Skills, not degrees, will define careers in AI era, says expert

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and data-driven businesses is changing how careers are built and making skills more valuable than degrees, said Raghavan Santhanam, Director, School of Ports, Terminal Management & Logistics, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, at the Career Counselling Fair 2026, presented by VIT Chennai and The Hindu EducationPlus.

In a session on ‘Skills over Degrees: Redefining Career Success in the AI-driven Economy’, Mr. Santhanam said, “Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence and data science have interrupted the whole world.” He added that this transition has altered what employers look for in graduates.