How do Ivy League students compete in the Indian Markets

An increasing number of Indian graduates from the 8 Ivy League universities in the US (Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University and Yale University) are returning home to leave a mark in their field of choice. There is a long list of alumni from a diverse range of industries and roles including Kunal Bahl (University of Pennsylvania graduate and Founder of Snapdeal.com) and Anand Mahindra (Harvard University and Chairman & Managing Director of the Mahindra Group) who are doing their alma mater proud. They have returned home and utilized their education to make the most of the opportunities in India.

An Ivy League education arms graduates with a wide range of tools, resources and attributes that make them stand out once they return, but let’s focus on our top 5:

 1. Work readiness. Ivy League universities prepare students to solve real-world problems effectively and decisively. In addition to lectures, the curriculum and degree encompass a wide range of components to ensure students are completely prepared when they enter a professional set-up, including:

• Field trips to relevant locations both within the USA and internationally.
• Case competitions that can convert classroom experiences into real-world learning opportunities.
• Internships over summer and winter breaks. Universities will have a dedicated career centre working with students to find relevant jobs in their sector of interest to test out an industry or type of career and learn real-world applications.

2. Ivy Leagues students are surrounded by some of the finest minds in the world. Not only do they have classmates from over 130 countries across the globe, but also students from a broad range of backgrounds including renowned musicians, prominent actors, Olympic winners and members of the armed forces. The cultural diversity provides for great learning, as each discussion, exercise or activity on campus exposes students to multiple viewpoints and teaches them to respect an alternate point of view.

India too is a melting pot of different cultures (link). The grounding received at an Ivy League institute prepares students to embrace each individual’s working style and work productively with them.

3. Soft Skills. In addition to the development of hard skills, universities also build on soft skills to enable students to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. For example, within the classroom walls, students are encouraged to actively participate in discussions, work with groups on projects and make presentations. Across campus, students can get actively involved in clubs and societies and take on leadership roles.

Soft skills characterize your relationship with other people. They enable you to work well with groups, solve problems, manage your time, and take personal responsibility for your work. All these traits can accelerate an Ivy League students growth path within a company.

4. Global Perspective. Premier global schools become hubs for top global talent – be it students or professors. Professors, regardless of area of study, expose students to innovation, models, case studies and problem statements from across the planet.

As the world becomes increasingly flat, students are taught to be aware of the progress and issues facing their industry, strategize on the most effective course of action, and then seamlessly work cross-border with minimal disruptions.

As India continues to embark on the global path, with both a growing influx of multinational companies and Indian companies expanding worldwide, Ivy League students can be at the forefront as their firm further broadens their horizons.

5. Extensive Network. The relationships Ivy League students cultivate on campus continue to only strengthen over time. Should an Ivy League student be confronted with a business dilemma, for example, they can consider tapping into an alum or professor to help resolve the issue. They have access to some of the world’s greatest thinkers that are only an email away.

The strong professional network available in almost every corner of the world can significantly distinguish and Ivy League student from his or her peer group. The connections made during college years have the potential of being not only their life long friends but also future business partners, co-founders, investors, clients, vendors, mentors, and so much more.

As Ivy League graduates enter the domestic workforce, it is imperative they do their homework and identify the right firm that aligns with their background, understands their unique skill sets, and harnesses their areas of proficiency for them to truly compete and succeed in Indian markets.

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