Navigating Tomorrow’s Tech Jobs: AlmaBetter’s Path to Future-Proofed Education
CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Shivam Dutta, Co-founder & CEO, AlmaBetter.
1.What is AlmaBetter Innovarsity and what is the thought behind launching it?
In September 2020, we embarked on a journey with AlmaBetter, aiming to empower the country’s future tech workforce and ensure their financial independence, regardless of their educational or financial backgrounds. Over the past three years, we have successfully facilitated the placement of 3000 learners in prestigious companies. AlmaBetter Innovarsity is a natural progression of this vision, representing our commitment to provide accessible and affordable education to aspiring individuals nationwide. This innovative autonomous institute has been conceived to address the evolving challenges within the tech industry. As dedicated educators, we recognize the increasing importance of higher education and the demand for dynamic learning environments. Through AlmaBetter Innovarsity, our aspiration is to contribute to the development of a technologically proficient nation, where learners and the nation mutually advance amidst the ongoing disruptions in the tech sector.
- What all courses will AlmaBetter Innovarsity offer? Any specific offerings that will help professionals and students prepare for the current and emerging technology landscape?
In today’s rapidly evolving landscape, new-age technologies are asserting their dominance globally. In such a dynamic scenario, it becomes increasingly crucial for both aspiring individuals and professionals to proactively stay at the forefront. With this in consideration, in collaboration with Woolf, we have meticulously designed a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, enriched with four distinct specializations. Learners will have the opportunity to select from specialized fields including Data Science and Data Analytics, Machine Learning and AI, Software Engineering, and Cloud Computing. Our curriculum has been strategically revamped to furnish learners with the expertise needed to thrive beyond the ChatGPT era, enabling them to tackle specialized, lucrative roles in the tech industry.
- How is the new masters degree going to address the increasing demand for new-age tech professionals in the country?
I recently came across a Nasscom report indicating an anticipated addition of up to 300,000 employees to the tech industry in the upcoming year, taking the total workforce in this sector to 5.4 million. Recognizing the magnitude of this figure, our Master’s Degree in Computer Science strives to make a substantial contribution. Enrolled learners will undergo comprehensive training to tackle real-world challenges, effectively addressing the present industry requisites. Additionally, our partnership with Woolf enables them to attain an international degree, opening doors to potential employment and immigration prospects in countries such as the UK, US, and Canada.
4.Please explain what outcome based education means and how does it benefit the students?
When learners place their trust and make financial investments in their education, their objectives extend beyond mere learning; they seek to achieve financial autonomy and advancement in their careers. As we embarked on the journey of establishing AlmaBetter, we were acutely mindful of the challenges faced by today’s youth and aspiring tech professionals. Unlike many existing training programs that primarily focus on accumulating knowledge, we recognized the need for curricula designed with a clear result-oriented purpose.
At AlmaBetter, our approach stands apart. We have implemented a pay-after-placement job assurance model, which empowers learners to fully engage in the training experience and actively pursue a path towards a high-growth career. This model not only addresses the immediate needs of learners but also aligns their education with tangible outcomes, fostering a dynamic learning environment that propels them toward success.
- What are some upcoming trends or challenges in the education industry, and how is AlmaBetter adapting to them?
A significant challenge within the education sector is the prevailing lack of transparency and concrete outcomes, particularly in higher education. Conventional educational institutions often provide incomplete knowledge that fails to lead to meaningful employment or substantial career prospects over time. Through our Master’s degree, we have successfully bridged this gap by providing inclusive, cost-effective, and worldwide educational prospects to leaners hailing from diverse regions, backgrounds, and life experiences. Our commitment involves nurturing learners to confidently embrace specialized technological positions, arming them with the skills to leverage the potential of cutting-edge technologies.
- Are there any plans to introduce new courses or partnerships in the future?
Numerous initiatives are currently in progress to highlight specialized programs that aim to educate, empower, and uplift the forthcoming tech workforce. Our unwavering dedication revolves around providing unparalleled education to our learners, with the ultimate goal of guiding them to realize their utmost capabilities.
