In February 2020, Korn Ferry (NYSE: KFY) has identified emerging talent trends for India in 2020, based on inputs from talent acquisition, development and compensation experts from across the country.
According to Konika Chadha, Head of Professional Search, Korn Ferry India, “Technological advancement is impacting the talent requirements across all industries. As such, talent with a technology background who can help the company navigate the digital future are becoming more important. The report further says, “talent professionals are recommending that people, even those who have a job, look to sharpen their skill sets. But that doesn’t have to mean going back to get additional degrees. Instead, professionals across many industries are seeking programs to help them gain certifications, accreditations and niche skills.
Besides, a Korn Ferry global survey of HR professionals shows that more than a quarter (27 percent) say reskilling workers is their top priority. To help enhance employee capabilities—and increase retention—formalized, ongoing hard-skill (such as programming) and soft-skill (such as agility) trainings are becoming the norm. And this isn’t just about tech workers: everyone from sales to HR needs to be trained to meet the demands of tomorrow.
It is now a given that academic degrees alone will not be enough to get jobs, except in education and research domains. Skill is what the industry now primarily looks for while hiring. This being the prevailing reality, it is always smart to start your skill building exercises at the earliest. The best one can do is get enrolled in certain on-demand courses while pursuing the undergrad program. Skill building courses are markedly different from the traditional academic programs and function with a practical and hands-on approach for enhancing skill, gaining experience, learning the latest technology and trends of the industry etc.
Here are some skill development courses that can make a big difference in your future professional career –
Graphic Design
Graphic designers are in demand in all industrial sectors including start-ups, films, media, etc.
Colleges
- National Institute of Design (Ahmadabad)
- Industrial Design Centre (IDC) – (Mumbai)
- Instrument Design and development centre (Delhi) Department of Design (Guwahti)
Animation Design
With content becoming the sine qua non of every sector, animation is much in demand. You can do your Diploma in Animation and Digital Graphics, Certificate in 2D/3D Animation, Duration-3 months – 1 year, Diploma in Animation and Multimedia, Duration-1 year
Colleges
Arena Multimedia (Delhi, Bengaluru, Noida, Mumbai)
Global School of Animation (New Delhi, Chennai)
Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematic (MAAC), Mumbai
Tekno Point Multimedia (Bengaluru)
Video Editing
Audio visual content is dominating the market now, and videos are ubiquitous in every sphere of life. This has given rise to need for video editors substantially.
Think of doing an MFA in Media Design, BS in Digital Cinematography, or Master of Arts in Film and TV
Colleges
Film and Television Institute of India (Pune)
Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute (Kolkata)
Whistling Woods International (Mumbai)
Center for research in Art of Film and Television (Delhi)
Asian Academy of Film and Television (Noida)
Beautician Courses
Never before has there been such strong demand for beauticians. Even though the pandemic has created some downturn to this business, it will soon be over and we will see a surge in demand soon. Also post Covid 19, there will be a demand for beauticians working independently and providing services at home.
If this is your area of interest think of joining courses like Diploma in Hair Designing, Diploma in Cosmetics, Diploma in Electrology, Diploma in Hair Styling and Hair Coloring, or CIDESCO Diploma n Beauty Therapy
Colleges
Butic Institute of Beauty Therapy and Hair Dressing (Mumbai)
Christine Valmy International School of Esthetics (Mumbai)
Enrich Salon and Academy (Mumbai) L.T.A. School of Beauty (Mumbai)
Other valuable skill development courses –
- Certificate in Digital Marketing, Duration- 3 – 6 months
- Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT), Duration- 2 years
- Diploma/ Certificate in X-Ray Technician, Duration-2 years/1 year
- Diploma/ Certificate in Gemology, Duration-2 months – 1 year/2 – 6 months
- Diploma/ Certificate in Photography, Duration-1 year/3 months – 1 year
- Diploma in Nutrition and Dietetics, Duration-1 year
- Diploma in Airline, Travel and Tourism Management, Duration-1 year
- Diploma in Food and Beverage Services, Duration-6 months – 1 year
- Diploma in Bakery and Confectionery, Duration-1 – 1.5 year
- Diploma in Visual Merchandising, Duration-3 months – 1 year
- Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC), Duration-1 year
- Diploma in Office Management, Duration-1 year
- Diploma in Communicative English, Duration-1 year
- Diploma in Scriptwriting/Creative Writing, Duration-1 year
How to choose the best skill development course?
Not all skills are relevant or of interest to everyone. Here are some smart steps to help you to clear your confusion on which course to pursue-
Identify your area of interest
This should be followed by a serious consideration on the. Other points to consider include your background, family tradition, businesses, place of birth and living et al. Additionally, your priorities should include chances of getting into good institutions for post grad and research, and eventually secure a good job in your domain of choice like – banks, IT, manufacture, civil services – at the earliest.
Do research
The digital space is now an ocean of information and knowledge. Make proper use of the internet it to know about the courses related to your area of interest and make a note of the following –
- Type (Degree/Diploma/Certificate or Full-Time/Part-Time/Distance Learning etc.)
- Duration
- Curriculum
- Average Fees
- Career Prospects
- Eligibility
- Availability of seats
- Course fee
- Return on investment
Finally select the courses of your interests and priorities, following which zero-down on the best suitable one for you.
Take help from a career counselor
After you have decided on the course, take opinion of a professional counsellor in the field. Career counsellors have the necessary know-how to help you find your way to your professional destination.
Final words
Skill development courses that focus majorly on preparing a student for a job are the entryway to a host of lucrative careers in India. Today, industries are constantly on the lookout for skilled aspirants. Moreover, the course fee of most of the above mentioned courses are low while they enhance the chances of professional growth in future.
With a shift in the approach by the industry as a whole, today there is distinct interest among undergrad students in building skill. As a result there has been an increase in demand for the courses and also in the number of skill-development institutes in the country.
As India becomes a knowledge-based economy, demand for skilled and educated people grows exponentially. Huge investments are also coming to the players providing skill development courses and training programs. The GoI is also strongly promoting skill development and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana is one scheme that aims to enhance industry-relevant skill among Indian youth in order to help them find a better livelihood. Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana offers training and assessment free of cost.