ALUMNI TALK
Alumni Talk on “AI Career Pathways: Essential Skills and Industry Trends



On 8th November 2024, Dharshan AN (2020-2024 Alumnus), an AI Engineer at Conneqtion Group, delivered an alumni talk on ‘AI Career Pathways: Essential Skills and Industry Trends’. The event was held from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm for the Vth semester students at the IBM Lab.
Dharshan began by providing an overview of the core AI industry, explaining the diverse career pathways available for aspiring AI professionals. He discussed the essential skills needed to succeed in the AI field, including including proficiency in machine learning algorithms, programming languages such as Python, and a solid understanding of data structures and algorithms. Dharshan also highlighted the importance of a strong foundation in mathematics, particularly in areas such as linear algebra, calculus, and probability, for understanding AI models and techniques.
The talk covered the emerging industry trends, including advancements in deep learning, reinforcement learning, and natural language processing (NLP). Dharshan emphasized the increasing demand for AI professionals in sectors such as healthcare, finance, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity, with companies actively seeking talent skilled in developing AI-powered solutions.
He shared valuable insights on how students can stay ahead of the curve by engaging in hands-on projects, internships, and contributing to open-source AI initiatives. Dharshan encouraged the students to build a strong portfolio that showcases their skills and projects, making them more attractive to potential employers.
The session concluded with a Q&A, where Dharshan addressed various career-related queries from the students, offering practical advice on navigating the AI job market and improving their employability.