Understand how to work with AI tools, not compete with them

Understand how to work with AI tools, not compete with them 

 CAREER COUNSELLOR  06.10.2025

TIMES EDUCATION BANGALORE 

Looking Beyond Coding I want to become a software developer. Is coding still safe in the AI era? -Nitya Raghavan, Indore 

Yes — but basic coding is increasingly automated now. Focus on full-stack development, AI integration, cybersecurity, and problem-solving. Learn languages in demand (Python, JavaScript, Go) and understand how to work with AI tools, not compete with them. Build domain expertise (for example, healthcare tech, FinTech) so you can design solutions tailored to real-world needs. 

|Key Business Mantras I want to run my own business after college. Where do I start, there is no one in my family to guide me. -Suhel Narayan, Kerala 

First, ditch the whole fantasy of becoming the overnight startup billionaire. Building a business is more ‘slow cook’ than ‘instant noodles.’ So while it is best to start by learning the basics of entrepreneurship — you would also need to spend time understanding people, because business is human behaviour in disguise. Study digital marketing so you can be seen, basic finance so you can survive, and negotiation so you can thrive. Don’t wait for ‘the big idea’ — identify a niche and launch small. Sell something, offer a service, test an idea. Internships, side hustles, even running a stall at a local Diwali mela are like miniMBAs in reality. Too many people think, “I’ll start when I have enough experience.” Truth bomb: you get the right experience by starting. AI can forecast trends and write business plans, but it can’t schmoose at a networking event or read a hesitant customer’s body language. Develop people and communication skills. Remember, at the end of the day, algorithms don’t sign cheques — people do. Best of luck. 

|Breaking New Ground I am a science student but I have decided I don’t want to bea doctor or engineer. What else can I do? -Sourav Tawade, Pune 

Oh, plenty — and you don’t have to think you are ‘wasting’ your science background by skipping the stereotypical routes. Science is a passport to everything from environmental consulting to forensic science, food technology, science communication, data analysis, public health policy, wildlife conservation, UX design for healthtech, and even… brewing craft beer (yes, it is Chemistry). Here is a secret: your science background is not just about facts — it is about thinking like a scientist (logically, systematically, curiously, sceptically). That problem-solving mindset works beautifully across a slew of careers you would not expect — like product design, finance, or even diplomacy. Whatever you do, make sure you are adequately AI savvy. However, while AI can crunch datasets at lightning speed, it cannot connect the dots in ways that break new ground. As of now, at least. Your edge will lie in spotting the weird, interesting, and possibly world-changing questions to ask in the first place. 

Making a Career in Music Although I don’t sing or play an instrument, I listen to music all the time. Can I make a career in music beyond performing? –Tithi Mishra, Asansol

 Absolutely — and you don’t have to be a vocalist or instrumentalist to make a living. The music world is vast and varied. Think sound engineering, audio branding for companies, music therapy, composing for films, games or ads, curating playlists for streaming platforms, teaching, or running your own indie label. Some careers are surprisingly niche — like designing soundscapes for luxury hotels or composing the tiny ‘ta-da’ tones you hear when you switch on a gadget. Here is the thing no one tells you : in music, versatility beats virtuosity. You might not win a Grammy, but you can still make a living that is rich in creativity. Also, AI can churn out tunes, but it can’t feel the ache of a love song or the mischief in a rap.

Master the art of directing emotion in music — knowing not just what notes to play, but why and for whom. That human emotional compass is irreplaceable.