Recruiters look beyond campuses

It is not just about campus hiring anymore. Multinational companies are going out of their way to attract the right talent by tying up with various universities and hosting tech events.

Companies like SAP Labs, Microsoft, Intel, National Instruments, HP and Juniper Networks are coming up with their own ways to employ the best in the market.

For instance,  Juniper Networks has a program titled Juniper Network’s Academic Alliance program, where the company ties up with colleges to help students obtain high-performance networking skills and receive Juniper Networks certification while still in college.

Even SAP Labs has tied up with universities and hosts technology sessions wherein students are trained to use SAP HANA and come up with products and applications on this platform.

Experts in the industry say the process helps them address twin issues – getting the right talent and employing readily employable talent.

“We want students to know that SAP Labs is a great company to work for. Also, through this medium, the students are getting a feel of the technology we offer, which will be be useful to them not only in SAP, but other companies using our platform. Students who get to know us better see SAP as cool a company as Google, Facebook or Apple,” says Ann Rosenberg, global head, SAP University Alliances, SAP AG.

“It is important for organisations today to play an active role in developing more readily employable talent. Through various engagements undertaken by companies, students get a fair idea as to which company they would like to join. Also, the companies can employ the best talent available in the market,”, says MN Vidyashankar, principal secretary, commerce and industries department, government of Karnataka.

Intel works with institutes like IISc and IIT Kanpur to co-design new technology curricula and assist engineering colleges. The company has established 17 Multi Core Labs in collaboration with premier technology institutions across India to support the implementation of these curricula.

“The fact is there are too many companies out there to grab the limited talent available in the market. We have to create positive impression in the minds of students. Though we still visit colleges to hire, we want students to know about our work culture beforehand,” says recruitment manager of one of the MNC IT companies.

When it comes to campus hiring, Indian IT companies usually grab the first slot in most colleges. Best students grab these jobs since no one wants to take a chance. Tech fests held by MNCs will help them get an edge over the others,” says Sumit Goel, an independent HR consultant.