29 August 2024
Anshuman Mukherjee, Lead Recruitment Manager at Tietoevry India, participated as a panel member in the Pune Edu & Tech roundtable (Academia and Technology Companies) organised by Nasscom. This roundtable was held on August 23, 2024, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Pune from 09:30 am to 11:00 am.
This event brought together IT companies to discuss and collaborate on key topics crucial for shaping the future of our students and the industry.
The key themes of the roundtable discussion included:
- Plan for industry readiness for college students
- Emerging skills and technology
- Train the Trainer program
- Skill incubator model
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
For student preparedness, soft skills training was highlighted as a major area of improvement. The panel emphasized the importance of problem-solving abilities over new-age technology and stated that articulation and the ability to explain ideas clearly are more critical than proficiency in English. However, it was noted that communication remains a major criterion for student selection or rejection from colleges based in Tier 2 or Tier 3 cities.
The panel also suggested that, in addition to soft skills development, students should be educated on financial literacy, including topics such as life insurance, provident funds, salary negotiation, and investment strategies. Furthermore, they should acquire essential workplace skills, such as stress management, adaptability to diverse organizational cultures, and the ability to thrive in target-driven environments while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
During discussions on emerging technologies like cybersecurity, embedded systems, generative AI, and RPA, the conclusion was that the industry still has a significant demand for developers, particularly those proficient in Java, .Net, and Python. Students with strong problem-solving skills are likely to be most employable. The panel also expressed expectations that educational institutions foster a culture of coding and encourage participation in competitions like the ICPC. Additionally, awareness of programs such as GSoC, Outreachy, and GitHub should be promoted.
The panel stressed the importance of practical training over theoretical knowledge and how apprenticeship programs could provide real-world experience. The Train the Trainer programs were identified as effective mediums for professionals and Training and Placement Officers (TPOs) who interact directly with students. The discussion concluded with a call for more partnerships between educational institutions and corporations to bridge existing gaps.
Notable insights included learning about various incubation centers operated by educational institutions, company-sponsored projects, national-level hackathons sponsored by the government, and CSR programs run by IT companies that sponsor fees for underprivileged students who have cleared exams but lack the financial means to pursue their careers.
We extend our sincere appreciation to Anshuman for his participation in the Pune Edu & Tech roundtable, organized by Nasscom, and for his valuable insights into preparing college students for industry readiness and shaping their successful professional careers in the corporate world.
