TCS Plans to Hire 80% Freshers with AI Skills by 2024
Tata Consultancy Services aims to onboard a significant number of fresh graduates with digital and AI expertise to enhance its workforce.
TCS will hire 80% of new employees with digital and AI skills.
The company added 4,500 employees in the last quarter, with a notable percentage possessing specialized AI skills.
TCS expects its AI business to significantly contribute to profitability.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has announced plans to recruit around 80% of its new hires with skills in digital technology and artificial intelligence. This strategy was revealed by Chief Operating Officer Arathi Subramanian, who noted that of the 4,500 employees added during the July-September quarter, approximately 25 to 30 percent had specialized AI skills, while nearly 80 percent possessed broader new-age technology capabilities. This hiring trend is set to continue, according to Subramanian, who emphasized that the necessary talent is readily available in the job market.
The shift towards hiring fresh graduates with AI skills comes amid a growing emphasis on artificial intelligence within the tech industry. Younger workers are often perceived as more adept with new technologies, potentially making them more attractive to employers. However, TCS's CEO K Krithivasan pointed out that the ability to learn and adapt is crucial, suggesting that experienced employees willing to embrace new technologies can also hold significant value in the workforce.
TCS's focus on enhancing its AI business is expected to bolster its profit margins. The company's revenue from AI initiatives rose to 10% in the latest quarter, and Krithivasan anticipates that as AI projects scale up, they will contribute positively to the company's overall profitability. He mentioned that clients typically start with AI projects in specific areas before expanding their engagement based on initial success.
Despite the optimism surrounding AI, experts caution against assuming that familiarity with AI tools equates to organizational capability. Nikhar Arora, Director of Bots.ai, highlighted that while many employees use AI tools, this does not necessarily indicate a robust understanding or application of AI within business processes. He stressed the importance of defining clear standards and expectations for AI use in the workplace.
Looking ahead, TCS's commitment to hiring fresh talent with AI skills reflects broader trends in the tech industry. As companies increasingly rely on AI to drive innovation and efficiency, the demand for skilled professionals is expected to grow. TCS's strategy will likely influence hiring practices across the sector as organizations seek to balance experience with the fresh perspectives that new graduates can bring.
