Students with international degrees preferred for jobs in India

According to a study released Wednesday, students with international exposure are the preferred choice for jobs in India over those students who stayed at home to study.

The study, conducted in support with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, also found that over half of Indian universities feel that high schools need to play a bigger role in the smooth transition of students to universities.

As reported by The Indian Express, 98 percent of universities feel that more information and counselling at the school level would better prepare students for university.

“Indian students have not been able to gain preference in comparison to the overseas students due to lack of exposure and right counselling at the right age,” said Ganesh Kohli, chair of the International Career and College Counselling Conference where the study was showcased.

“We really need to step up the counselling practices in India to help them gain the desired position in the international markets.”

The survey also showed that both students and parents feel the pressure when it comes to career-related decisions. And many students (35 percent) still rely on their parents as the main source of input and advice when it comes to choosing both their university and their degree course. Only 33 percent used the Internet as the main source for decision making.

Indian students were also found to stick to courses that are considered more traditional. The reason for this is believed to be the lack of effective career and university counselling at high school age, leaving many students unsure of their future path and so opting for “safe subjects”.

These include subjects such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics, that 40 percent of students say they favour.

Twenty-two percent opted for arts, entertainment and sports. Seventeen percent went for health and medicine. And only one percent chose business and finance.

Despite political turmoil and visa uncertainties in other parts of the world, the number of students choosing to study abroad continues to increase. Almost half of international students opt for the United States, while 14 percent go for Canada, 13 percent the UK, 10 percent for Australia, 8 percent for South East Asia and 7 percent for Europe.

Liked this? Then you’ll love these…

EU pulling more Indian students

Foreigners lack interest in joining Indian universities – report