‘Future of IT depends on cloud technologies and AI-powered automation’

• 05 May 2025

Pradeepta Mohanty, MD & CEO of Oasys Tech Solutions

What inspired you to pursue a career in IT, and how did your journey lead to founding Oasys Tech Solutions?
I started my professional career after completing my M.Tech from University Vishweshwaraya College of Engineering, specializing in Electronics and Communication Engineering. Like most people in the IT industry, I have always had an affinity for computers and IT.

My work experience includes delivering SAP projects and working with cloud technologies. Later, in 2012, I started Oasys Tech Solutions with an aim to provide state-of-the-art IT solutions to businesses with a focus on SAP, cloud technologies and software development.

Many students believe that IT is only for those with a computer science background. Can you elaborate on interdisciplinary opportunities in IT for students from diverse academic backgrounds?

Industry lives on varied skill sets. For example, an arts background can be extremely useful in user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design, where human behaviour and creativity are essential. Commerce students can look for IT project management, business analysis, and IT finance jobs, combining their business knowledge with technical expertise. Online courses, certificates, and internships can also prove to be highly beneficial in developing a suitable skill set.

AI is a significant trend. What kind of roles and opportunities do you foresee for students interested in AI, and what skills should they cultivate?

AI is revolutionizing all sectors, and there are many opportunities that are being created. Students who are interested in AI can look at careers like machine learning engineers, data scientists, AI researchers, and AI ethicists. The most important skills to learn are programming (particularly Python), statistics, linear algebra, and a good grasp of algorithms. Additionally, ethical aspects of AI are becoming very relevant, and hence a humanities or social sciences background can be useful as well.

The IT sector is vast. What advice would you give students looking to choose a career path within IT?
The IT sector offers diverse opportunities from software development and data science to cybersecurity and AI. My recommendation is to experiment with your areas of interest early on—whether coding, data analysis, or system administration—and match your courses accordingly. It is essential to get hands-on experience through internships or projects. Also, watch out for emerging areas like healthcare IT and AI, which are expanding very fast and provide promising career avenues.

For students without a traditional four-year degree in IT, what entry-level roles would you recommend?
Entry-level positions such as Technical Support Specialist, Web Developer, or Software Development Intern are great starting points for students without a traditional degree. These positions emphasize practical skills over formal education and allow students to gain quality industry experience while continuing their education. The key is to develop a strong portfolio that demonstrates your technical skills through projects or certifications.

What are some challenges students might face when entering the IT sector, and how can they overcome them?
One of the most common problems is keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies. To counter this, students need to have a culture of continuous learning by taking online course or attending workshops. Networking is also an issue - students need to be actively involved in tech communities or hackathons to build relationships. Finally, interdisciplinary collaboration is intimidating but a must; working on team projects across disciplines can hone this skill.

As someone with extensive experience in SAP technologies, what future trends do you foresee in enterprise IT solutions?
The future of enterprise IT depends on cloud technologies and AI-powered automation. SAP systems are adapting to incorporate predictive analytics and machine learning capabilities to enable more informed decision-making. Students pursuing a career in enterprise IT should learn about cloud platforms such as SAP S/4HANA and gain proficiency in data analytics.

Any final words of encouragement for students aspiring to build successful careers in IT?
Pradeepta Mohanty: The IT industry thrives on innovation and problem solving. Stay curious, view problems as learning opportunities, and never stop improving your skills. Never forget that success comes from passion with perseverance - find what excites you most about technology and pursue it wholeheartedly!