India is projected to produce 18 million STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates by 2027. While this growth suggests a potential workforce ready for the future, many underprivileged students struggle to secure meaningful employment due to a lack of career guidance and industry-relevant skills.
College students often feel overwhelmed when selecting the right skill set, especially with limited exposure to professional opportunities. This is where skill-based volunteering plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between education and employability.
Skill-Based Volunteering: A Game Changer
Skill-based volunteering, also known as purpose-driven volunteering, allows experienced professionals to mentor young talent. It benefits not only students but also NGOs and corporations by fostering long-term social impact.
Through this initiative, volunteers:
- Share industry insights and practical knowledge.
- Guide students in developing workplace-ready skills.
- Help NGOs enhance operational efficiency.
For students, early exposure to professional environments builds confidence and provides valuable career insights.
Corporate Benefits and Employee Engagement
For businesses, skill-based volunteering enhances:
- Employee retention by fostering a sense of purpose.
- Professional development, as volunteers refine leadership and mentoring skills.
- Brand reputation, positioning companies as socially responsible entities.
Employees no longer view volunteering as just a certificate-earning activity. Today, it has become a point of pride in corporate circles, with professionals actively sharing their experiences.
NGOs Leveraging Volunteer Expertise
NGOs benefit significantly from skilled volunteers, who contribute expertise in areas such as:
- Website design to improve visibility and engagement.
- Data analytics for targeted outreach.
- Strategic consulting to optimize resource allocation.
- IT services for better data management and communication.
- Social media management to enhance community participation.
MyKartavya: A Leading Volunteering Program
One of India’s most impactful skill-based volunteering programs is MyKartavya, launched by the Nasscom Foundation. It connects corporate professionals with NGOs, driving real change through strategic expertise.
Vishal Thakur, VP, Technology & Social Innovation, Nasscom Foundation, explains:
“Skilled professionals in fields such as IT services, digital marketing, and data analytics can significantly strengthen NGOs. A well-designed website, for example, boosts an NGO’s visibility, while strategic consulting helps optimize resources.”
Industry Leaders on the Impact of Volunteering
Corporate leaders emphasize the growing role of skill-based volunteering:
- Sudhakar, Director, ESG & CSR, APAC, CGI:
“Our partnership with Nasscom Foundation has helped us contribute to community development through technology and skill-building initiatives. This aligns with our corporate social responsibility goals.” - Pratima Harite, Head, Asia Pacific Corporate Citizenship, Lenovo:
“With India on track to become a $10 trillion economy by 2030, addressing the skills gap is crucial. At Lenovo, skill-based volunteering empowers communities while offering employees hands-on professional development.”
Emerging Trends in Skill-Based Volunteering
The sector continues to evolve with:
- Virtual volunteering, enabling professionals to offer expertise remotely.
- Long-term engagement, ensuring sustained impact.
- Structured corporate volunteer programs, aligning with broader CSR goals.
These initiatives allow corporates to measure impact in tangible terms, while NGOs can develop more effective programs.
Driving Social Change Through Volunteering
Skill-based volunteering enables professionals to:
- Support NGOs with specialized knowledge.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration.
- Contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals.
With its mutual benefits for students, corporates, and NGOs, this model is shaping India’s future workforce while creating a lasting social impact.
