EY GDS To Offer Career Guidance To Over 2.3 Lakh Students

EY Global Delivery Services (EY GDS) has announced the launch of “Vritti Diksoochi” (or Career Compass), a career guidance programme to support over 2.3 lakh students in government schools across Kalaburagi Division, Karnataka. The programme has been launched in collaboration with the India Literacy Project (ILP) and Samagra Shikshana Karnataka (SSK), and the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed recently.

The Career Compass programme offers detailed and sustainable, ongoing career guidance to students of Grades 9 and 10. It aims to encourage students to continue their higher education and to help boost their employability by providing in-depth career counselling, exposure to a broad range of career options and equipping students with essential modern workforce skills. This initiative engages all stakeholders — Department of Education, school management, teachers, parents and the community – to enable its sustainability and effectiveness.

In India's government schools, there is great potential to enhance career guidance for students, especially to those from disadvantaged backgrounds. In situations where resources like counsellors and mentors to provide the necessary guidance may be limited, Career Compass steps in to bridge the gap. By engaging with all stakeholders, including parents, teachers and educators, we aim to create greater awareness and empower students to make informed career choices and unlock their full potential. 

Madhu Bangarappa, Minister for Primary & Secondary Education, Government of Karnataka, stated: "It is an honour to inaugurate this transformative program, which will play a vital role in shaping the future of our students across Karnataka. By providing career guidance, we are giving students the tools to thrive in the modern workforce and pursue higher education with confidence. This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring quality education and equipping every student with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. We look forward to the positive impact this program will have on students, teachers, and the wider community."

Gururaj Deshpande, EY GDS Client Technology Leader, stated: “The Career Compass initiative is more than just a programme; it's our commitment to supporting future generations with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. It will help shape the future of education and workforce readiness in the Kalaburagi region, leading to a more confident graduating class with a clear understanding of their future opportunities.”

Rumi Mallick Mitra, EY GDS Corporate Responsibility leader, said: "We believe that education is the cornerstone of progress. By investing in this initiative, we're not only supporting individual growth but also contributing to the collective advancement of our society. Aligned with the state educational policies and the Sustainable Development Goals, the Career Compass seeks to educate students on diverse career paths, foster 21st-century skills, and help them to take charge of their academic trajectories.”

Additionally, the project seeks to provide trained career counsellors for all high schools, creating a long-term sustainable support system for students. Finally, the programme strives to develop a framework for wider adoption by the state education department, potentially impacting students across Karnataka.