Future-Proofing IT Careers: What today’s Students Need to Know for Recruitment

Anupama Pillai, Global TA and Country HR Head, HCL Software, in an interaction with Higher Education Review shared her views on how students should prepare themselves for careers in IT, where flexibility and adaptability are critical, as well as the key factors recruiters look for in students when evaluating candidates for IT roles.

Anupama is a very strong and enterprising HR leader with extensive experience of more than two decades spanning the areas of Talent Acquisition & Engagement, Performance Management, Employer Branding, HR Analytics, Change Management, Competency Modelling, HR Automation and Learning & Development. 

Given the rapid pace of technological change, what role do you see continuous learning playing in future-proofing an IT career and how should students approach lifelong learning to remain competitive?

Continuous learning is absolutely critical to future-proofing an IT career due to the rapid pace of technological advancements. The tech industry is constantly evolving, with new programming languages, frameworks, tools, and methodologies emerging all the time. To remain competitive and thrive in this environment, students need to cultivate a mindset of lifelong learning.

The most successful IT professionals are those who are genuinely curious and open to learning new things. Students should focus on developing a mindset that views change as an opportunity rather than a threat. This adaptability will help them embrace new technologies or methodologies that may come their way in the future.

While traditional degrees or certifications provide foundational knowledge, students should supplement these with informal learning sources. Platforms like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer specialized courses on emerging technologies such as AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, and data science. Webinars, podcasts, blogs, and developer communities are also excellent sources for learning about the latest trends.

The future of IT careers will not just be about technical knowledge. Soft skills like communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork are also vital. Students should work on developing these interpersonal skills as they are often just as important as technical know-how, particularly in collaborative, multi-disciplinary environments.

Networking with peers, mentors, and professionals in the field is also crucial. Conferences, online forums, hackathons, and tech meetups are great ways to stay connected with the industry and discover new learning opportunities.

One of the best ways to learn is by doing. Students should engage in hands-on projects, whether through internships, personal projects, or contributing to open-source software. This not only reinforces technical knowledge but also provides practical experience that will be highly valuable in the job market.

Finally, students should follow industry leaders, read tech news, and subscribe to journals to stay informed about the latest developments in IT. This will help them anticipate where the industry is headed and which skills are likely to be in demand in the future.

With the IT industry working towards greater diversity and inclusion, how should students prepare to contribute to creating inclusive environments?

To foster inclusive environments in the IT industry, students can take several proactive steps:

Firstly, it's essential to understand the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This can be achieved through courses, webinars, or books that raise awareness about unconscious bias and cultural sensitivity.

Embracing and respecting the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and ideas of others is crucial. Recognizing that inclusivity drives innovation and collaboration can help students appreciate the value of different perspectives.

Creating spaces where everyone feels heard and valued is another important aspect. This can be done during team discussions or projects by being intentional about inclusivity.

Using respectful, non-discriminatory language and being mindful of cultural or personal differences when interacting with peers or colleagues is also vital.

Students should seek out opportunities to work with individuals from different cultures, genders, and abilities. This can be during internships, group projects, or hackathons.

Supporting DEI initiatives is another way to contribute and this could involve mentoring underrepresented peers, joining inclusion-focused organizations, or volunteering in outreach programs.

By actively practicing and advocating for inclusivity, students can help create welcoming, equitable environments in the IT industry.

With the rise of remote work and hybrid models, how should students prepare themselves for careers in IT where flexibility and adaptability are critical?

To succeed in IT careers in a remote or hybrid work environment, students should focus on several key areas. Firstly, mastering clear, concise, and professional communication across digital platforms like email, chat, and video conferencing is essential. Effective communication ensures that ideas are conveyed accurately and efficiently.

Time management is another critical skill that students should learn and to prioritize tasks and maintain focus while working independently. Tools like Trello or Notion can be very helpful in organizing and managing tasks.

Proficiency in collaboration tools such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Slack, and project management software is also equally important as these tools facilitate seamless teamwork and project coordination, even when team members are not physically present together. Understanding the virtual environments, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is crucial for excelling in tech-driven remote setups. These areas form the backbone of modern IT infrastructure and are essential for remote work.

Being open to learning new processes and adjusting to changing work models or team dynamics is also vital as flexibility and adaptability will help students navigate the evolving landscape of remote work.

Finally, actively participating in virtual team-building activities and networking online is essential for maintaining strong professional connections. Engaging with peers and professionals through these activities helps build a supportive network and opens up new learning opportunities.

By mastering these skills, students will be well-prepared to thrive in flexible and dynamic IT careers.

In your opinion, what are the key factors recruiters look for in students when evaluating candidates for IT roles, especially as technology continues to evolve?

Recruiters evaluating candidates for IT roles prioritize several key factors, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. First and foremost, technical proficiency is essential and a strong foundation in programming, problem-solving, and relevant tools or technologies, such as cloud computing, AI, and cybersecurity is crucial.

Adaptability and learning agility are also highly valued and the ability to quickly learn new technologies and adapt to industry changes is critical in the ever-evolving IT field. Hands-on experience through internships, projects, or contributions to open-source platforms demonstrates practical skills in real-world scenarios.

Problem-solving skills are another important aspect as recruiters seek candidates who can analyse challenges and develop innovative solutions effectively. Teamwork and collaboration are equally crucial. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in diverse teams are vital in today’s collaborative IT environments.

Communication skills are key as well as the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders is a trait that can set candidates apart. Passion and initiative also stand out to recruiters. A genuine enthusiasm for technology and a proactive approach to learning or taking on projects are highly regarded.

Finally, cultural fit is an important consideration as recruiters look for individuals who align with the company’s values and can contribute positively to its work environment.

By focusing on building these skills and traits, students can position themselves as strong candidates for IT roles.

In your opinion, what should be the top priority for universities and educational institutions to ensure their graduates are ready for recruitment in an ever-evolving IT job market?

To prepare graduates for the evolving IT job market, universities and educational institutions should focus on several key areas. Firstly, it's crucial to maintain an industry-relevant curriculum and this is possible by continuously updating courses to include emerging technologies like AI, data science, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and blockchain, ensuring that students acquire in-demand skills.

On the job learning is another essential component. Incorporating practical experience through internships, live projects, hackathons, and partnerships with tech companies helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.

Universities should also try and offer access to online courses, certifications, and resources that keep students updated on new advancements. This encourages and helps foster a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability.

Soft skill development and emphasizing critical skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability prepares students for collaborative and flexible work environments. Providing strong career support services such as mock interviews, resume workshops, networking opportunities and mentorship programs can also help students navigate the recruitment process more effectively.

Exposure to remote and hybrid work environments is increasingly important and training students in using remote collaboration tools and building self-discipline will help them thrive in flexible work setups.

Finally, industry collaboration is key. Partnering with IT companies to understand recruitment trends and co-create programs that meet the industry’s evolving needs ensures that graduates are well-prepared for the job market. By focusing on these above areas, universities can ensure their graduates are job-ready and competitive in the dynamic IT job market.