Although Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, appears to be a promising tool for simplifying work processes, there is a growing concern that the advancement of AI technology may make it challenging to retain traditional jobs. During the London Tech Week 2023, Debashis Sarkar, Editor of ReturnByte Tech, interviewed Shibu Nambiar, the Chief Operating Officer of EMEA and Americas at Genpact, about the impact of Generative AI and the skills that Genpact seeks in new hires. Nambiar also provided advice on how IT employees can stay ahead of the AI curve. Here are some highlights from the interview.

Q: There is a lot of talk around generative artificial intelligences replacing workers. Do you think artificial intelligence will take jobs?

AI won’t take our jobs if we make sure we’re ready to do something else. This is what I feel is…retraining and adapting to the new world that AI will bring. So I personally don’t think AI will take our jobs away.

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Q: We’ve been hearing about retraining for a while now, and with newer technology moving so quickly, how can employees really be ahead of the curve?

Unfortunately, there is no magic mantra here. I can’t do the side course today and expect to stay updated for the future. For me, the easiest way around this is to stay informed. The first thing is don’t try to put off change. For example, generative artificial intelligence is not new. It’s at least ten years old technology. Generative AI became the talk of the town with ChatGPT version 4, but no one talked about versions 1, 2 and 3. It’s all about staying up-to-date so you don’t get “shocked” as soon as a new technology starts trending.

AI will not take our jobs away if we make sure that we are ready to do something else.

Mere knowledge of new technology is not enough either. Only superficial knowledge of new technology is dangerous and worries employees. Everyone has a smartphone, so it’s so easy to spend time on in-depth analysis of new technology, for example generative artificial intelligence. This helps create a plan to learn and grow at work.

The next step is to take the right opportunity to raise your hand and take on the right project to learn more.

Q: What essential skills do you look for in Genpact jobseekers who have not graduated from leading institutes?

Personally, I hope the day comes when a college degree is not what we look for when it comes to hiring new people. While we are still seriously considering college degrees, I hope this changes. For me, professional training or understanding a certain field is crucial. We are primarily looking for communication skills and subject-level expertise in mathematics, physics and applied statistics. In the future, there will be nothing in the world that does not have these subjects as denominators. If you don’t like math, it’s going to be hard in engineering.

The core skills we are looking for primarily are communication skills along with subject level expertise in mathematics, physics and applied statistics.

I am looking for people who have the desire to do good for themselves. I firmly believe that when people start doing good for themselves, they automatically start doing good for others. It’s a bit of this leadership style that I was looking for very early on.

Q: Many of the employees working in large IT companies mostly get stuck in middle management or team management roles and keep slacking off for years. Can you share some tips on how to climb the corporate ladder in 2023?

I personally think a lot of people talk about pure luck playing a crucial role, but I believe you always have to be prepared and ready for bigger roles. People should ask themselves what they are constantly doing to learn and improve their skills. As soon as there is a small opportunity, people should be ready to raise their hands and strive to grab it. You have to make yourself visible and say that I am ready to take this opportunity and it doesn’t matter if I have to travel or relocate for this opportunity.

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Q: Despite all the hard work, upskilling and desire for growth, one thing that Indian workers are frustrated with is salary increases. Salaries seem to be stuck year after year. Do you have any tips to break the “wait and be disappointed” cycle of evaluation?

Always identify your primary stakeholder. I think 99% of the time it’s the end customer. If what you do that day, that week, that quarter, or that year is going to create a significant positive impact on the customer, and if the customer can really vouch for you, your organization will likely recognize you immediately. Instead of saying why am I not given the opportunity to earn more money, if you focus on the bottom line, the money will automatically follow.