A new survey by Apna.co highlights a sharp shift in how women in technology view career readiness in the AI era. Among 11,300 respondents on its platform, 64% said demonstrable AI skills are more important than holding a degree from a top-tier college. This sentiment is strongest among Gen Z professionals and those from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, who see AI as a level playing field in an industry long influenced by pedigree.
A generational and geographic shift
More than half of the respondents were under the age of 25, and nearly 60% came from non-metro cities — reinforcing a growing pipeline of tech talent emerging beyond legacy institutions. While premier college graduates remain cautious about downplaying traditional credentials, women from non-elite colleges were more confident in placing AI skills above academic background.
AI upskilling is already underway
The study shows that 58% of women are already engaged in AI or ML upskilling — through jobs, formal education, or online courses. Another 24% plan to start soon. Gen Z participants and those from regional colleges lead the way, indicating a strong intent to gain industry-relevant capabilities in areas such as software development, data science, and AI product roles.
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Nearly half of the surveyed women expressed a desire to become AI software developers, with others eyeing careers in data science (19%), product management (14%), and research (10%).
Access, mentorship, and advanced training remain hurdles
Despite this optimism, several challenges persist. About 42% cited limited access to opportunities as the biggest hurdle, followed by the lack of mentors (27%) and insufficient training support (19%). These gaps underline the importance of targeted programs that not only build skills but also create networks and visibility for emerging women technologists.
A future defined by intent and inclusion
Apna.co’s platform has already rolled out tools like AI Job Prep, which has been adopted by 43% of the surveyed cohort. The company says this shift reflects how India’s tech talent — especially women — are not waiting for traditional gatekeepers. Instead, they are embracing AI as the great equaliser, using skills to shape their own path in an evolving industry.
