The job market in India took a massive hit with the onset of COVID-19 pandemic, leaving students uncertain about their future. Fresh college graduates were filled with anxiety amid the pandemic when pay cuts, layoffs, closure of many businesses and companies made headlines.
However, the festive season finally seems like light at the end of this very long tunnel as markets opened up and sales thrive amid signs of a weakening COVID-19. The hiring activity, which was reduced by 15 per cent in April 2021 as per reports by Naukri.com, is gradually catching up pace. The clear reason for this is that companies hire interns and employees in their core teams with an increase in their ad spends and sales during festive season.
The festive season is at its peak from September to December in India and drives robust hiring across sectors like E-commerce, automobiles, BFSI (Banking, financial services, and insurance), real estate, hospitality, food, and retail. This makes the festive season an ideal time for students to apply for internships and jobs.
While the country seems to recover from a long pandemic phase, consumer brands are pulling up to capture consumer sentiments to boost sales and profits. Also, brands have sought to engage in 'revenge spending' knowing the pent-up demand from end-consumers that the pandemic had created. This makes this festive season a perfect opportunity for students to look for internships and gradually secure a job in the market.
Opportunities across sectors in festive season
For retail industry, the festive season in India results in a significant rise in shopping across the domestic market which creates demand for talented workforce that can handle sales at a massive level. So,the retail sector undoubtedly sees opportunities for hiring and recruitment currently.
A recent survey by Manpower Group revealed that among 3000 employers, nearly 64 per cent would be eyeing to expand their recruitment during the last two quarters of this year. There is an increasing shortage of talent as markets bounce back so students can easily leverage this opportunity. Similarly, there is a plethora of opportunities waiting for students and fresh graduates in the E-commerce sector.
The writer is Dr Pankaj Sharma, Director Admissions, JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur