Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
Education
How liberal arts will shape the Indian education system in the post-COVID-19 world
Excerpts from article by Malabika Sarkar, published in CNBC TV 18
As 2020 approaches its end, amidst the many unprecedented changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, stakeholders of the education system are evaluating the way forward for the higher education sector. While no one can predict the future with absolute certainty, an overall direction is emerging.
Multi-disciplinary approach in the post-pandemic world
The pandemic and its aftermath have illustrated once again that there is no one-dimensional solution to the complex problems of today’s world. The social welfare thinking of nations and the business models of companies have been reshaped, and assumptions about productivity redefined. It is clear that the post-pandemic world will need solutions that take into account science, economics, mathematics, psychology, the arts and humanities, sociology, political systems and human behaviour as a whole. Educational institutions will have to cater to this new reality through both teaching and research if they hope to stay relevant.
Paradigm Shift in the Indian education system
As it happens, the Indian higher education system has been witnessing a paradigm shift over the last decade. From specialised form of education to a multidisciplinary form of education that allows a student to study diverse disciplines and understand how they intersect with each other. This structural change is set to be further accelerated over the coming decade with the launch of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 that aims to transform all Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to become multidisciplinary by 2040. Further, the policy also proposes the establishment of model public universities for holistic and multidisciplinary education, at par with IITs, IIMs, etc., called MERUs (Multidisciplinary Education and Research Universities). Students at all HEIs will be provided with opportunities for an internship with local industry, businesses etc. as well as research internships with faculty and researchers at their own or other HEIs.
Learning how to learn
What makes a liberal arts and sciences education relevant for the future is its emphasis on foundational learning across disciplines and on “learning how to learn”. As imparted in many of the world’s premier institutions, it inculcates the habit of intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, collaboration, adaptability and flexibility. Such an education system will address the problem of unemployability.
The NEP proposes that 6% of GDP be allocated to education, but the ambitious measures mentioned in the policy will require a level of funding and reach that will not be possible without the participation of the private sector, which accounts for over 60% of all higher education institutions in the country.
The focus of the entire higher education system will have to be on producing new knowledge via advanced research, which requires a fundamental shift in mindset. Universities will also need to invest in emerging areas like Biotechnology, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning as technology plays a more and more important role in every domain.
Holistic admission process as per the requirements of 21st century
With the NEP proposing to reduce the importance of board exams in India, we will also begin to see not just a holistic system of education but also the emergence of a holistic college admissions process that will evaluate students on the basis of much more than just their academic performance. In a holistic admissions process, candidates are evaluated on their level of engagement with their academics, extra-curricular activities, and their unique life journeys. Such a process will ensure that each application is evaluated in its unique context. The archaic system of using high cut-offs to select students will become a thing of the past. This is already being implemented in the country.
As a new era in Indian education begins, it is encouraging to see that the mindset of Indian policymakers today is in sync with the requirements of the 21st century, and there is a clear intent to utilise India’s demographic dividend for the socio-economic development of the country.
Career
Get A Real Edge In Your Career With Virtual International Internships
Excerpts from article by Som Sharma, published BWEDUCATION
If you wish to obtain a real edge that makes your CV sparkle, then you need to consider an online international internship to start your career with a bang!
What is a Virtual International Internship?
In a virtual international internship, you intern for a company that is located abroad and you’re required to fulfil all your work duties remotely. It’s completely online, so all you really need to get started is a computer and a stable internet connection. When you’re an remote intern for an international company, it gives a huge leverage to your career in the following ways:
1. Get Power-packed with New Skills
Remote international internships give a real boost to your skill set. You get practical work experience because you interact with skilled people from your industry, who give you most relevant insights in your industry. You get hands-on experience on different kinds of interesting projects that enhances your
2. Expertise in Specific Domain
This not only lets you apply your theoretical knowledge in the real world, but also widens the horizon of your existing knowledge. Basically, you get power-packed with impressive new skills that give you a solid basis of differentiation from your competition.
3. Easier and Larger Networking
Networking implies forming valuable relationships that give you an advantage in pursuing your career goals. It’s important to widen your network since you don’t exist in isolation. This in turn brings you many new opportunities in the form of promotions, referrals and so on. Virtual international internships amplify networking on a much larger scale as you get to build connections from all around the world. It’s like globalizing your professional network in an infinite digital space.
4. More Independence
You definitely get more independence with remote international internships. Since everything is online, you can be a complete self-starter and take your decisions to fulfill work duties without depending on someone else. Your supervisor located abroad can simply provide you the basic guidelines, which can be used as a basis for your work plan. Ultimately, it lets you become an independent planner and decision-maker.
5. Better Opportunities
Due to COVID, companies have opened their hiring borders to virtual interns. This gives you a plethora of opportunities to go global. You aren’t limited to intern at just domestic companies, but even renowned international companies. You can even intern for your dream company that is located outside India and get to know their work culture while immersing yourself in it!
6. Convenience
Online international internships give you a global experience of working with reputed companies in the convenience of your home. These internships give you a globally recognized work exposure without extra hassle or expense. With rising competition it’s important to procure skills and experience to improve chances of getting hired in your dream job. And international internships add that badge of excellence to your resume.
Your possibilities of growth are simply endless! It just requires you to take a decisive step towards a better future.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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