The Shape of Work

#96: Shveta Raina on why companies should hire more fresh graduates, and 21st century skills for the workforce of the future

August 29, 2021 Springworks Season 1 Episode 96
The Shape of Work
#96: Shveta Raina on why companies should hire more fresh graduates, and 21st century skills for the workforce of the future
Show Notes

On this episode of The Shape of Work podcast, our guest is an entrepreneur with a difference, Shveta Raina, Founder of Talerang -  an education management firm providing career training to students and professionals. Shveta began Talerang as a project at Harvard Business School and has since impacted over two million participants in the last 5 years.

When she left Mumbai at 17 to pursue her undergraduate studies at Brown University, nothing suggested this would be her route. Like most other ambitious people her age, she sought out numerous internships and worked for a while at McKinsey and Co in New York. It was only later, post experiences at Teach For India and Hindustan Unilever that the concept of Talerang emerged.

In this episode, we caught up with Shveta to discuss:

  • 21st-century skills we need to prepare the future workforce for
  • Anxiousness of employers to hire graduates: why companies should hire more freshers
  • Hop, skip and jump and how it is making employers furious
  • The death of the CV: why recruiters need to move beyond the traditional CV cycle
  • The art of delegation for an effective leadership
  • How she hires the right set of people at Talerang 


What is the Career Perspective of the Younger Workforce?

The Millennial and Gen Z workforce is upskilling and becoming more competent day after day. There is an ignited drive among young graduates and freshers to be a part of the larger corporate structure and contribute their skills to companies to add value to their profiles. This tenacity is the primary reason why most students fall head over heels for internships and apprenticeship opportunities.

In her early years at Brown University and Harvard Business School, Shveta had realised many students in India do not have exposure to global career opportunities when in high school and starting college. Only after they graduate they learn of the skills required to be a highly demanded talent in the market.

How is Talerang Changing the Game?

Talerang provides the young Indian freshers with the necessary skills to be competent in the market for jobs. The basic skills taught through Talerang’s courses range from time management, soft skills, and personal branding to practical skills such as public speaking and interview preparation.

Talerang has expanded its customer base to various segments, including students from 10th-12th, UG students, and PG students. Thanks to active users, Talerang has compiled a unique talent pool of young candidates. With corporate collaborations, the company has ensured that recruitment officers look towards Talerang when they require competent and upskilled individuals to fill out entry-level as well as senior-level jobs openings.

Follow Shveta on LinkedIn

Produced by: Priya Bhatt
Podcast host: Junius Dsilva

BONUS: To ensure the best for your startup, here is a guide on How to Successfully Hire Right Talent for a Startup: [2021 Updated Guide].