For most of the last quarter-century, India has been a software powerhouse. A nation of coders, as many call it. Acclaim and infamy, its dual reputation. But change is in the air. A new era, a transformation, is underway. India is engineering a future beyond software and “lines of code”. Hard to believe, isn’t it? I thought so, too. Yet, the latest iQOO Global Quest Report 2024 suggests otherwise.

Data science, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and content creation—these are the new frontiers for India’s Gen Z professionals. Over a quarter of respondents lean toward these fields. And I, for one, am proof of this shift. From the rigid confines of electrical engineering, I’ve ventured into the creative expanse of content creation and digital marketing. Content creation and digital marketing – these are my new domains. A radical shift, perhaps, but one driven by a desire to write, narrate, influence. My quest: to tell stories. An even grander quest – writing the greatest non-fiction novel ever. But that’s a tale for another day. 

Now, let’s go back to the report. 

According to this year’s data, one in four Indian respondents seek new-age jobs. This information sheds light on a greater idea—finding purpose beyond the daily grind. Passion and profession a perfect match, with many often taking time to explore. Yet, in all this, a counterpoint still emerges. Balance is desired, but ambition drives. Forty-three per cent prioritise career growth. A delicate struggle ensues. Success or fulfilment? That is the eternal question. And while easier said than done, perhaps the key lies not solely in professional heights but in finding a harmonious blend of work, life, and passion.

With all that said, the report also unveils a fascinating paradox: only 9% of respondents are drawn to entrepreneurship in India. Instead, nearly a fifth aspire to leadership roles within established firms. This revelation is striking, especially given India’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, home to over 125,000 startups and 110 unicorns. So it is natural to ask, “Isn’t this a landscape brimming with opportunity?” Well, not really–a closer look reveals several challenges (that is a different discussion altogether). And added to that, young India today, as per the report, is more inclined to be “job seekers” rather than “job creators. Therefore, it’s no wonder Angel investors are growing exponentially cautious, casting more doubts over India’s entrepreneurial spirit.

That said, this re-emergence of the job-seeker mentality raises another pressing question: How are Indian youth upskilling themselves in this evolving market? Perhaps the answer lies in the following data–an increasing openness to pursuing further studies. Financial hurdles? A Challenge, yes, but not a deterrent. This drive is commendable, with India’s numbers being twice that of global peers. 

But caution prevails. Mentorship, they believe, is the key to unlocking the potential of their aspirations. To this end, Admissify, India’s pioneer study abroad consultancy, offers a holistic approach. Benefit from Same Day Applications, explore opportunities for up to 100% scholarships and enhance your language skills with complimentary IELTS classes. P.S. We also have an upcoming webinar where our co-founder, Rahul Laxman, a UK resident himself, will be sitting down to talk about “Thriving as an International Student in the UK.” You can catch him live on the 23rd of August at 5 P.M. IST. 

For more information, visit our Motinagar office (Monday-Saturday, 11 AM onwards) or connect with us online for free counselling today!