Every year, the over 5,500 B-schools in India churn out thousands of students who join the workforce. Are they equipped to handle the changes shaping the world of work? What can help them be more relevant in the future?
These and other questions were discussed during a couple of invigorating sessions on internal communications and corporate social responsibility I recently engaged an enthusiastic bunch of students at Symbiosis School of Media and Communication, Bengaluru.
Accordingly to a recent study, only 7% of MBAs are employable in India. Inability to appreciate market needs, lack of focused education and unskilled staff are probably reasons for inconsistent progress. Students, lacking direction and clarity about their own future continue to focus on competition while ignoring much-needed attributes like collaboration.
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For a generation (the millennials) that is mostly misunderstood for ‘having it easy’, ‘wanting it all’ and ‘wanting it now’ getting a job is probably easier than keeping it. When students asked me ‘if they could mail their CVs to me’ my response was that instead, I could teach them how to ‘keep their jobs’ by discovering their potential and personal brand. This to me, will add more value to their lives than a short-term goal of landing a job. Why is this such a big deal?
With rising cost pressures, increasing levels of automation and technological advances employees can ill- afford to take their jobs for granted. Organizations expect more with less, seek greater accountability and look for innovative solutions rather people who do run-of-the-mill stuff. Unless prospective employees, such as students, discover their passion, differentiate themselves now and prove their mettle, very few organizations will even consider their abilities, leave alone engage them in the future.
It isn’t about getting your next job or learning artificial intelligence (one student wanted to learn the new technology and stay ahead of the game!) – It is knowing what motivates you and staying resilient in the face of uncertain times.
When I asked them about the skills they feel will be relevant in the future most mentioned communication, listening and learning. The way the world is operating the one attribute that can’t be matched by machines will be human passion!
There seems to be ambiguity in students’ minds on differentiating between CSR and profits – which borders on ethical considerations. Their argument: when we are spending on CSR can’t we get branding in the bargain? They saw nothing wrong with that. It is a point of view. However, when you think of the intent of doing CSR, organizations need to be led by the principle of doing good without expecting anything in return.
Overall, the evolving world of work will need newer skills and perspectives. To stay relevant in the future everyone needs to revisit their personal goals and focus on being his or her best self. Collaboration, empathy, passion, trend spotting, and meaning making will help us stand the test of time.
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