AI-ChatGPT Replace Entry-Level Coding Jobs, Campus Placements...
The extensive use of generative AI has created a shift in industry-hiring. The effects of automation on jobs have become most visible in the 2023-24 campus placements season across engineering colleges, including the top-ranking Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and some of the top tech colleges in the private sector. Recruitment for pure software roles has been slashed, with manufacturing firms leading the hiring process across many campuses.
Impact of Generative AI on Campus Placements
According to placement team executives in some of these institutes, the extensive use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has created a significant shift in industry-hiring. Across various IITs, a section of students from the graduating batch of 2024 has been left out of campus placements. Hiring for pure software profiles like coding has reduced, as basic level algorithms can now be created by AI itself.
Prof. SK Shrivastava, placement-in-charge at IIT-BHU, mentioned that companies from the manufacturing sector have been leading the hirings this year and are making the most offers. However, these firms also require software skills and pick students for software roles.
Challenges Faced in Campus Recruitment
Placement executives from several IITs noted that this year, the recruitment process has been extended up to June, while it typically wraps up by April-May. The number of international firms visiting campuses has decreased, along with the number of students being picked by them.
Prof. V Ramgopal Rao, group vice-chancellor at BITS Pilani, highlighted the impact of generative AI on placements, stating that entry-level coding jobs are being taken over by AI features like ChatGPT. This has led to a shift in industry dynamics for recruiting fresh talent.
Rise in Demand for Specialist Programmers
There is a surge in demand for specialist programmers in emerging roles such as Data Science, Data Engineering, Cyber Security, and Machine Learning engineers. Automated code generation software like ChatGPT is affecting junior-level coding roles offered by service-based IT companies.
At BITS Pilani, a significant percentage of the B.E batch is inclined towards IT/software roles, with a growing interest in analytics roles. Despite a drop in Computer Science hiring, there is optimism about reaching last year's figures by the end of the placement cycle.
Industry Trends and Outlook
Traditional software companies have reduced their hiring numbers, similar to the electronics sector where semiconductor companies have cut down on hiring for both software and hardware profiles. However, there has been an increase in the manufacturing sector with new brands and niche roles.
The banking sector has shown a bullish outlook, with newer roles in risk management, AI, ML, and software. Additionally, there has been a rise in High Frequency Trading firms, offering lucrative stipends compared to the previous year.
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