How are Indian grads beating Americans in job readiness?

India Today

5 days ago

Indian graduates are entering the job market with more confidence than many of their global peers, including those in the United States. According to the Graduate Outlook Survey 2025, conducted by the CFA Institute, 87% of Indian students and recent graduates say they feel prepared to begin their careers. In comparison, only 72% in the US say the same.The survey includes responses from more than 10,000 students and early-career professionals across 21 countries. It points to a larger shift: young professionals are placing more value on practical skills and real-world experience over university names or academic scores.advertisementHalf of the respondents said relevant skills are the main factor in their job confidence.
Another 47% mentioned work experience, while 34% cited internships and professional networks.In contrast, only 28% said academic grades mattered, and just 25% said university reputation made a difference.This suggests a steady decline in the importance of classroom-based success alone. Students today are more focused on how prepared they feel in real-world settings.CERTIFICATIONS GAINING VALUEThe survey also found that 60% of respondents consider industry certifications more valuable than postgraduate degrees.Certifications like the CFA Charter are now seen as reliable pathways into the job market, especially in fields such as finance, where specialised knowledge is in demand.This shift signals that many graduates are rethinking the purpose of a traditional degree. For them, credentials backed by practical training carry more weight than long academic programmes.INDIANS AMONG TOP IN CONFIDENCEIndia's numbers stand out globally. While China topped the list with 92% of graduates reporting job readiness, India closely followed. Brazil and Saudi Arabia also reported high confidence levels.On the other hand, graduates in countries like the UK (71%) and Canada (79%) showed lower confidence levels than India.The pattern suggests growing optimism in emerging economies, where graduates believe their education and training are more aligned with job market expectations.WHAT THIS MEANS FOR EMPLOYERS AND COLLEGESFor colleges, the report indicates a need to integrate more skill-based learning and career exposure into courses.For employers, the message is clear: graduates are ready to contribute, but hiring practices need to value diverse forms of preparation, including internships, certifications, and demonstrable skills.The full report by CFA Institute serves as a signal for institutions and industries to update their approach, keeping pace with what young professionals now consider job-ready.- Ends