What do employers want from talent in AI age? Cognizant India chief's mantra

The most successful will be professionals who combine AI and digital fluency with problem-solving, creativity, communication and understanding of businessEven five years ago, employability was largely assessed on academic knowledge, adaptability and learnability. Today, as every business becomes increasingly technology-driven and AI accessible, employers are looking for graduates with strong domain knowledge, technology fluency and the ability to apply their learning in real-world situations.As a result, says Rajesh Varrier, president–global operations and chairman and managing director, Cognizant India, the most successful professionals will be those who combine AI and digital fluency with problem-solving, creativity, communication and understanding of business.“India is well-positioned, but maintaining that advantage will require a sustained commitment to skill development, adaptability and lifelong learning,” says Varrier. Preparedness today, he says, is about the ability to learn continuously, adapt quickly and work effectively alongside AI.On the biggest gaps between what colleges produce and what companies need, Varrier says the rapid pace of technological change has made it increasingly difficult for academia to keep pace with industry. The connection between classroom learning and workplace application needs to be strengthened. While many graduates possess strong theoretical knowledge, employers increasingly need people who can solve complex problems, work across disciplines, communicate effectively and continuously learn new skills. “The future belongs to those who combine technical expertise with practical business understanding, adaptability and a growth mindset. Industry and academia must work together to ensure curricula are continuously updated, remain relevant to evolving business needs and provide students with access to emerging technologies,” says Varrier.Asked about the skills graduates should invest in, Varrier lists three priorities. First, develop AI and digital fluency, regardless of the profession. Second, strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills because technology creates value only when applied to meaningful challenges. Third, invest in communication, collaboration and learning agility as success will increasingly depend on how effectively people work with diverse teams, customers and intelligent technologies. “These capabilities will remain relevant even as technology continues to evolve,” he says.This is increasingly important because companies like Cognizant are building full-stack AI solutions. As a result, they are looking for talent with a builder mindset that uses AI to build, experiment and deliver measurable business value.Varrier believes the greatest long-term advantage will come from combining technical expertise with creativity, problem-solving and a deep understanding of industry needs. Companies increasingly need professionals who can build depth across multiple areas, moving seamlessly across coding, design, project management, agent orchestration and domain expertise.Achieving this will require a collective effort. Educational institutions must continue modernising curricula and strengthening industry engagement. Industry must invest in continuous skilling and create opportunities for experiential learning while governments can expand access to high-quality digital infrastructure and future-focused education.“If we align these efforts effectively, India’s demographic dividend can become a lasting competitive advantage, enabling the country not only to participate in the global AI economy but also to help shape it,” he says.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsPublished By: Yashwardhan SinghPublished On: Aug 17, 2026 17:55 IST