THE SCHOOLSMART SERIES

A presentation by

of

GLOBALISING PEOPLE SKILLSHR Roundtable

THE SCHOOLSMART SERIES

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 ‘safe’careers

- 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 possiblecareer options

Parental vision limitedto engineering, medicals,civil services

Little or no guidance onlink between aptitude / interestand education / career

STUDENT PERSPECTIVESPECIFIC TO BPO SECTOR

CALL CENTREVoice & tech support

BACK OFFICEFinance, 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 doesn’t 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 BPO’s

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

-1.25 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,

1st flr, New Delhi - 110016Ph: (011) 51828020/ 51828021 E-mail: careerssmart@vsnl.net