- Psychometric tests have become part of the aptitude test, reflecting the changing hiring landscape.
- Companies now prefer candidates with higher academic percentages, possibly influenced by the challenges faced by the 2024 batch due to two years of online teaching.
- The shift towards stricter hiring criteria may also be attributed to the global trend of reduced hiring in the non-core IT/software sector.
