AI an advantage, not threat: Industry leaders at GITAM event in Vizag

Visakhapatnam: Industry experts said that artificial intelligence (AI) is not a threat to human potential but a powerful advantage for the present generation during the GITAM HR Interaction & Value Exchange (GiHIVE-2026) organised by the career guidance centre of the GITAM University. The speakers observed that while AI is rapidly transforming the nature of entry-level jobs, human capabilities such as critical thinking, creativity, ethical judgment, and continuous learning remain irreplaceable. They advised students to develop a multidisciplinary outlook to stay relevant in the evolving AI-driven employment landscape. The panel discussions at GiHIVE-2026 focused on key themes, including AI in global hiring, new competencies, AI's impact on entry-level roles and the future of job profiles.GITAM pro vice-chancellor prof Y Gouthama Rao noted that the National Education Policy 2020 provides a significant advantage to today's students by enabling them to acquire diverse skills beyond their chosen core disciplines. He urged students to remain lifelong learners, stating that the high-speed AI era demands a continuously upskilled workforce.HR leaders from leading organisations shared practical insights. Among those who participated in the panel discussion were Ashok Ranjith, HR principal director, LTI Mindtree, Shantha Maheswari, executive director (global business technology), EY, Rajat Sharma, senior vice-president (HR), Pyramid Consulting, Dr Arun Kumar Singh, founder, Adheeq SciTech, and Jackson Johnson, talent acquisition head, Silicon Labs.The leaders assured students that organisations will continue to rely on human judgment in decision-making processes. However, they stressed that fresh graduates must acquire working knowledge of AI tools and technologies to effectively operate in modern workplaces. The experts highlighted that during fresher recruitment, companies increasingly prioritise skills, analytical ability, communication proficiency, ethical values, and innovative thinking over merely high CGPA scores. They also noted that meaningful and responsible engagement on professional and subject-focused social media platforms can enhance a candidate's visibility to recruiters. The event was coordinated by Career Guidance Centre directors Dr Rojeena Mathew, Dr Edwin Anthony, and Umadevi and witnessed active participation from students, faculty, and industry representatives.