IT companies foray into technical education

The 115 crore campus that Cognizant is building in Chennai will also witness one of the biggest training centers for its staff. Infosys also announced its intentions to build one of the country's biggest training centers sometime back while revealing the company's investment plans in Chennai. That these IT majors are constantly seeking to strategically align with premier engineering institutions is no secret. The campus of today is bustling with activities - thanks to sponsors with big pockets; there is quiz, seminars, GDs not only among the final years. The quest to recieve endorsement and funds from corporates have forced most of the premier institutes to expose even first year students. The bottom line is that majority of these students are deprived of sufficient insight into future prospects with regard to any other field. The constant urge to outpace peers, both in getting placement in a company enjoying high brand equity and high pay package, has caused many students to overlook their core competence and undertake routine work in IT companies.

From an industry perspective, the top performing prospective is still elusive and even if he is available, he charges a premium. And, once in, what's the guarantee he/she will stay? With intense competition to "bond" with students even at the commencement of their course, the scope for companies seems to heading to a dead-end. There is also dearth for teachers who are industry ready and has the potential to impart lessons relevant to the industry. In such a scenario, days aren't far when an Infosys or Cognizant will begin a Software Engineering Academy. Or, there would be a crash course for students after XII say for 2 years, opening new vistas. The IT world is unpredictable...