A recent study by Unstop’s Hiring Kart: Skills & AI Report 2024 highlights a growing concern in the Indian job market: traditional degrees may no longer be enough to meet industry demands. The report reveals a significant mismatch between the skills Gen Z graduates possess and what HR professionals expect.
Disconnect Between Education and Industry
The study surveyed 6,900 Gen Z students and 610 HR professionals across various industries. A staggering 92% of HR professionals believe that current college curricula do not adequately prepare students for the corporate world. In contrast, only 25% of Gen Z feel confident about their readiness for professional roles. This gap points to a fundamental issue in how education systems align with industry needs.
Key Skills in Demand
HR professionals are prioritizing skills in cloud computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), cybersecurity, and other emerging technologies. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Coordinating Officer of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), emphasized that the job market is evolving rapidly. “There is a growing demand for skills in AI/ML, data science, cloud computing, DevOps, cybersecurity, 5G/6G, blockchain, VLSI, and more,” he told Education Times.
Sanjeev Jain, Chief Operating Officer of Wipro Limited, added, “The hiring environment has become more dynamic, with a greater need for technical expertise, including software development, data science, AI/ML, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.”
The Role of AI in Hiring
AI is transforming hiring practices. 65% of HR professionals now consider AI expertise essential in their hiring strategies. However, 25% of Gen Z report minimal or no AI training in their academic programs. This discrepancy raises questions about the actual preparedness of graduates versus their confidence levels.
Importance of Soft Skills
Beyond technical skills, analytical thinking, teamwork, and interpersonal skills are crucial. Unstop’s report found that at least 30% of recruiters deem these skills critical. However, there is a noticeable gap between Gen Z’s self-assessment and HRs’ evaluations, indicating that while graduates may possess these skills, their application in real-world scenarios needs improvement.
Educational Institutions Respond
In response to these challenges, educational institutions are revising their curricula. IIIT-Bangalore has aligned its courses with industry trends, focusing on skill-based assessments like coding tests and technical interviews. Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore, stated, “Firms are prioritizing coding tests, algorithm challenges, technical interviews, and problem-solving abilities.”
Collaboration Between AICTE and IT Firms
The collaboration between AICTE and IT firms aims to bridge the skill gap. Buddha Chandrasekhar highlighted initiatives to design relevant curricula and support certification courses in emerging technologies such as AI and cybersecurity. This partnership helps refine training programs based on industry feedback, ensuring that graduates are better prepared for the job market.
Success Stories and Internship Opportunities
Institutions like Woxsen University, Hyderabad, and Christ University, Bangalore, have seen success by integrating internships into their programs. Vishal Khurma, CEO of Woxsen University, reported a 100% placement rate for their BTech pilot batch through internships converted into full-time jobs. Prof. Anil Joseph Pinto of Christ University emphasized the focus on data analytics, cloud computing, and cybersecurity to meet employer expectations.
Changing Hiring Practices
Kakandikar Ganesh, Associate Dean at MIT-WPU, Pune, noted that companies are increasingly offering internships with options like Pre-Placement Offers (PPOs) and Performance-based Internships. These opportunities help students gain practical experience and enhance their technical skills, making them more attractive to employers.
Ashish Munjal, CEO of Sunstone, stressed the importance of a well-rounded skill set, including data management, product management, problem-solving, communication, and adaptability. “We prepare students to develop a strong foundation in both technical and soft skills,” he explained.
Preparing for the Future
To address the evolving job market, educational institutions are providing personalized training programs, mock interviews, resume-building workshops, and industry mentorship. Ashok Kumar Mittal, Chancellor of Lovely Professional University, highlighted the focus on specializations in cybersecurity, data science, and AI to meet the heightened expectations of IT employers.
Leave a Reply