Stop Hiring Junior Engineers Because of AI?

Patrick Akil interviews Shahin Shahkarami, Director of Data and AI at IKEA Retail, about the impact of AI on the tech industry and the evolving landscape of hiring junior talent. Shahin argues that companies should continue hiring junior talent, as they bring fresh perspectives and are often AI-native. She advises younger people to distinguish themselves by pursuing extra activities and encourages companies to focus on creating a positive work environment to retain talent. The discussion also covers the changing definition of AI, its impact on personal productivity, and the importance of adapting data foundations for generative AI. Shahin shares insights on leveraging generative AI for business outcomes, particularly in search and content generation, and emphasizes the need for companies to differentiate themselves by betting on unique capabilities.