By: Mallory Triano, Global Head of Campus Recruiting
As the adoption of artificial intelligence accelerates across industries, technical proficiency alone is no longer enough to build a successful career in technology.
Across sectors, including financial services, organizations are increasingly seeking native AI talent – individuals who are comfortable applying AI in their personal and professional lives. For many firms, including our own, this means doubling down on early career talent.
The role of a technologist is no longer just about writing code. As a result, today’s technologists should go beyond technical expertise by asking the right questions, critically evaluating AI outputs and creatively applying AI to an ever-changing set of complex problems.
Hiring strategies are now prioritizing students and recent graduates who combine technical skills with adaptability, curiosity and critical thinking – qualities that allow them to thrive in AI-driven workplaces.
In investment management, AI is already helping teams analyse vast amounts of data, identify new opportunities and act with greater speed and efficiency. Early career talent who had exposure to AI through their studies and early professional lives can contribute immediately, while also pursuing opportunities to learn the domain expertise necessary as they advance in their careers.
A clear example of this shift can be seen in Millennium’s global internship program. Over the last 6 years, our program has grown to nearly 200 interns and we recently added a specific track for AI interns to assist in the design, development and implementation of AI solutions.
In this new role, AI interns will be asked to challenge the status quo, apply their comfort with AI tools to business challenges and collaborate across functional lines with technology and business teams.
As with all interns in the program, they will also receive hands-on training in technical skills and business fundamentals, supported by mentorship and exposure to senior leaders and global teams. Alongside technical proficiency, the program places a strong emphasis on adaptability and commercial awareness.
As the conversation around AI and its impact on junior roles continues, one thing is clear from my perspective as Head of Campus Recruiting for a global investment manager: early career talent will play a critical role in shaping the future of investment management. This is not despite of AI, but because of it.
Investing in students early and creating opportunities for AI native talent, we can empower the next generation with the skills and mindset needed to excel in finance and technology.
