Bengaluru: As artificial intelligence reshapes workplaces and automates routine tasks, employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications and seeking graduates who can demonstrate practical skills, initiative and real-world experience, industry expert Jessie Paul said at Kristu Jayanti University Friday.The independent director, Bajaj consumer care; founder of Paul Writer; and brand coach was addressing students at The Times of India’s Leaders on Campus series. During the session on AI-Powered Marketing Careers: Doing More with Less, Jessie said entry-level roles that traditionally helped graduates learn on the job are gradually changing as AI tools take over repetitive work. As a result, students need to build portfolios, acquire certifications and gain hands-on experience even before entering the workforce, she said.“Everyone is looking for a mini CEO to hire. If you can show what you’ve built, managed or achieved, you’ll stand out from someone who only has a degree,” Jessie said. She encouraged students to take up projects, launch small ventures, manage campaigns or use AI tools to solve real-world problems and demonstrate their capabilities to future employers.Supporting the need for industry-ready skills, Fr Augustine George, vice-chancellor of Kristu Jayanti University, said the institution has integrated certifications into its academic framework to help students prepare for evolving workplace requirements. The university has also been encouraging project-based learning, internships and technology-enabled learning initiatives to ensure students graduate with both academic qualifications and practical exposure, he added.Quote BoxWe have made certifications mandatory because degrees alone are no longer enough in an AI-driven world. Every department encourages at least one certification each semester to help students build industry-relevant skills. Beyond classroom learning, we are integrating technology into teaching, internships and project-based learning so that students graduate with practical exposure and are prepared for evolving workplace – Fr Augustine George, Vice-Chancellor, Kristu Jayanti UniversityList of quiz winnersBhoomika Vijay Navalyal, Reva UniversityMichaela Tanisha Daniel, Kristu Jayanti UniversityD Kushal, Kristu Jayanti UniversityAnkit Raj, Kristu Jayanti UniversityHruthvik Yadava N, Kristu Jayanti UniversitySajitha V, Kristu Jayanti UniversityJenna Ann Joseph, Kristu Jayanti UniversityVamika M, Kristu Jayanti UniversityNirajan Palem, Kristu Jayanti UniversityNarendran S, Kristu Jayanti University
