India (Commonwealth Union)_ While studying abroad can be a great experience, it may not necessarily guarantee a job back home. Students who have studied abroad should be prepared to face these challenges and take steps to overcome them, such as building their network and gaining relevant work experience. According to a latest survey conducted by a Canadian education company, despite the potential benefits of an overseas degree, many Indian students have trouble obtaining a job upon their return.
According to M Square Media (MSM), returning students confront various challenges, such as the necessity for recognition of foreign degrees, visa constraints, language problems, a lack of local contacts and networks, difference in education system, competition, etc. As per the latest figures from the Education Ministry, over 770,000 Indian students traveled abroad for higher studies in 2022, which is a six-year high. However, according to a survey by the Indian government, just 22 percent of Indian students with an overseas degree from the batches of 2015 to 2019 were able to get jobs upon returning home. Despite this report, the study abroad option is still on the rise among Indian students.
According to the report, the lack of recognition of Indian students’ foreign degrees and credentials in the local labor market is one of the biggest obstacles they confront. Local businesses generally choose local qualifications and experience, which directly impacts the students with overseas degrees. Apart from this, the impacts of Covid-19 pandemic in recent years have had a substantial influence on the employment opportunities of returning students. Due to financial difficulties, several firms have limited their recruiting, while others have raised their preference for local applicants because of travel constraints and health concerns.
Some of the most common challenges faced by the overseas students in their homeland are lack of awareness, limited network, perception, competition, salary, differences in education system, etc. Many students who study abroad do not have a clear understanding of the job market and employment opportunities in India. As a result, they may not have the necessary skills or qualifications that are in demand in India. Students who have studied abroad may not have a strong personal and professional network in India, which can make it difficult to find job opportunities. Further, there is a general perception that students who have studied abroad are not as committed to India and may not be willing to work for Indian companies. The job market in India is highly competitive, and there are many well-qualified candidates competing for a limited number of job opportunities.
According to Sanjay Laul, CEO and Founder of MSM, “Studying abroad can be a transformative experience for students, but they must be aware of the potential challenges they may face when returning home”. To overcome these obstacles, experts advise students studying abroad to adopt a proactive approach to career development. According to the British Columbia-based company that has assisted 135,000 students with employment, “This may involve seeking out internships and part-time jobs, networking with local professionals, and improving their language and cultural skills”.
According to a recent study by INTO University Partnerships, over eight out of ten Indian students who study abroad intend to work and reside abroad upon completion of their foreign degree. As per the government data submitted in the parliament, the majority of Indian students seek degree programs abroad in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom. According to the report, these nations, including Australia, accounted for 75 percent of international students in 2022, which was only 60 percent in 2018. According to the latest data issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, India emerged as the largest source of new overseas students entering Canada in 2022, with 226,450 students.
