Latest news with #EdTech
Forbes
3 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Why The Hidden Job Market Might Be The Key To Your Next Tech Job
Dr. Kyle Elliott, tech career coach, interview coach, and trusted confidant to Silicon Valley's top talent via Following mass layoffs in the tech industry, there's more competition for fewer open roles today. This means recruiters must often sort through hundreds, or even thousands, of job applications to fill a single requisition. One way to slim the pile? Turn to candidates they already know. This is where the hidden job market comes in. The hidden job market refers to roles that are never formally advertised online. Instead, they're often secured through networking or referrals. As a career coach who specializes in tech, I'll add that it's a common industry practice to "hide" roles by making them available only to internal candidates. While stats vary on how many roles are never posted publicly, I've seen firsthand how learning to navigate backdoor channels can dramatically improve job search outcomes. Let's look at two recent, real-life client examples that show how tapping into the hidden job market can help you land your next tech role faster. First, an executive client at an EdTech startup was looking to fill an operations leadership role. Before posting the position online, he reached out to his network for referrals, and, based on the number and quality of responses, he never ended up posting it at all. Next, a senior finance leader client was looking for a role at a Fortune 100 tech company. One of her former managers happened to be hiring for a position that perfectly aligned with her background. While the role was technically posted online, and she completed the full interview process, the hiring manager had already mentally slotted her into the job before interviews even began. So, how exactly do you tap into this hidden job market? Here are three of my top strategies: 1. Stay in touch with your network. Don't wait until you need your network before you reach out. Keeping in regular contact with former managers, colleagues, clients and vendors helps you stay top of mind when new opportunities arise. I often encourage my clients to set aside a weekly or monthly block of time for networking. This doesn't have to be complicated. Just make a simple list of key people you want to stay connected with and check in with a few during each block. 2. Build relationships with executive headhunters and recruiters. Executive headhunters (who often represent multiple companies) and internal recruiters (who work inside your target companies) should be on your networking radar. As you move up the career ladder, you'll find that more roles are confidentially sourced and never publicly posted, making relationships with hiring professionals critical. If you're not actively job hunting, you can check in every six months to share a brief update on your recent wins. Then, once you're on the market, you can send a targeted message outlining your goals and timeline. 3. Join professional communities. If you're looking to expand your network, you should join communities that align with your identity or industry. Many roles are shared in these spaces long before they hit job boards, if they ever do at all. If you identify as LGBTQ+, for example, look for communities of LGBTQ+ professionals. If you're a product leader, seek out Slack or Discord groups for people in your field. One silver lining of the Covid-19 pandemic is the explosion of online communities, which has made networking easier than ever. Conclusion Learning to navigate the hidden job market isn't a silver bullet for landing your next tech role, but it can help you stay top of mind when opportunities become available. Consider integrating one (or all) of these strategies into your job search. You've got this! Forbes Coaches Council is an invitation-only community for leading business and career coaches. Do I qualify?
Entrepreneur
4 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
India's EdTech Sector Rebounds as VC Activity Regains Momentum
A joint IAMAI–Grant Thornton Bharat report estimates the sector's value is projected to grow at 25.8 per cent CAGR, reaching nearly USD 29 billion by 2030. It further estimates that EdTech's share of India's GDP will quadruple, from 0.1 per cent in 2020 to approximately 0.4 per cent by 2029. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. You're reading Entrepreneur India, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media. India's EdTech ecosystem has swung back into focus for venture capitalists, steadily emerging from a funding winter with recalibrated emphasis on resilience, scalability, and profitability. A joint IAMAI–Grant Thornton Bharat report estimates the sector's value is projected to grow at 25.8 per cent CAGR, reaching nearly USD 29 billion by 2030. It further estimates that EdTech's share of India's GDP will quadruple, from 0.1 per cent in 2020 to approximately 0.4 per cent by 2029. HolonIQ further notes global EdTech funding dropped to USD 2.4 billion, its lowest since 2014, with early‑stage deals rising modestly while megadeals shrank sharply. Although overall funding remained constrained, marquee investments helped reshape expectations: Physics Wallah, valued at approximately USD 2.8B, raised a USD 210 million round in early 2025 and subsequently received SEBI approval to raise INR 4,000 crore (~USD 480 million ) via IPO. GyanDhan, an education-financing startup, secured INR 50 crore (~USD 6 million) in mid‑2025 from Classplus and Pravega Ventures, highlighting growing VC interest in financial access models beyond direct learning platforms. Broader VC sentiment remains cautious yet optimistic: Bain & Company's India VC Report 2025 reported a recovery in overall VC investment to USD 13.7 billion in 2024, with early- and mid-stage deal volumes rising 45 per cent year-on-year alongside a rebound in mega-rounds, albeit at more conservative valuations. India's fast‑growing demand for upskilling, K‑12 hybrid delivery, and regionally localized content is reshaping investment flows. Meanwhile, education-financing startups such as GyanDhan are drawing VC dollars, signaling broader interest in ecosystem playbooks beyond traditional tuition models. Manish Agarwal, Senior Director, PrepInsta, said that India's EdTech industry is at an exciting crossroads. With increasing smartphone penetration, affordable internet, and rising demand for upskilling, the future will be defined by how well we integrate emerging technologies into education. "AI and personalised learning are at the forefront. Educational platforms are increasingly adopting AI to create custom learning paths based on individual progress, aptitude, and career interests. This allows for more effective learning and better engagement," said Agarwal. "Gamification and immersive tech like Augmented Reality AR and Virtual Reality VR are likely to play a larger role. These tools can create hands-on learning experiences that simulate real-world applications, especially useful for areas like coding, engineering, and soft skills training. Imagine students practising coding or aptitude in a virtual environment that feels like a real job simulation—this can bridge the gap between learning and industry needs," added Agarwal. A recent IAMAI survey found 94 per cent of teachers and 69 per cent of parents believe EdTech is bridging geographical education divides. India's education-innovation infrastructure is also expanding: as of early 2025, 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs and 72 Atal Incubation Centres have been established across schools and institutions, seeding grassroots innovation (many in EdTech), mentorship and entrepreneurship networks. With key IPOs (like Physics Wallah) in progress, the coming quarters may signal a broader late‑stage capital revival. Bain & Company notes, India's VC landscape is heating up again, riding on improved macro conditions and the maturation of high-profile assets.
Hans India
01-08-2025
- Business
- Hans India
UGC cracks down on unrecognised int'l collaborations by HEIs, EdTech firms
Hyderabad: The University Grants Commission (UGC) recently took action against unrecognised collaborative agreements between Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and foreign educational providers, including those facilitated by EdTech companies. This decision has caused concern among several students who have already enrolled in online courses. N. Vinit Kumar from Hyderabad, who has completed a in Computer Science, enrolled in the Cognitive Sciences program, taking credit courses in Cognitive Neuropsychology and Neurolinguistics. He aims to explore a multidisciplinary area that intersects perception, language, and artificial intelligence. 'It helps me understand the intricacies of Large Language Models and training,' he added. While SWAYAM and NPTEL do offer some courses, the specific interdisciplinary areas provided by foreign HEIs on EdTech platforms offer a competitive advantage. Srivalli S. from Visakhapatnam noted that she completed her BA in Mathematics and now wishes to branch out into Data Science and AI. However, the UGC directive has come as a shock for many students like her who cannot afford to pursue regular courses that require attendance in physical classes. The UGC directive follows an earlier notice dated December 12, 2023, relating to academic collaborations and foreign campuses under its 2022 and 2023 regulations. The UGC has observed a surge in unauthorised twinning, joint degree, and dual degree programs, some of which are promoted through misleading advertisements by EdTech firms via newspapers, social media, and television. 'These arrangements often involve institutions not approved by the Commission, resulting in degrees that hold no legal or academic validity within India,' it warned. The Commission further cautioned that such practices violate existing regulatory frameworks and pose a serious risk to students' academic and career prospects. Students enrolled in these programs are warned that the degrees obtained through these collaborations are not recognised, and any investment in such programs is made at their own risk. Furthermore, the UGC stated that legal action will be initiated against defaulting HEIs and EdTech entities under applicable laws and regulations. Institutions found to be complicit may face penalties ranging from derecognition to legal prosecution. The Commission emphasised the importance of academic integrity and urged all stakeholders to uphold standards that align with national education policies. As part of its regulatory mission, the UGC continues to monitor education-related partnerships to ensure that Indian academic institutions maintain credibility and offer quality-assured programs. 'The move also aims to curb the commodification of education and protect students from misleading international affiliations that lack academic merit.' However, at the same time, there is not a single state university in Telangana or Andhra Pradesh that offers even basic courses such as History of Science. This absence makes it difficult for students to comprehend how different branches of science have evolved over the past 100 years. Speaking to The Hans India, a former senior official of the erstwhile Telangana State Council of Higher Education (TSCHE), now reconstituted as TGCHE, said, 'There are several courses available in the Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, as well as Science and Technology streams, but students are not gaining foundational knowledge. This lack of foundation leaves them confused in making informed decisions about choosing courses at the intersection of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences, and Technology.'
Hans India
31-07-2025
- Business
- Hans India
HCLTech and Pearson Partner to Accelerate Skills Development, Advance Careers and Bridge the Global Skills Gap in the AI Era
Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, and HCLTech, a global technology company, today announced a multi-year strategic partnership to accelerate the transformation of learning, skills and workforce readiness in an AI-driven world. The partnership combines Pearson's global expertise and scale in learning and assessment with HCLTech's strengths in digital transformation, product engineering, and AI. Together, the companies will co-develop AI-powered products and services designed to close skills gaps, empower individuals to advance their careers, and help organizations adapt and succeed amid rapid technological change. Pearson will leverage HCLTech's engineering and professional services capabilities — including its GenAI platform, AI Force, and its EdTech platform, Career Shaper™— to expand and enhance AI-powered learning programs, assessments, and workforce analytics. These capabilities will help prepare people for the future of work across enterprises, higher education and government.. In addition, Pearson's AI-powered learning and assessment tools will be embedded across HCLTech's internal HR ecosystem. This includes structured learning pathways, verified credentials through Credly, along with Pearson's Faethm AI platform for talent design, development, and career progression. Pearson and HCLTech will collaborate across three strategic pillars: · Go-to-market acceleration: The companies will collaborate on developing learning and assessment products while co-innovating and scaling delivery through digital engineering. Together, they will deliver AI-powered learning and workforce solutions for enterprise clients, with a focus on high-demand sectors across key global markets. · AI innovation lab: A dedicated AI Tech Lab will serve as the engine room for joint innovation, where Pearson and HCLTech will co-develop next-generation learning products powered by GenAI and built on HCLTech's Career Shaper™ platform. · Strategic talent design: Pearson and HCLTech will leverage their combined talent design and assessment capabilities to deliver actionable workforce insights. These will help organizations align learning investments with business strategy, reduce skill gaps, and future-proof their talent pipelines. Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh said: 'Workers and employers around the world continue to be challenged by the rise of AI in the workplace. This is causing a growing skills gap that needs our attention quickly. Together with HCLTech, we will equip people with the AI-driven learning tools and the skills that help them navigate continuous change and build successful, resilient careers.' 'This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in our relationship with Pearson,' said C Vijayakumar, CEO & Managing Director of HCLTech. 'As GenAI and digital engineering redefine what's possible in education and workforce development, we are thrilled to expand this collaboration globally. Together, we have a unique opportunity to create transformative learning experiences and unlock competitive advantages for learners and institutions around the world.' This partnership represents a step forward in advancing Pearson's commitment to integrating AI across its products and accelerating the execution of its enterprise skilling strategy. It also underscores Pearson's focus on working with strategic partners that share a vision to drive joint innovation, value, and growth.
Khaleej Times
30-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah offers Dh500,000 award to two tech startups to help innovate schools
The Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) is calling on innovators from around the world to help shape the future of learning through its 7th edition Access Sharjah Challenge (ASC). The competition will award two winning startups an equity-free grant of Dh250,000 each with the invaluable opportunity to pilot their solutions in four leading educational institutions in Sharjah. With the UAE's EdTech sector projected to grow at six per cent annually through 2030, fuelled by the nation's drive to build a knowledge-focused society and to advance skills in the age of AI and technological progress, strategic and purpose-driven support for innovators within this important industry is essential for the future. Two key challenges identified The first, the 'Future-Ready Skills Challenge', seeks innovative solutions to equip students with essential digital literacy, computational thinking, critical analysis, and foundational soft skills. This addresses the pressing need highlighted by the World Economic Forum, which predicts that 85 per cent of the jobs in 2030 haven't been invented yet, demanding adaptability far beyond rote learning. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. The second, the 'Arabic in Early Childhood Challenge', focuses on instilling a deep, meaningful connection with the Arabic language during the critical nursery and early primary years. It calls for engaging, age-appropriate solutions that foster fluency, cultural appreciation, and a genuine love for the language. The challenge offers a compelling proposition for serious education innovators with a total equity-free grant pool of Dh500,000. Two winning startups will each receive Dh250,000, coupled with the invaluable opportunity to pilot their proven solutions across four leading institutions — Alsedra Private School, Khalifah Al Hamzah American School, Pakistan Islamia Higher Secondary School, and Al Badee Nursery. At its core, ASC 2025 is a powerful engine for multi-directional knowledge exchange and skill development, and as global entrepreneurs prepare to present their cutting-edge technology and fresh perspectives to be implemented within Sharjah's diverse educational landscape, Sheraa will be there to guide them on every step of the journey. Strategic investment in education technology ASC 2025 represents a strategic investment in knowledge exchange, skill development, and the co-creation of future-ready learning environments, and invites both local and global innovators to partner with Sharjah's educational ecosystem and propel this legacy further. Sheraa, established to empower entrepreneurs and position Sharjah as a hub for meaningful innovation, has strategically designated Education Technology (EdTech) as one of its core Centres of Excellence. This focus directly addresses the emirate's commitment to enhancing learning outcomes, equipping students for an uncertain future shaped by rapid technological change, and nurturing cultural identity and pride. Building on Sharjah's strong educational foundation which encompasses some of the leading universities and institutions in the region, and also evidenced by its private schools achieving an average score of 519 in the 2021 'Progress in International Reading Literacy Study' (PIRLS), exceeding international benchmarks, ASC 2025 zeroes in on two critical and co-defined priorities in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) and Sharjah Education Academy (SEA).
