Hackathons: The New Employability Mantra for Indian Students?
Prabh Deep Singh, Associate Professor at Graphic Era (Deemed to be) University, Dehradun, highlights the crucial role of hackathons in boosting student employability. He argues that in today’s competitive job market, academic qualifications alone are insufficient.
Companies now prioritize candidates possessing practical skills, innovative thinking, and problem-solving abilities beyond theoretical knowledge. Hackathons provide a unique platform to cultivate these essential attributes.
Singh emphasizes that participation in hackathons allows students to gain invaluable hands-on experience, collaborate with peers, and showcase their technical prowess to potential employers. This practical exposure significantly enhances their career prospects.
The increasing integration of hackathons into university curricula reflects a growing recognition of their value in bridging the gap between academia and industry demands. This trend is set to significantly impact the employability of Indian graduates in the coming years.
This development is particularly crucial for India, where a large youth population enters the workforce annually. The emphasis on practical skills through initiatives like hackathons is vital for ensuring a skilled and employable workforce capable of driving economic growth.