Focus on Education in Telecoms | TelecomDrive.com
As higher education is fast becoming a crucial enabler on securing long-term career goals for professionals in telecoms space, Symbiosis Dubai is offering industry-aligned programs in AI, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity – preparing students to confidently step into AI-powered telecom roles, ready to manage intelligent systems, analyse data, and drive decision-making in a rapidly evolving sector.
Dr. Anita Patankar – Executive Director, Symbiosis Dubai speaks with Zia Askari from TelecomDrive.com on how AI is increasingly gaining importance in transforming telecom workforce and how Symbiosis Dubai is helping professionals with programs focused on future-proof reskilling.
How is AI transforming the telecom workforce, and what role does higher education play in preparing professionals for this shift?
AI is revolutionizing the telecom sector by automating network operations, enabling predictive maintenance, and enhancing customer service through intelligent virtual agents. But the transformation goes beyond technology – it is reshaping job roles and organizational structures.
Manual, process-based roles are rapidly evolving into positions focused on AI-assisted decision-making, network intelligence, and automation strategy. The telecom workforce must now learn how to work alongside AI systems, interpret data outputs, and make informed, high-impact decisions.
This is where higher education becomes a crucial enabler. In Dubai, the shift toward AI starts early, with schools introducing AI and coding at the elementary level, building strong foundations from a young age. Symbiosis Dubai builds on this by offering industry-aligned programs in AI, machine learning, data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. With hands-on labs, real-time projects, and internships, we prepare students to confidently step into AI-powered telecom roles, ready to manage intelligent systems, analyse data, and drive decision-making in a rapidly evolving sector.
Symbiosis Dubai offers AI and emerging tech courses—how do these programs align with the skilling and reskilling requirements of the telecom industry?
Symbiosis Dubai’s commitment to industry relevance is reflected in our programs, including the B.Tech in Computer Engineering, and the Bachelor of Computer Applications in AI, data science, and cloud computing. These programs are built in active consultation with industry experts, with a sharp focus on real-world telecom applications.
Students work on projects in areas such as network optimization, anomaly detection, and network analytics – technologies that are transforming telecom operations globally. We also incorporate case studies, hackathons, and telecom-focused workshops to deepen their learning.
Through internships and mentorship opportunities with telecom partners, our students graduate with more than just theoretical knowledge – they are equipped to take on roles such as AI engineers, telecom data analysts, and automation strategists from day one.
Reskilling is critical in an AI-driven economy. How does Symbiosis Dubai support professionals looking to upskill in AI, data science, and automation for telecom operations?
In an AI-driven economy, learning cannot stop at graduation. Via evening classes, Symbiosis Dubai supports working professionals with a robust portfolio of modular, hybrid learning pathways that allow them to upskill without leaving their jobs.
We offer certification programs through the Symbiosis Centre for Professional Studies, advanced AI modules via the Symbiosis Centre for Applied Artificial Intelligence (SCAAI), and emerging tech initiatives like the Metaverse Innovation Hub, launched in collaboration with IDS.
These platforms offer practical, telecom-focused training in areas like fraud detection, intelligent routing, and predictive customer support. Our bootcamps, seminars, and research collaborations further enrich this ecosystem, making reskilling not just accessible but impactful.
Beyond technical AI skills, what key competencies do you believe the future telecom workforce should develop to stay competitive?
While technical expertise in AI, data science, and cloud systems is essential, the telecom workforce of tomorrow must also embrace a broader set of human-centered skills.
At Symbiosis Dubai, we focus on developing:
• Critical thinking and data interpretation, to draw meaningful insights from AI-generated data
• Cybersecurity awareness and ethical reasoning, especially as telecom professionals handle increasingly sensitive customer data
• Agility and a growth mindset, to keep pace with rapid technological change
• Collaboration and communication, vital in multicultural, cross-functional global teams
These skills are integrated into our academic and co-curricular programming, preparing students and professionals for the complex, collaborative environments they’ll encounter in AI-driven telecom roles.
Looking ahead, how do you see AI shaping telecom workforce strategies over the next five years?
Over the next five years, AI will become a central pillar in telecom workforce strategies. Companies will increasingly use AI to automate routine tasks like network monitoring, diagnostics, and customer support, allowing human employees to focus on complex problem-solving and innovation. AI will also augment strategic roles by providing real-time data insights and decision support, making teams faster and more efficient.
We’ll see the rise of new roles – such as AI operations analysts, automation architects, and ethical AI officers – requiring a combination of technical, analytical, and strategic thinking skills. Workforce planning will shift toward hiring and training people who can work alongside AI, interpret its outputs, and guide its deployment responsibly. In short, telecom workforce strategies will evolve to balance automation with human intelligence, creating agile, AI-enabled teams that can drive the industry forward.
This interview is published in the July 2025 issue of Disruptive Telecoms
