Stay Ahead, Stay Prepared – Career Preparatory Programme for Success!

In today’s dynamic workplace, staying relevant and adaptable is essential. Skills that were in high demand just a few years ago can quickly become obsolete. Continuous upskilling and acquiring new knowledge are crucial for building a future-proof career. At Ashoka, our Career Preparatory Programme (CPP) is central to this effort, helping students navigate the evolving job market and find roles that align with their career aspirations. Focusing on final placements and internships, this programme has engaged over 1,400 participants, empowering them with resume reviews, mock interviews, and valuable industry connections both in-person and online.

Launched in 2017 with just 100 participants, the CPP has grown significantly, now supporting over 1,400 students. Alumni play a pivotal role, with senior alumni conducting some of our best-rated sessions. Initially led primarily by the Career Development Office (CDO), the programme now involves many clubs (Ashoka Consulting Club, Investment Club, Marketing Club, Product Management Club, etc.) that help prepare students for internships and placements through various activities. 

Driven by a steadfast dedication to student welfare, the office has launched several important initiatives under career prep. These include CV vetting, a wide range of training sessions, sector-specific boot camps, masterclasses, and the development of crucial preparatory resources. For example, the Sector/Role-wise Bootcamps provide immersive experiences tailored to specific career paths. In the Consulting Bootcamp, students delve into the intricacies of consulting, learn strategies to overcome entry barriers, network with alumni and industry experts, and work on real-life projects. Similarly, the Product Management Bootcamp offers a comprehensive understanding of the field, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops. The Development Bootcamp allows students to explore social sector dynamics, engage with experts, and collaborate on projects to drive positive change.

 Additionally, boot camps for sectors such as FMCG, IT/ITES, Media, BFSI, Think Tanks, and Policy offer in-depth insights, networking opportunities with alumni, and practical projects to prepare students for diverse career paths. These boot camps are organised with the support of industry partners and alumni working in these specific sectors. 

The Career Prep Programme goes beyond the basics to help students land their dream jobs. Students can access interview preparation materials tailored to their specific career interests and participate in personal branding sessions to build a strong LinkedIn profile. To ensure their resumes are polished and impactful, students receive personalised feedback. Last year, the office provided on-demand one-on-one mock interview opportunities for over 3,500 students. These sessions, tailored to different job functions, allow students to practice their interviewing skills and receive valuable feedback on communication, problem-solving, and industry knowledge. We hosted over 40 industry sessions featuring successful professionals who offered valuable insights into emerging trends, best practices, and career paths across various sectors.

Our in-house career preparatory programme provides in-depth sessions on crafting impactful resumes, highlighting achievements, and tailoring content to specific positions. We guide students in writing compelling cover letters that effectively communicate their skills, experiences, and motivations. To prepare for interviews, students participate in interactive workshops simulating real interview scenarios. These workshops cover strategies for answering behavioural questions, mastering interview etiquette, and perfecting elevator pitches that succinctly convey professional goals and strengths. Furthermore, we equip students to leverage the power of professional social media platforms with practical tips for optimising LinkedIn profiles, expanding professional networks, and utilising them for career advancement.

For internships, the Career Prep Programme is designed to equip freshmen and sophomores with essential skills and knowledge. The programme introduces students to diverse skill tracks tailored to various industries. These include Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) operations, consulting frameworks, banking and financial services, development methodologies, FMCG sector dynamics, healthcare systems, media planning and advertising strategies, arts administration, data analysis and machine learning, product lifecycle management, private equity and venture capital investment principles, human resource management strategies, and marketing fundamentals. These skill tracks provide students with specialized knowledge and hands-on experience essential for succeeding in their chosen career paths.