Sushma is an innovator, passionate educator, and thought leader in educational technology. She has more than 18 years of experience in school education in terms of academic profiles from being a teacher, leader, Principal, and director of academics in the leading educational institutions like Shri Ram Global School, Presidium Group of Schools & Ahlcon International School. She has won several awards for her contribution to education such as ISA (International School Award), Principal by British Council, Sports Excellence Award from The Indian High School, Dubai.She has also been a certified and impaneled facilitator with British Council. Sushma is an honorary Chairperson for Charitarth-Theatre in education.
In this highly competitive world where new avenues are being created every day, it is imperative to stay one step ahead of the crowd. The only way you can do so is to arm yourself with tools that can make you indispensable. Perhaps the only tool one needs is education; proper education that imparts upon you the skills, knowledge and practical training to make you ready for the ever-evolving world.
Human rights activist Malcolm X has aptly said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today”. The fact that education is a means of growth and prosperity has been firmly established long ago, and it is no wonder that parents are increasingly spending more on their children’s education. With a rising population and dwindling jobs, studying abroad is increasingly being chosen as a reliable option to enhance the resume of students with education that has both quality and value. According to a report by the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an estimated 11 lakh Indian students are studying in over 99 countries worldwide.
Studying overseas – plain hype or a value-addition to one’s portfolio?
Before exploring how a foreign education enhances career prospects, it is fruitful to understand what studying abroad confers upon the student. There are numerous countries where Indian students are pursuing higher education, the most in-demand being the USA, Canada, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand. There are a few unparalleled advantages that students studying in foreign countries gain.
Flexibility and diversity of learning: The ability to select from a wide range of courses along with the option to ‘mix and match’ gives students the flexibility to learn what they desire, resulting in better knowledge and application of the learning.
Global cohort of students for exchange of ideas: A global cohort of students with whom students get to rub shoulders daily, whether it be the hostel, the dining hall or the playground, ensure that they are never short of ideas having heard and learnt from people across the globe.
Inclusive community of educators: Universities abroad mostly entertain faculty with a progressive mindset, who are willing to experiment with new ideas and thoughts and encourage students to articulate their ideas and vision. The community of educators, students, and staff look for fresh perspectives, no matter how unusual or disruptive they may be.
Excellent infrastructure and research facility: The resources available with most foreign institutions enable them to establish impeccable infrastructure and facilities which parallels that of any research corporation, thereby offering a conducive ecosystem where students can strive towards excellence.
Industry partnerships: The greatest advantage of studying abroad is the collaboration between industries and universities. In most countries, colleges and industries form strategic partnerships to improve the effectiveness of education and extend support to students. These partnerships ensure that often the first line of research and ideation happens at the university and the funding of projects by the industry ensures that students are paid stipends and the work done is equivalent to that at the corporate level. This way, students attain greater exposure and gain practical knowledge as well.
How can foreign education enhance a career journey?
Besides the name of the college and the universal acceptance of an overseas qualification, studying abroad also confers on the recipient several unique features which go a long way in enhancing career prospects, thereby ensuring a profitable proposition for the student.
Placement cells: The availability of internships and subsequent placements with the help of placement cells at the colleges ensure that all students have access to the best of corporates with good pay packages. The college alumni who are working at senior levels in various corporates, pitch in with providing internships and jobs for passing-out students.
Access to global companies: Most countries abroad have the presence of multinational corporates with offices located in business parks. The easy access to such companies is a blessing for many and the chance to work there can be a life-changing event.
Opportunity to work in niche areas: Studying abroad empowers students with not only technical knowledge but also the opportunity to work, assist and be part of research teams that are working on projects that seem unattainable for students in India, for instance, space technology at NASA, or a team of medical experts developing the cure for HIV. Multi-domain projects where professionals from medical, engineering, computer science, etc work together are the norm there and the facility to learn from cross-dimensional teams becomes a reality.
Chances of placement in India at a leadership level: Once a student is well-settled in a job and has understood the corporate philosophy, it is likely that they are given the option of relocation to their home country at a senior position. This is because they are familiar with local customs, traditions, the likes and dislikes, and thus may be able to bring greater acceptance of the company’s products and services to the local population, while handling local issues simultaneously. Chances are that an individual may be appointed as the head of a division of a global conglomerate with offices in the Asia Pacific region, with an option to work out of Singapore, Dubai, or even Mumbai.
Networking at a global level: An overseas education allows a student to network with global counterparts. This exposure brings with it an enriching experience that encapsulates learning about global cultures, diverse corporate norms, and how to adjust with a multicultural community. The networking and knowledge gained over the years enables many students to start their entrepreneurial ventures at an international level.
Studying abroad isn’t only a dream for a grade 12 student or a fresh graduate. In today’s time, many corporate employees are also looking to upskill via courses like executive MBA overseas or an intensive 6 week diploma course to learn about the latest management and entrepreneurial tools. Studying abroad is a reality that cannot be ignored. The benefits it brings are immense and the most important one being that it enhances the employability of an individual.