As technology companies across the industry scale back fresher hiring, EPAM Systems is charting a different course by doubling down on early-career talent and preparing them for AI-native delivery. Rather than viewing artificial intelligence as a reason to shrink entry-level roles, the company is positioning it as a tool to strengthen them. This philosophy is captured in Larry Solomon’s assertion, “I do not see AI as a threat to the employment of junior engineers. I see it as an asset,” which underpins EPAM’s approach to shaping engineers before they are exposed to the pressures of live client delivery.
At a time when many organizations are questioning the long-term relevance of junior roles in an AI-driven environment, EPAM’s strategy stands out as a deliberate counter-move. The company is investing in structured learning environments where freshers can build judgment, problem-solving skills and confidence without being rushed into production timelines. The focus is on helping young engineers learn how to work through uncertainty, make informed decisions and understand systems holistically, rather than relying on AI-generated shortcuts.
This approach reflects a broader belief within EPAM that AI changes how engineers work, not whether they are needed. By embedding AI tools into training from the outset, the company aims to create professionals who are comfortable collaborating with intelligent systems while still grounded in core engineering principles. The emphasis is on learning by doing, experimenting safely and understanding the trade-offs behind technical decisions.
Industry voices echo this perspective and are encouraging students and early professionals to rethink their preparation for tech careers. “The fundamentals still matter: clean coding practices, debugging ability, systems thinking, and an understanding of how data flows through an application. AI tools don’t replace this — they make it even more important,” said Sudipta Chandra, reinforcing the idea that strong foundations become more valuable, not less, in an AI-enabled workplace. Abhimanyu Saxena added, “In today’s AI-driven world, the true differentiator is not what you know but what you can build.”
Together, these views point to a subtle shift taking shape beneath the headlines of hiring slowdowns. While the market tightens at the entry level, EPAM’s bet suggests that companies willing to invest early may gain a new generation of engineers who are not only AI-aware, but AI-capable—equipped to build, adapt and innovate in an increasingly complex technology landscape.
