Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore and The Hindu organised a webinar on ‘Careers in Data Science and Deep Tech’. The session featured a panel of industry experts and academicians, providing insights into data science, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, and emphasising the skills necessary for aspiring professionals to excel in these fields. 

The panel included Mehfooza M., associate professor, VIT University, Vellore; Sasikumar S., professor (higher academic grade) and director of admissions, VIT; Raghu Achat, head of Information Technology, Thejo Engineering Limited, Chennai; and Sujatha S. Iyer, head of AI Security, ManageEngine, Zoho Corp.

Suresh Vijayaraghavan, chief technology officer, The Hindu moderated the session. 

Ms. Mehfooza spoke on data science, its real-world applications, and the diverse career roles it offers, emphasising the importance of deep technology and its growing career prospects. She advised students to equip themselves with technical skills such as Python, R, and SQL, engage in STEM projects, and hone problem-solving and logical thinking abilities. She also elaborated on the research opportunities in Data Science and AI at VIT. 

Ms. Sujatha highlighted the essential skills recruiters seek when hiring for data science and deep tech roles. She underscored the need for hands-on programming expertise combined with a strong mathematical foundation. She also emphasised the significance of soft skills, particularly teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, in an industry where professionals must interact with product managers and customers to develop effective solutions. 

Mr. Achat stressed the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset, encouraging students to think beyond traditional job roles and focus on innovation and problem-solving. 

Mr. Sasikumar cited statistics from VIT that indicated that students across disciplines such as AI, ML, CSE, and BE receive equal placement opportunities, reflecting the growing demand for technology professionals across industries. 

The panel also discussed emerging career opportunities in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, reinforcing the importance of staying updated with technological advancements. The webinar was a guiding platform for students and professionals who wish to carve a niche in data science and deep tech, preparing them for a future powered by innovation and digital transformation. 

Watch the webinar on https://bit.ly/42iLppG.