On Your Marks
PROPEL Your Career
As another academic semester draws to a close, I am as usual overwhelmed with emotions and reflections on past 16 weeks. I had the pleasure of engaging with some very energetic students in my courses on Business Marketing, Platform Business and Marketing Management. These 16 weeks were full of discussion, discovery and insights through case study analysis, projects and of course #QuickTakes. My key themes during the semester have been Digital Transformation and Sustainability. I am very excited about the increasing use of Digital Technologies and our progress towards Sustainable future and envision enriching careers in the field. This convergence also is a compelling argument for crafting careers which positively impact people around us.
Stay curious, stay hungry, and stay focused on your goals. Your future is bright, trust your prep and with the right mindset, success is inevitable. Wishing you a remarkable journey ahead.
Do Good.Do Well.
DTW
During the Week, Nirmit Parikh, Founder & CEO apna.co announced a collaboration with Generation India Foundation, non-profit organization preparing people for life-changing careers, to create employment opportunities for graduates from the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start program.
Such collaborations aim at making digital skills training more accessible and efficient for job seekers. In today's digital age, the role of platforms in career building is undeniable. They empower individuals to take charge of their professional lives, offering a wealth of tools and resources for success. Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, leveraging these platforms strategically can be a game-changer in achieving your career goals.
For example, Platforms like LinkedIn can supercharge career. Leverage online courses on platforms such as Coursera for skill development. Personal branding on platforms like Twitter can establish you as a thought leader. Joining relevant communities and making data-driven career decisions is now possible through resources like Glassdoor."
Platforms could provide six pillars to form the foundation of a successful career in the digital age. We can understand them through PROPEL- (P)rofiling Your Digital Persona; (R)eimagining Career Pathways; (O)nline Learning and Upskilling; (P)ersonal Branding Mastery; (E)ngaging with Platform Communities and (L)everaging Data for Career Success
Profiling Your Digital Persona
In the context of higher education especially management, profiling your digital persona is akin to creating a strong and professional online presence. MBA aspirants can strategically curate their LinkedIn profiles to showcase their academic achievements, skills, and aspirations. Building a digital persona that reflects their career goals can make them stand out to recruiters during campus placements. Indian professionals can take inspiration from experts Kunal Shah, the founder of CRED, who uses Twitter to share valuable insights about startups and entrepreneurship.
Reimagining Career Pathways
In todays’ fast changing roles and opportunities, many candidates are open to discussions about the need to reevaluate their career pathways. Instead of sticking to conventional roles, MBA graduates can explore diverse career opportunities in various industries. For instance, a candidate with a finance specialization might pivot to a role in fintech which involves finance and Technology convergence, leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to connect with industry experts and explore new career avenues. For example, consider the success of YouTuber Bhuvan Bam, who started as a musician on YouTube and eventually ventured into acting and entrepreneurship.
Online Learning and Upskilling
Students and early career professionals often need to acquire additional skills to excel in their chosen fields. Online learning platforms play a crucial role in this regard. As they prepare for placements, MBA students can use platforms like Coursera and edX to upskill in areas such as data analytics or digital marketing. These additional skills can make them more attractive candidates during placement interviews.
Personal Branding Mastery
Personal branding is essential for young people entering the world of work or when preparing for campus placements. Creating a personal brand can help them distinguish themselves from their peers. MBA candidates can use platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn to share their perspectives on industry trends, engage in discussions, and establish themselves as potential thought leaders in their respective fields, which can positively influence their employment prospects.
Engaging with Platform Communities
Communities are at the heart of many digital platforms. Engaging with these communities can offer tremendous career benefits. For example, platforms like GitHub have thriving communities of developers. Active participation can lead to collaborations, job offers, and a strong professional network. Indian professionals, particularly in the tech sector, can tap into these communities for career growth. Engaging with platform communities can provide current MBA students with insights into industry-specific trends and challenges. Platforms like Quora or industry-specific forums can be valuable resources for gathering information and networking with professionals. Active participation in these communities can also help early career professionals to stay updated and make informed choices during lateral job interviews.
Leveraging Data for Career Success
Data-driven decision-making is increasingly vital in today's business landscape, including career choices and transitions. Young people can use platforms like Glassdoor or LinkedIn to access data on company cultures, salary benchmarks, and job market trends. This data can help them make informed decisions about potential employers and negotiate better job offers during recruitment process. Additionally, analyzing job market data on platforms can help professionals in India make informed decisions about relocating to cities with higher job prospects.
To conclude, in today's digital age, the role of platforms in career building is undeniable. They empower individuals to take charge of their professional lives, offering a wealth of tools and resources for success. Whether you're a recent graduate, mid-career professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, leveraging these platforms strategically can be a game-changer in achieving your career goals.
OTW
Over the Weekend, I finally started reading the latest book by Walter Isaacson on Elon Musk.
I have followed Elon over last decade and more so after the death of Steve Jobs. In fact, Jobs’ biography by Walter Isaacson is one of my all time favourite business non-fiction book. When asked to compare them- Walter Isaacson, the man who wrote the definitive book on Jobs has said that Musk is very similar to Jobs. "In some ways, he's the Steve Jobs of our time, he's crazy enough to think he can change the world and might be one of ones who do change the world”.
For reference, here is the Iconic “Think Different” Apple Commercial Narrated by Steve Jobs.
Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes… the ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules… You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things… they push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.
— Steve Jobs, 1997
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I Love You
Shailendra
PS- I would be in Kochi over 7-8 October 2023. Do let me know if there are things that I should not miss. Hope to see you soon.
Glad to be part of this(B2B) class..