Career Conversations with Global Shapers Kohima Hub

Problem Statement:

Recognizing the employment gap in the state of Nagaland, and understanding the skills needed for the Future of Work, the Kohima Hub initiated a series called “Career Conversations” for young people across the state. Nagaland recorded the highest unemployment rate in India at 19.2% (PLFS 2020-2021) despite having a high literacy rate well above national average. The challenge is twofold: both cultural and structural barriers contribute to compounding this situation. There is a high demand of the limited public sector jobs, lack of relevant job skills (education, technical, computer) and limited knowledge on possible growth in other industries, poor access to funds etc.

The Global Shapers Kohima Hub, through the Career Conversations, aims to empower students to make informed career choices and succeed in the job market by providing them with a realistic view of the current job market, tailored advice and strategies, and networking opportunities. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences of the Global Shaper members and the GS network is a great asset to the project and students will greatly benefit from the insights and guidance provided by these leaders and experts. Through the panel talks, workshops, networking events and interaction with experts from different industries, we hope to provide them with skills, knowledge and mentorship that will allow them to explore employment options beyond the public sector.

Hub Activities:

1. 
   Career Conversations Panel Discussions: Conduct a targeted college campaign to reach students who are ready to enter the job market and those seeking jobs. These speakers at this panel discussions will be Global Shapers members who are established and working in different sectors with significant experiences.


2. 
   Career Conversations Specialised Sessions: 1 hour interactive session with experts organized for college students. Through the Shapers network hub members intend to bring in experts from different industries: entrepreneurs, teachers, researchers, development professionals, police personnel, individuals working in agriculture, horticulture, ornithologists, animal husbandry to share on the future growth of the industry in the state of Nagaland.

Short & Long-Term Goals/Results:

Long term Goal: To address the high unemployment rate of Nagaland (the highest among Indian states) and encourage students, young graduates to explore and consider employment beyond the public sector and break the cultural cycle of seeking only public sector jobs.

Outcome/Short Term Goal:

Provide 10,000 students from across Nagaland, training and mentorship program through Career Conversations by the end of 2023.

Objective:

1. Educate students about the current job market and connect them with opportunities that align with their interests and passions.


2. Encourage students to consider employment options beyond the government sector and break the cultural cycle of seeking only public sector jobs.


3. Exposure to opportunities in different industries and awareness of the skills and education needed for those


4. Contribute to one of the SDG goals - Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.


5. Empower students to make informed career choices and succeed in the job market.

Available Metrics:

So far, the hub has conducted one career conversation at Modern college. The session hosted four panel speakers and the session was for 450 college students. Kohima Hub aims to conduct at least 1 or 2 panel discussion a month in one of the local colleges with a target attendance of 450 students. Furthermore, the hub hopes to conduct a specialize session every two months.

Project Contacts:

1.    Moasunep K Jingru

2.    Ketholeno Kense Vihienuo