Interview: Navigating Careers in 2025–2026 – Insights for Students & Young Professionals

About Sachin Thakre

Sachin Thakre is Senior Vice President – HR & Group Head HR at Shaip.ai Data India, Mediscribes Infotech, Raapid Inc, India. He has over 18 years of experience across industries including Software, ITES, Cement, Electrical & Electronics, and Logistics. He has been instrumental in driving organizational development, succession planning, and leadership interventions.

His expertise includes strategic HR planning, assessment & development centers, future talent pipeline creation, AI-driven HR automation, and predictive analytics. Sachin has successfully implemented holistic talent programs that strengthened leadership succession, enhanced employee retention, and optimized organizational performance.

He has published research papers in international journals, collaborated with IIM Ahmedabad on survey design, and is a recognized HR speaker. As a LinkedIn Consulting Voice, he frequently shares insights on future jobs, AI in HR, and people-centric leadership.

Most recently, he authored the book “Unlocking HR: The Rise of Agentic Intelligence in People Function”, which highlights how Agentic AI is reshaping HR practices and driving the future of work.

Interview Q&A

Q1. What are the major job trends we can expect in 2025–2026 across industries?

The job landscape is evolving rapidly. By 2025–2026, we’ll see strong demand in:

Tech: AI engineers, cloud architects, cybersecurity specialists, data analysts.

Marketing & Sales: Growth marketing, customer experience managers, e-commerce strategists.

Manufacturing: Smart factories, robotics, sustainability experts.

BIM & Construction: BIM modelers, digital twins specialists, AR/VR-based design engineers.

Q2. Which new job opportunities will emerge due to Generative AI and automation?

Generative AI is reshaping jobs, not eliminating them. Opportunities include:

AI Workflow Designers

Prompt Engineers & AI Trainers

AI in Marketing Specialists

AI-Augmented BIM Roles

Cybersecurity Analysts with AI skills

👉 Generative AI will optimize productivity—routine tasks will be automated, while professionals focus on creativity and problem-solving.

Q3. What advice would you give students choosing their career paths now?

Don’t chase “trendy jobs”—build strong foundational skills (communication, problem-solving, data literacy).

Choose your passion field but add technology skills.

Focus on future-proof industries: renewable energy, health tech, AI, cybersecurity, cloud, BIM.

Q4. Which courses or certifications will give students an edge in 2025–2026?

Tech: AI/ML, Cloud (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), Cybersecurity (CEH, CISSP)

Marketing & Sales: Digital Marketing, Analytics, CRM Platforms, AI tools

Manufacturing & BIM: BIM certifications (Autodesk, Bentley), Digital Twins, Robotics, Lean Manufacturing

Data Security: Ethical Hacking, Zero-Trust Security Models, Compliance Certifications

👉 Short-term micro-courses on ChatGPT, MidJourney, AI tools will also be valuable.

Q5. How can students and young professionals keep themselves updated?

Follow industry leaders on LinkedIn, read WEF’s Future of Jobs reports.

Join professional communities (AI clubs, BIM forums, marketing groups).

Take online courses (Coursera, Udemy, edX).

Attend webinars, conferences, workshops.

Learn from mentors and senior professionals.

Q6. What are the three key learnings for students preparing for the future of work?

Adaptability beats specialization.

Tech is no longer optional.

Combine soft skills with digital skills to become future leaders.

Sachin Thakre | Senior Vice President – HR & Group Head HR | Shaip & Raapid