The youth from smaller cities should dream big!

India has 8000 towns, and yet we tend to highlight the few key metros. The youth belonging to smaller towns and rural parts of India are extremely hard working and talented. However, many companies and opportunities are often situated in bigger cities, and seem inaccessible to them. On recent trips to Nasik, Patiala and Chandigarh I saw the tremendous potential of our youth. They can still get to their dream jobs if they put in some  additional effort on reaching out to the right people and tapping available resources!

Here are some ways they can approach the access gap:

• Leveraging technology: Students can leverage the internet to research different job opportunities and create a strong LinkedIn profile. They can undergo training to upskill themselves online and connect with mentors who inspire them via email. They can leverage whatsapp video and Skype to undergo interviews with companies who may not be located in their area. Further, they can download apps to improve their communication and English if that is an area of anxiety for them.

• Government and non-profit offerings: The government and several non-profits are trying to reach out to the youth and help them improve their skills. Do some research and see if you can avail of any opportunities such as the UNDP’s Disha program or skill trainings of the National Skill Development Corporation.

• Connect to industries: MNCs are constantly seeking fresh talent to join them as interns or employees. Keep a track of various openings in neighbouring towns even if it’s just an internship.It will give you a foot in the door to build a network, gain experience and build your resume for opportunities in the future.

 

Over the decades, big ideas and successful entrepreneurs from small towns have made a mark. For example, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, the founder of PayTM comes from a small town near Delhi. He was able to bridge the access gap and set up an organization that not only achieved national but global recognition. With technology, you may not need to leave at all to make your mark. For example, Robosoft is a start-up based in the town of Udupi in coastal Karnataka that has managed to raise venture funding from the likes of Kalaari Capital and keep their base in Udupi itself! So set high goals, let your dreams unfold!