War for Talent: Re-aligning Academic Pursuits with what Business Demands

The “War for Talent” is fought on a global turf. Business impératives and dynamics in a world-wide context, propelled in a technologically effervescent environment, élude organization’s search for that all-fit “ideal” talent. A talent pool that’s technologically competent, communication and network savvy, attitudinally positive, socially and culturally understanding, and capable of delivering results anytime, anywhere is what business demands. This paper surveys skill gaps amongst college / university graduates and examines critically, what ails the educational system in a wider sense to generate readily employable fresh entry level talents from colleges and universities. A typical survey conducted in an academic, as well as, industry scenario pertaining to IT / ITES is presented. Through a short case study, the paper attempts to present a pedagogical context to learning in academic institutions, and what and how, learning content and delivery be made more effective to meet business demands.