Feedback is necessary and it is welcomed by most youngsters at work today. At least that is what a survey by Unstop reveals. Gone are the days when employees were scared to receive feedback, worried that their performance would be criticised or not up-to-the mark. Today’s crop of young employees prefer being given feedback. In fact, they fear the lack of on-the-job training and actively seek feedback. On being asked how often they would wish to receive feedback, 51 per cent of all students opted for monthly feedback.
While b-schoolers were open to quarterly feedback as a second option, e-school and Art, Science and Commerce students preferred feedback every time a project was completed.
But what is interesting is that while a good 51 per cent of b-schoolers and about 48 per cent of undergraduates seek feedback on a monthly basis, companies seem inadequately prepared to offer regular feedback. Right now, as per the survey, only 11 per cent of firms conduct monthly performance reviews for entry-level employees. Most employers conduct quarterly performance reviews. There is definitely a gap.
Does that mean there is a growing need for feedback and training at the workplace because colleges are unable to provide enough support to students in that area?
Colleges usually conduct monthly workshops by industry leaders to keep students informed about current company requirements and trending technologies. Most of the university partners lack sufficient time to match students’ diverse skill sets with the right mentors while conducting training sessions or workshops. A poor 28 per cent of colleges conduct monthly workshops by industry leaders, while 11 per cent conduct them just once a year.
Is there a growing need for feedback and training at the workplace because colleges are not able to provide adequate support to students?
Does the hiring process need to be changed? May be it would be a good idea to focus on candidates’ skill sets and also check whether they would fit into the company’s culture. After all, students seem to realise that it is not easy to land their dream job and every company cannot be a dream company.
Candidates dream of a suitable role, a great package and the ideal employer brand.
But is that what all students want? Do they all wish to work for a corporate house? Don’t they wish to be associated with a startup of have one of their own? The survey found answers to these questions too.
A whopping 81 per cent of students from business schools are eager to work with a corporate or startup. Only ten per cent wish to work independently, as freelancers or pursue an entrepreneurial dream. A very small percentage (9 per cent) wants to study further in India or abroad
Of the e-schoolers who were part of the survey, 75 per cent want to work with corporates or startups, while eight per cent would prefer to freelance or start something of their own. A significant 17 per cent of e-schoolers want to go for further studies.
When it comes to Arts, Science and Commerce students, 46 per cent seek corporate careers or jobs, 12 per cent wish to work independently, while 42 per cent want to study further, either in India or abroad.
Of those who seek corporate careers, 45 per cent of b-school students prefer working with an established or legacy firm, while 52 per cent of e-schoolers and 45 per cent of Arts, Science and Commerce students are keen to work with any company. The percentage of students seeking to work for startups only has reduced (by 14 per cent) from last year, to 10 per cent.