New Delhi:
The trend of students exploring opportunities to study abroad for enhancing their employability has witnessed a significant rise in recent years. In addition to the traditional choices like the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, numerous other countries now provide top-notch education and a global experience to students.
When it comes to preferred career paths for Indian students, Vaibhav Gupta, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of iSchoolConnect, mentions that most students from India lean towards STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and also show interest in Business and Management programs. A plethora of career prospects await Indian students in diverse fields such as Computer Science, Healthcare, Finance, Engineering, and Education. Popular courses like Computer Science, MS in Data Analytics, Civil Engineering, Business Management, and Medicine offer promising career avenues to students.
Abundance of Study Abroad Options
Indian students today have a myriad of choices when considering studying overseas. Apart from the conventional destinations such as the US, UK, Australia, and Canada, countries like Singapore, Germany, France, Switzerland, and Ireland have emerged as attractive options offering quality education and a global exposure. Abizer Merchant, the director (India and Sri Lanka) at Macquarie University, emphasizes that the selection of the right study destination depends on factors like safety, available programs, job prospects, global recognition of degrees, expenses (including scholarships), and post-graduation work opportunities.
Significance of Internships
Aritra Ghoshal, the founder and director of OneStep Global, highlights that various surveys indicate the importance of skills acquired during overseas studies, which are highly valued by employers in the global economy. Ghoshal suggests that students should prioritize programs that include comprehensive coursework and internships tailored to boost employability.
Lakshmi Iyer, the managing director of SI-UK India, points out that Indian students studying abroad have access to a wide range of career opportunities spanning different industries and academic fields. For example, students pursuing degrees in Engineering or Computer Science can leverage internships and cooperative programs offered by universities to gain practical industry experience. Staying abreast of industry advancements and obtaining relevant certifications are crucial for students to enhance their competitiveness in the job market.
Importance of Soft Skills and Networking
Transitioning from academic to professional life necessitates showcasing not just technical skills but also soft skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, which are highly sought after by employers across sectors, as per Ms. Iyer. Networking with alumni, participating in career fairs, and engaging in industry events are recommended for students.
Understanding Post-Study Visa Systems
Mr. Merchant underscores the importance of understanding the post-study work visa policies in the study destination for students aspiring to work after completing their education abroad. For instance, Australia offers a generous post-study work visa allowing graduates to stay for up to 3 years post-study completion. Working overseas provides valuable work experience in diverse cultural settings, helps recover educational investments, and enhances competitiveness in the local job market upon return.
Ensuring Global Recognition of Degrees
While international work experience and foreign degrees are valued by most employers, it is essential for students to verify the global recognition and professional standards of their degrees in their home country, as explained by Mr. Merchant. Courses like Medicine and allied health have stringent professional standards that need to be validated before pursuing education abroad.