The Times of India, Leaders on Campus · Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru · 9 October 2026
When I started my marketing career at Infosys, I was practically a one-person agency. I wrote press releases. Designed collateral. Built websites. Organised events. Staffed exhibition booths. Created sales presentations. Made films.
Of course, we didn’t make a lot of things and the pieces were simple though they took a long time to craft.
Today, one person with AI can do all that with excellent quality, and much more.
If AI does the work we once gave junior marketers, what will fresh graduates do?
I was invited by The Times of India Leaders on Campus programme to speak to BBA and MBA students at Kristu Jayanti University, Bengaluru, about ideas that could reshape their careers.
Here is what I told them about AI and marketing careers.
1. Marketing now has two target audiences.
Humans and AI agents. Marketing to Agents is a whole new field.
2. Expertise is the new advantage.
Don’t be just an MBA. Become T-shaped: broad business knowledge, deep expertise in an industry or problem.
3. Learn from the masters.
I call this “Master Copy”. Use AI to explore the thinking of experts in each field.
4. Learning is no longer linear.
You don’t have to finish an entire course before tackling a real problem. Learn what you need, when you need it, and test it.
5. Don’t wait for your first job to get experience.
Start a business. Help a local company. Do a campus project. Build something with AI. Measure the outcome.
My challenge to students was simple: Graduate with proof. Not just a degree.
Frequently asked questions
AI is taking over the repetitive work that once trained junior marketers: press releases, collateral, presentations, first drafts. My experience is that entry-level roles are changing, not disappearing. Graduates now need to show they can use AI to deliver results, and they need proof before their first job.
Don’t wait for an offer. Start a business, help a local company, do a campus project or build something with AI. Then measure the outcome. A portfolio of real results sets you apart from someone who only has a degree.
A T-shaped marketer has broad business knowledge and deep expertise in one industry or problem. I tell MBA students not to be just an MBA. Breadth lets you work across the business. Depth is what makes you valuable.
Marketing now has two audiences: humans and AI agents. Brands must appeal to people and also be easy for agents to read and trust. It is a whole new field, and few marketers have started on it.
Master Copy is my name for using AI to explore the thinking of the best experts in each field, so you can learn from the masters and apply their ideas to your own problem.
At The Times of India Leaders on Campus on 9 October 2026, I told BBA and MBA students to graduate with proof, not just a degree. Build deep expertise, learn as real problems arise, and gain experience before your first job.
Coverage: AI changing employer expectations; degrees alone may no longer be enough, say experts. The Times of India, Bengaluru, 10 October 2026.
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