Think Different, Adapt Faster, Thrive Together

“I believe that it's essential to consider not just the academic perspective but also the viewpoint of the students. When recruiting from B-schools, I emphasise the need to assess the changes in the industry both before and after Covid-19. It's not just about excellence in their field; students must also showcase flexibility to navigate the ever-evolving industry landscape. This adaptability is what sets candidates apart, capturing the recruiter's attention by demonstrating their preparedness to meet the dynamic demands of the business environment," said Pradeep Hatgaonkar, Country Head of HR at Hitachi Asterno, India. 

Several industry leaders discussed the changing landscape and the evolving expectations within the business world for graduates of B-schools, particularly in the post-Covid era compared to pre-Covid times. 

The experts stress the importance of attitude and adaptability in preparing recent business school graduates for success in the changing post-COVID environment. 

The vital role that adaptability plays in the modern job market highlights the need for students to have in-depth knowledge of their field while standing out from the crowd through traits like adaptability. Adaptability is a crucial skill for students to succeed in because the post-Covid era has brought about significant changes in industries. 

"The dynamic job landscape, driven by changes in skill sets, continues to generate new kinds of jobs, requiring a constant evolution of skills to keep students job-ready," added Hatgaonkar. 

Heterogeneity in Job Roles

 Deepali Naair, Group Chief Marketing Officer at CK Birla Group, discussed the significant transformation in the professional landscape over the past five to six years. She noted a shift from uniform job structures to unprecedented heterogeneity, particularly in fields like marketing. “The diverse nature of roles in companies, ranging from fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) to consumer tech giants, presents a challenge for students. Educational institutions often overlook this heterogeneity, leaving students ill-equipped for the diverse job market,” she said at the BW Businessworld Business School Summit and Awards 2023. 

She also emphasised how crucial it is to understand that, even though they are necessary, core skill sets and soft skills alone will not get you through this changing environment. Naair emphasized the need for ongoing learning, unlearning, and relearning and suggested that students understand the differing expectations and responsibilities of jobs across companies. 

Attitude Towards Learning 

Attitude is crucial when it comes to assessing job candidates, said Salil Kapoor, CEO of Hindware Home Innovation. He emphasised that a candidate's fundamental attitude determines their ability to communicate, adapt, and be driven, among other skills. Kapoor advocated a pragmatic approach to education, favouring two years of on-the-job training over an MBA. He said how, despite changes in disruptions, fundamental business challenges have remained constant over the past 40–50 years. Kapoor highlighted that active participation in the real-world application of business principles is the path to authentic learning.