The Indian job market is changing faster than the curriculum of most schools can adapt to. Gone are the days when a college degree alone would suffice for a secure job. Today's graduates are entering a world that has adopted technological innovation at a rapid pace. What sets the successful candidate apart from the unsuccessful one is no longer the college degree or the college itself but the internship.
The internship advantage
Internships are no longer just an optional addition to the resume but are now the foundation of a successful career. Internships are important because they are the only way to bridge the gap between recruitment and productivity. When an organisation recruits an individual who has had an internship at a similar organisation, the candidate would require minimal training and would be able to adapt faster.
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Internships are also important for the student because it allows them to test the waters before choosing a career that would be a long-term commitment.
"Recruiters today are asking a simple question: what can this candidate do from day one?” an industry expert observed, as quoted by India Today. "Degrees signal knowledge, but employers increasingly want proof of application," he was further quoted as saying.
Planning a career early
Another trend that is on the rise is the importance of early career planning. For instance, many graduates often realise too late that their academic path was not entirely aligned with what was required by employers. By planning a career, a student is able to chart a course, whether it is technology, finance, design or communications, and make relevant certification and internship choices that make for a focused academic profile, not a scattered one.
By planning a career, a student is not committing themselves to a lifelong career path but merely seeking a cluster of skills that can be applied across different areas. Students who actively engage with trends, workshops and mentors often make a smoother transition to the workforce because their preparation is active.
Skills beyond the classroom
Practical skills, such as communication, teamwork, flexibility and computer skills, still matter a great deal, but these are often gained not only through academic training but also through internships, freelancing, student clubs and cooperative learning. While a student can gain some skills through a workshop or a short certification programme, what is important is that a student should be able to apply what they have learned.
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Degrees not the finish line
While a degree gives foundational knowledge and credibility, it is no longer seen as the finish line.
Its use has evolved to become more of a launch point than the culmination of education. The value lies in what you do beyond the degree, internships, career planning and skill development, to name a few. For young professionals, success may be defined by how soon and how well you transition from the classroom to the world beyond.
