Dr N. Rathi

What are the challenges faced by the youth, particularly graduates from non-IIT institutes, when looking for jobs? Dr N. Rathi, Manager, Campus Relations, Oracle India Private Ltd, outlines the scenario.

"One important challenge before a job-seeker is to be able to convince the company why he or she should be considered for the work. While on the job, it is being able to match the best in the industry by way of performance.

Also, a youth must be able to identify his/her passion, that one thing for which he/she is willing to wake up at four in the morning. Follow that."

"I do not agree. The top 5 per cent students from other colleges are on a par with their peers in the IITs. We are working on a strategy to be able to tap that 5 per cent through an exam from an outsourced agency.

The IIT students’ USP is that they do a lot of self-study. They make terrific use of the Internet. They work on their own, they study new things.

At the end of the day, the college is not really important as long as you have proof of your talent. Think creative, go out and do field work and innovate constantly — that’s what matters."

"The quality of the faculty should be examined. Generate interest in the student for the subject being taught. A good teacher can change the way you look at a subject. You can love or hate what you study depending on the interest and motivation of your teacher. Constantly update the students on changing technologies. Encourage the students to study through the Net. It is such a wonderful medium which gives you unlimited access to so much information."

"The decision may come as a strategic initiative later on but right now, Oracle is comfortable with its offices in Bangalore, Hyderabad and a marketing office in Delhi."