A bold statement for the future: the era of salaried jobs is coming to an end, and it's time for students to wake up and adapt. Saurabh Mukherjea, an investor and founder of Marcellus Investment Managers, has a stark message for the youth: focus on skills that AI can't replicate.
India's middle class has long relied on stable office jobs, particularly in IT, finance, and BPO services, as a pathway to economic mobility. However, Mukherjea warns that this pathway is now closing. Tech layoffs, automation, and AI disruption are reshaping the employment landscape, and students who cling to outdated career assumptions risk being left behind.
"The salaryman era is over," Mukherjea declares. "Students must embrace skills that cannot be automated, or they'll find themselves unemployed in a shrinking job market."
And here's where it gets controversial: the IT sector, once a reliable source of white-collar jobs, is shedding roles. Large companies are adopting AI and automation, and entry-level coding and routine customer support tasks are increasingly handled by intelligent systems. This slowdown isn't limited to tech; finance, legal services, logistics, and media are also undergoing structural shifts as AI takes over traditional roles.
For college students and recent graduates, this is a wake-up call. Job roles once considered 'safe' are now vulnerable. Even top-tier companies can no longer be relied upon for lifelong employment, and the time for conventional career planning is almost gone due to rapid technological disruption.
Mukherjea's advice is clear: waiting for a salaried job is a gamble. Students must adapt, learn new skills, and focus on work that AI can't do. Skills like creativity, problem-solving, empathy, negotiation, and critical thinking are now more valuable than ever because they are harder to automate.
Jobs in healthcare, education, design, and other service-based fields offer good opportunities for growth and stability. Technical skills are still important, but they must be paired with adaptability. Learning AI, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data analytics is useful, but students must also stay curious, flexible, and take initiative.
To survive and thrive in the new job market, students need a balanced skill set. Technical knowledge of AI, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, coding, and software development will become increasingly necessary. Soft skills like creativity, problem-solving, communication, collaboration, emotional intelligence, and leadership are equally vital for adapting to changing work environments.
Entrepreneurial skills are also crucial. Students should consider freelancing, working on side projects, pivoting quickly, and creating a personal brand or portfolio. Practical knowledge and experience are key, so students should undertake micro-projects, internships, and cross-disciplinary work to build a strong portfolio and showcase their capabilities.
The students who will succeed in the future are those who can adapt quickly to changing job markets. Mukherjea advises students to continuously learn through online courses, certifications, and workshops to stay ahead of the curve. Gaining practical experience through internships, freelance projects, and small ventures is also essential for developing skills that books alone cannot teach.
Building a strong professional network is crucial for guidance, opportunities, and understanding job market changes. Staying updated on AI and automation is vital to knowing which jobs are disappearing and which are emerging. Using creativity to add value, solving problems, and taking initiative will help students stand out in a competitive job market.
Mukherjea's warning is urgent in a rapidly changing world. AI usage is growing exponentially, and automation is expanding beyond routine tasks into customer service, marketing, legal research, and financial analysis. Many of today's 'entry-level' jobs may not exist in 2030.
For India's middle class, this is a hard reality. Graduates must shift their mindset from seeking security to embracing change and development. Otherwise, they risk being left behind in a quickly evolving economy.
There are no safety nets in this new job market. Students must adapt or risk losing out. Those who develop AI-resistant skills, people-oriented abilities, and an entrepreneurial mindset will undoubtedly be better equipped for success than previous generations.
Disruption is inevitable, but survival is a choice. Mukherjea's advice is clear: act now, build skills, and redefine career success for the 21st century.
