AMCHAM study reveals more recruits from Arts and Science colleges

Chennai, Sep 17 (UNI) A study conducted by the American Chamber of Commerce in India (AMCHAM) has revealed that there has been a significant increase in the number of recruits from Arts and Science Colleges in Tamil Nadu, while an overwhelming number of faculty favoured campus placements ''only in the final semester.'' The study was conducted by AMCHAM and Hewitt, a global HR consulting and outsourcing firm, on the recruits made by member companies of AMCHAM, all US based firms, in Tamil Nadu.

The study covered 50 AMCHAM member companies ranging from manufacturing to IT and BPO, and over 40 educational institutions, including engineering, arts and science and polytechnics, on the topic 'employment situation and industry-academia perceptions and expectations.' Releasing the findings at a press conference here today, AMCHEM Chairman R Ramkumar and Secretary Aubrey Daniels said the study has thrown fresh light on the employment situation and industry-academia perceptions in the state.

The study revealed that the member companies of AMCHAM had directly enmployed over 50,000 professionals in 2006 and 2007 and the campus recruitment constituted the bulk of annual hiring, indicating that the companies were 'creating and moulding' talent in the state.

Nurturing talent from campuses increasingly seems to be the preferred option than recruiting laterally, the study said and pointed out that while Engineering graduates account for the largest number of campus recruits, there has been a significant increase in the number of recruits from Arts and Science colleges.

''Monetary rewards'' ranks fifth in the order of student expectations from their employers -- the top four being rich learning experience, practical exposure, work-life balance, and diversity in experience, the study said and added that there has been a significant gap between the industry and faculty perception of students' skills.

However, it could be bridged by industry-academia partnerships and other similar interventions.

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