The travails of IT campus recruitment in 2023

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], April 16: We took an unconventional approach this year and began our campus recruitment visits ahead of the curve compared to other organizations. The timing of these visits is always a tricky balance to strike, as it seems there is never a perfect moment to start. However, we have gleaned some valuable insights from our recent rounds. The unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have had a noticeable impact on the caliber of students we have encountered. It has become increasingly clear that foundational knowledge and skills must be honed in the traditional classroom setting. Despite the best efforts of both students and faculty to adapt to online learning, it appears that the fundamentals have suffered in this virtual environment. As a result, we have observed a widening gap between the curriculum and what is required by today’s industries.

On the flip side, the slowdown in the industry is also affecting placements for these students. Placement officers are finding it increasingly difficult to explain how the world outside academics functions to a generation that has become used to everything being delivered to their door. Therefore, there is much appreciation from them for the approach taken by Gateway Group.

Recently Nirma University and Gateway Group had an initial meeting to discuss a way forward which would be mutually beneficial to all parties involved. Gateway Group has shown readiness to support the curriculum committee in its endeavour to make the curriculum more industry relevant. The company’s subject matter specialists will provide guest lectures, etc. The meeting was led by Pratik Mehta, Group COO, Gateway Group of Companies & the campus outreach team; a 3-member corporate relations team lead by Sunil Pandi sat across the table representing Nirma University.