AI Won’t Take Jobs, Says Cognizant CEO — What is the Reality for Engineering Graduates?

Introduction: The AI Debate in a Changing Job Market

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer just a buzzword — it is transforming industries, automating processes, and redefining how we work. Yet, fears surrounding AI taking over human jobs remain widespread, particularly among fresh graduates in the technology and engineering space.

Recently, Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar addressed these concerns, assuring that AI will not eliminate jobs but rather reshape them. According to him, AI is a tool for augmentation, not replacement. But what does this mean for upcoming engineering graduates in India and around the world who are stepping into a fast-evolving tech job market?

This blog post dives into the statements made by Cognizant’s CEO and examines the ground reality for engineering graduates navigating the AI revolution.

Cognizant CEO’s Perspective: AI as an Enabler

Ravi Kumar, the CEO of Cognizant, a global leader in IT services and consulting, made a bold claim: AI will create more jobs than it eliminates. Speaking at a tech event, he emphasized that:

• AI will enhance human efficiency through automation and data-driven insights.
• The demand for talent with AI-related competencies will surpass the demand for routine technical roles.
• The overall tech workforce must evolve to collaborate effectively with AI rather than compete with it.

His message aligns with an optimistic school of thought suggesting that job transformation is more likely than job displacement.

The Role of AI in Today’s Job Landscape

AI and machine learning are already widely deployed across industries — from automating customer support to enhancing manufacturing productivity. For example:

• In banking, AI-driven bots assist in fraud detection and customer service.
• In healthcare, AI helps diagnose illnesses with improved accuracy.
• In software development, code-generating tools like GitHub Copilot accelerate development tasks.

However, as machines become increasingly capable of performing repetitive and pattern-based tasks, certain jobs are undoubtedly becoming obsolete, especially those centered around routine execution rather than creative thinking or problem-solving.

Implications for Engineering Graduates

While AI may not take jobs in a wholesale manner, it will certainly transform what it means to be an “engineer” in the modern workforce. Here’s how AI is influencing engineering careers:

1. The Rise of AI-Augmented Roles

Engineering graduates can expect to work in roles where AI becomes an integral part of their toolkit. For example, AI can assist mechanical engineers in predictive maintenance or help civil engineers simulate structural designs with far greater precision.

Moreover, software engineers who are fluent in AI tools will find themselves in high demand. The need isn’t just for data scientists, but for:

• DevOps professionals using AI to optimize deployment pipelines
• Cloud engineers integrating AI services
• Security engineers leveraging AI for threat detection

2. Redefining Entry-Level Jobs

The automation of basic coding tasks through AI means that entry-level software roles are under threat. Previously, freshers were tasked with writing simple code, validating it, and debugging issues — tasks that AI can now accomplish faster and more accurately.

As a result, new hires might be expected to bring higher cognitive abilities and more domain-specific knowledge from day one.

3. Skills That Will Be in Higher Demand

Engineering graduates are now being advised to develop a multi-dimensional skill set. Some of the most valuable competencies in the AI era include:

• Machine Learning and Data Analytics — Understanding algorithms and statistical models
• Cloud Computing — Familiarity with platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud
• Cybersecurity — Protecting AI systems and sensitive data
• Ethics and Fairness in AI — Ensuring responsible development and usage of AI

Graduates who upskill in these areas will be better positioned to not only survive but thrive in the AI-influenced market.

Challenges Facing the Engineering Talent Pool in India

While Indian tech talent remains among the most sought-after globally, the integration of AI has revealed some glaring skill gaps. According to a report by NASSCOM, only 25% of engineering graduates are directly employable in emerging tech roles.

Key Challenges Include:

• Curriculum Mismatch — Many engineering programs are still teaching outdated technologies not aligned with industry needs.
• Limited Practical Exposure — Hands-on AI project experience is rare among fresh graduates.
• Overemphasis on Theory — Soft skills and problem-solving often take a back seat to rote learning.

As a result, the employability of graduates is directly tied to their proactiveness in self-learning and upskilling.

What Can Engineering Graduates Do to Stay Relevant?

If AI isn’t necessarily taking away jobs but rather altering them, then the responsibility is on job seekers to evolve with the times. Here are some practical steps engineering students can take:

1. Enroll in AI and ML Certifications

Many platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer affordable AI and machine learning programs from top universities. These certifications can significantly boost one’s profile during job interviews.

2. Develop Real-World Portfolios

A GitHub filled with AI-based projects speaks louder than a resume full of course names. Engineers should showcase work like:

• AI-based chatbot applications
• Predictive modeling projects
• Automation scripts for data analysis

3. Network with the Right Communities

Platforms like LinkedIn, Kaggle, and Stack Overflow allow graduates to connect with mentors, recruiters, and other aspiring engineers. Community involvement helps stay updated on industry trends and job opportunities.

4. Embrace Lifelong Learning

The AI revolution is ongoing. Students and professionals should remain learners throughout their careers by attending workshops, hackathons, webinars, and tech conferences.

The Future: A Smarter Workforce, Not a Jobless One

The idea that AI will take away jobs en masse is more myth than reality — at least for now. What’s true is that jobs are changing and will continue to do so. The need for critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration with intelligent systems will become the cornerstone of the modern engineering profession.

As Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar rightly pointed out, AI is a co-worker, not a competitor. But the onus of learning how to collaborate with this ‘co-worker’ lies squarely with the workforce — especially new engineering graduates.

Conclusion

The debate over AI and job displacement is complex, but the key takeaway is clear: The future belongs to those who adapt. Engineering graduates who are willing to invest in themselves, stay curious, and acquire skills aligned with future technologies will continue to find exciting opportunities in the AI-enhanced world.

For students entering technical fields or recent graduates concerned about AI’s impact, the path forward is proactivity, not panic. Embrace AI not as a threat, but as a launchpad for a smarter, more innovative career.

Your job isn’t being taken — it’s evolving. Are you ready to evolve with it?< lang="en">