THE SCHOOLSMART SERIES A presentation by of GLOBALISING PEOPLE SKILLS HR Roundtable

A presentation by of THE STUDENT – BPO SECTOR INTERFACE

Every year more than 4 million graduates pass out of colleges

YET 17 million EDUCATED UNEMPLOYED WHY? - unrealistic aspirations - select traditional safecareers - strong parental influence - unaware of new opportunities - unaware of how to acquire necessary training & skills

Subsequently, enroll for degree/ course, without planning

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE - GENERAL EDUCATION CAREER CHOICE Largely academic Not geared towards developing job skills Largely influenced by parents Based on inadequate information on possible career options Parental vision limited to engineering, medicals, civil services Little or no guidance on link between aptitude / interest and education / career

STUDENT PERSPECTIVE SPECIFIC TO BPO SECTOR CALL CENTRE Voice & tech support BACK OFFICE Finance, HR, Insurance, R & D, Logistics etc. Stop gap / temporary Non traditional working conditions and hours See it as value add – learn foreign laws, techniques, tools Less reluctance – needs solid qualification like CA Widens career opportunities Limited career growth Experience doesnt look good on CV Adverse social implications

Alternatives students prefer Sales and marketing Banks in customer services Event Management Insurance IT Companies Hotels Travel & Tourism

CAREERS SMART experience : Possible Call Centre ( voice based) applicants – From small towns & semi urban areas Unable / not interested in higher studies But Lack communication skills, both written & verbal Suffer parental constraints – health -- hours of work -- social life

CAREERS SMART experience : Possible Back Office applicants – From metros/urban areas Higher education/ professionally qualified Unwilling to work in voice based BPOs More aware & willing to work irregular hours Looking for upward mobility & better remuneration

Role of Schools & Educational Providers 1.Career Counselling - information on career opportunities - self-discovery 2.Enhance English Language Skills 3.Develop other job skills 4.Parental involvement – awareness sessions/ site visits

Some suggestions Wider media coverage, specially in Middle India Increase awareness of skills/qualifications required Establish student profile Identify career graph/ value add Reduce parental concerns Set up industry accredited Course & Certification programme

Opportunities for India with growing need for business services are HUGE new jobs every year - revenues of $ 20 bn by 2008

LET US WORK TOGETHER FOR A MORE ENLIGHTENED INDIA

Careers Smart Pvt.Ltd., 38, Sadhna Enclave, Flat No 8, 1 st flr, New Delhi Ph: (011) /