Preparing for an AI-Dominated Future: Insights and Strategies from NIIT University

CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Prof Prakash Gopalan, President, NIIT University.

What educational approaches or programmes are best suited to prepare students for an AI dominated future?

Multidisciplinary curriculum that integrates AI fundamentals, data science, and ethical considerations should be focused upon to prepare students for an AI domain future. Programmes should prioritise hands-on learning with the real-world projects, coding skills, and machine learning techniques. Incorporating practical experience through internships and industry collaborations is crucial. Additionally, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills helps students adapt to rapidly evolving technologies. Courses on AI ethics and societal impacts ensure a holistic understanding of AI’s role. By blending technical expertise with practical and ethical insights, educational programmes can effectively prepare the students for an AI dominated future career. NIIT University’s B.Tech programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Data Science is an attempt in that direction.

What makes NIIT University’s Data Science and AI programmes stand out in today’s tech landscape?

The Data Science and AI programmes offered at NIIT University surely stands out due to their cutting-edge curriculum, industry collaborations, and the hands-on learning approach. These programmes emphasize upon practical skills the with real-world projects and internships, which are guided by experienced faculty and industry experts. They incorporate the latest technologies and tools, ensuring students are prepared according to the latest industry trends. Additionally, we focus on personalized learning and career support that equips our graduates with a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving tech landscape, making them well-prepared for high-demand roles in data science and artificial intelligence.

Industry connections significantly boost job placements by providing students with direct access to potential employers and learn from the real-world experiences. These connections lead to internships, networking opportunities, and job placements through established partnerships. Industry collaborations also ensures that the curriculum aligns with current market needs, making graduates more prepared and seem like an asset to employers. Additionally, strong ties with industry leaders enable universities to offer tailored career services, job fairs, and recruitment drives, enhancing the job prospects. These connections bridge the gap between academic training and employment, increasing the chances for graduates of securing a relevant and rewarding positions.

NIIT University prepares students for the global job market through a comprehensive approach that includes an updated curriculum, industry-relevant skills, and cross-cultural experiences. The programmes incorporate global best practices, emerging technologies, and soft skills essential for working in diverse environments. Students benefit from internships, global industry partnerships, and exposure to international case studies. Additionally, the university fosters a global mindset by encouraging participation in international conferences and collaborative projects. This multifaceted preparation ensures that our graduates are equipped with the knowledge, experience, and adaptability that is required to excel in a competitive, global job market.

What benefits do you foresee from introducing a one-year internship across all programmes?

Introducing a one-year internship across all programmes would offer various benefits, including enhanced practical experience and industry exposure for students. It would teach them to learn and apply theoretical knowledge in the real-world settings, bridging the gap between academia and the professional world. This internship period fosters deeper skill development and a better understanding of industry dynamics. Additionally, internships often lead to more significant networking opportunities and increased chances of securing full-time employment post-graduation. Overall, this approach equips students with valuable experience, boosts their chances of employability, and aligns their skills with market demands, leading to more successful career outcomes.

Why do you think is iMBA gaining popularity among students, and how does it enhance their career prospects?

The iMBA programme is gaining popularity due to its flexible, online format that accommodates working professionals and students seeking a balanced approach to learning. It offers a globally relevant curriculum with a focus on practical skills and technology integration, making it more attractive in a fast-evolving business landscape for the students. The programme emphasises on real-world applications, networking opportunities, and access to industry experts enhances career prospects by equipping graduates with up-to-date knowledge and leadership skills. This combination of flexibility, relevance, and practical experience helps students advance in their careers, transition to new roles, or pursue entrepreneurial ventures. NIIT University uses leading-edge technology in all its functions and activities, such as teaching – learning, testing & evaluation, self- learning, personalised learning and university management.

How do you foresee AI affecting job roles and employment opportunities in various sectors?

AI is transforming the job roles and employment opportunities across sectors by automating routine tasks, enhancing decision-making, and creating new job categories. In various industries, AI improves the efficiency and accuracy, while roles in data analysis and AI ethics are emerging. Jobs requiring repetitive tasks may decline, but demand for tech-savvy professionals, data scientists, and AI specialists will rise. AI also fosters innovation, leading to new business models and opportunities. Adaptability and continuous learning will be crucial, as professionals must acquire new skills to stay relevant in a landscape increasingly shaped by AI advancements.