As summer break approaches, students have a unique opportunity to blend theory with real-world practice through internship programs—a concept underscored by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
This policy advocates for students to gain prevocational exposure during their academic journey, erasing the rigid boundaries between theoretical education and practical skills. By encouraging students to explore various professions, the NEP aims to equip them with a diverse skill set that meets industry demands.
Internships are now essential for skill development in India's competitive job market. Despite progress, many graduates lack vital skills.
Education is adapting, incorporating workshops, online courses, and micro-learning modules to address this gap. These methods, along with gamification and mobile-friendly materials, offer engaging learning experiences.
Employability requires lifelong learning and adaptability in the face of automation. A positive shift in mindset among educators, companies, and students is evident, with collaborations between universities, startups, and tech giants facilitating skill acquisition.
This collaborative ecosystem aims to equip graduates with the tools needed for success in today's evolving industries.
While internships provide invaluable experience, ongoing education is imperative for sustained employability. Embracing a variety of educational modalities—from workshops to online courses—enables individuals to bridge the skills gap and thrive in today's economy.
This shift towards a dynamic learning environment, coupled with the NEP 2020's internship mandate, empowers students to chart their career paths actively.
India's labor landscape is changing as a growth mindset, adaptability, and practical skills blur the lines between academic degrees and employment.
Collaboration between educators, employers, and students, integrating theory with hands-on experience, promises to produce agile professionals who will propel India's global economic rise, potentially eradicating unemployment.
By embracing lifelong learning and actively participating in internship programs, students evolve from passive learners to proactive contributors, poised to fuel India's economic progress and innovation.
This collaborative endeavor holds the key to a future where unemployment becomes a relic of the past, replaced by a workforce primed for success on the global stage.
(The author is the CMO of Frint, a startup from Guwahati. All views and thoughts expressed are the author’s own.)