As AI transforms industries, experts say strong programming, data and cybersecurity skills will remain the foundation of successful technology careers Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing the way industries operate, creating new career opportunities while reshaping existing roles. Yet, industry leaders believe that the engineers of tomorrow will need far more than familiarity with AI tools to succeed. They argue that lasting career growth will depend on mastering the fundamentals of computer science, including programming, data analytics, cybersecurity and problem-solving. Speaking at the School of Technology Management & Engineering (STME) Orientation Programme 2026 at SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh, technology experts encouraged incoming engineering students to focus on building strong technical foundations instead of chasing short-term technology trends.
Beyond the AI buzz
While AI dominates discussions across sectors, experts noted that it functions on a much larger ecosystem that requires skilled professionals in multiple domains. “Don’t run after glamour. Run after fundamentals. Programming will never go out of scope. AI may be the buzzword today, but the real opportunities lie in data, cybersecurity and trust,” said Jagjit Singh, Head – Data & Analytics (Public Services), Tata Consultancy Services. He emphasised that investments in AI are accompanied by even greater investments in data infrastructure, privacy, security and trust, making these domains equally important for aspiring engineers.
Technical skills must be matched by adaptability
Speakers at the programme agreed that technical expertise alone will not define successful professionals in the future. They highlighted the growing importance of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and the ability to continuously learn as technologies evolve. Sandeep Malik, General Manager (Quality), HCL Technologies, encouraged students to stay curious and treat failures as opportunities to learn and innovate rather than setbacks. The message reflected a broader industry trend where employers increasingly seek professionals who can adapt to changing technologies while solving complex real-world problems.
Responsible innovation matters
As AI becomes more deeply integrated into sectors such as defence, healthcare and public services, ethical decision-making is becoming an equally important engineering skill. Nikhil Mangal, Deputy General Manager at Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), highlighted AI’s growing role in defence technologies while stressing that innovation should always be guided by ethics and national responsibility. Similarly, Manpreet Singh, Product Head & Delivery at Fastway Transmissions Pvt. Ltd., described AI as an enabler rather than a replacement for human capabilities, adding that creativity, communication and critical thinking will continue to distinguish successful professionals.
Preparing students for evolving industry expectations
Educational institutions are also adapting their approach to meet changing industry requirements. Welcoming the new batch, Prof. (Dr.) Jyotsna Singh, Campus Director, SVKM’s NMIMS Chandigarh, said the university aims to bridge classroom learning with industry expectations through experiential learning, innovation and regular industry engagement. She also noted that the institution’s first graduating engineering batch recorded 100% placements, reflecting its emphasis on industry readiness and employability.
Building careers for the long term
As AI continues to evolve, experts believe the technology landscape will reward engineers who possess strong core skills alongside the willingness to continuously upgrade themselves. Rather than viewing AI as a substitute for foundational knowledge, students were encouraged to see it as one of many tools that can amplify technical expertise. The consensus among industry leaders was clear: programming, data, cybersecurity and lifelong learning will remain central to engineering careers, even as emerging technologies reshape the workplace.
