As hiring shifts away from degrees to real, usable skills, colleges are under pressure to rethink how they prepare students for work. Employers now expect fresh graduates to be ready from day one, not just academically sound but comfortable with real tasks, tools and decisions. In an interview with EduKida, Bhuwaneshwari B, Executive Vice President at Tally Education, talks about where classrooms are falling short, why practical learning is no longer optional, and how closer ties between industry and academia can help students build stronger, more direct paths to jobs.

Q1. The job market today seems to value skills more than just degrees. How do you see this shift changing the way educational institutions prepare students for work?
The shift from degrees to skills is a very positive development for both students and employers. Traditionally, many graduates entered the workforce only to realize that there was a gap between what they had learned in college and what their jobs actually required. A skills-focused approach helps students become job-ready much earlier by equipping them with practical capabilities alongside academic knowledge.

However, this shift also requires educational institutions to evolve. Many institutions are now actively building partnerships with industry to ensure students gain exposure to real business environments while they are still studying. Skill-based certifications, hands-on learning modules, and industry-aligned curricula are becoming increasingly important.

By integrating practical learning into formal education, institutions can ensure that students graduate not only with a degree but also with the competencies required to succeed in modern workplaces.

Q2. From your experience at Tally Education, what are the biggest gaps between what students learn in college and what employers actually expect?
One of the most significant gaps is the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world situations. While many students graduate with a solid understanding of concepts, they often lack exposure to how those concepts function in practical business environments.
For instance, commerce students may study accounting principles extensively but may not have hands-on experience performing fundamental tasks such as preparing a trial balance, maintaining books of accounts, or working with accounting software. Employers, however, expect graduates to be able to contribute from day one.
Bridging this gap requires a stronger emphasis on practical training. Integrating simulations, real business case studies, and hands-on exposure to industry tools within academic programs can significantly improve students’ readiness for the workplace.

Q3. Practical learning is becoming more important. How can internships, industry projects, and hands-on training improve employability for young graduates?
Practical exposure plays a crucial role in shaping employability and allow students to experience the realities of the workplace before they formally enter the job market. These opportunities help students understand how businesses function, how teams collaborate, and how theoretical concepts translate into operational decisions. They also build confidence and professional skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Industry participation is particularly important in this process. When companies share real business scenarios, data, and practical insights, students gain a deeper understanding of the challenges they will encounter in their careers. This makes the transition from education to employment much smoother.

Q4. Accounting and financial literacy are often seen as niche skills. Why do you believe these skills are now important for students across different fields?
Accounting and financial literacy are no longer niche skills reserved for commerce professionals; they are becoming essential life and career competencies. Regardless of the field, most individuals engage with financial decisions, whether it is managing project budgets, evaluating the feasibility of an idea, or understanding the financial implications of business choices.

For example, a technology professional developing a product must understand costs, pricing models, and revenue expectations, while entrepreneurs need to assess financial viability before launching new ventures. In today’s interconnected business environment, this financial awareness helps individuals make more informed and responsible decisions.

Beyond the workplace, financial literacy also plays an important role in personal financial planning — from managing savings and investments to making long-term financial decisions. Integrating these skills into mainstream education can therefore equip students across disciplines with the ability to understand financial outcomes, manage resources effectively, and make sustainable decisions in both their professional and personal lives.

Q6. Many students in Tier II and Tier III cities struggle to access quality skilling opportunities. What steps can institutions and skilling platforms take to bridge this gap?
Students in smaller cities often face challenges such as limited access to specialized faculty, advanced training infrastructure, and industry exposure. Technology has emerged as a powerful enabler in bridging this gap. Online learning platforms and digital classrooms now allow students to learn from expert educators regardless of their location. For example, a student in Delhi can attend a session delivered by a taxation expert based in Bengaluru, while learners in the Northeast can access training conducted from Hyderabad.
Blended learning models are also gaining traction. In these models, students gather in physical classrooms while the teaching is delivered digitally by subject-matter experts. This approach ensures consistent quality of education while maintaining the benefits of a classroom learning environment.

Q7. Tally is widely used by businesses in India. How does training on real workplace tools help students become job ready faster?
In many organizations, automation and digital transformation begin with the finance and accounting functions. As a result, accounting software and digital financial tools have become essential components of everyday business operations. Training students on widely used workplace platforms gives them a significant advantage. When learners become familiar with the tools businesses actually use, they can transition into professional roles more seamlessly.

This kind of practical exposure helps students understand not only the software itself but also the broader business processes associated with accounting, compliance, and financial management. As a result, employers can onboard such candidates more quickly, and students can contribute productively from the start.

Q8. Collaboration between academia and industry is often discussed but not always implemented well. What practical steps can help strengthen this partnership?
Effective collaboration between academia and industry requires structured and continuous engagement rather than occasional interactions. Industry has deep insights into evolving business needs, technology adoption, and workforce skill requirements. For example, organizations that work closely with millions of businesses have a strong understanding of how companies operate and the competencies employers seek in candidates. Sharing these insights with educational institutions can help shape curricula that reflect real-world demands.

Practical initiatives such as joint curriculum design, guest lectures by industry experts, internship programs, and collaborative research projects can significantly strengthen this partnership. When industry and academia work together closely, students benefit from education that is both academically sound and professionally relevant.

Q9. With more than 3,500 partners in its ecosystem, how is Tally Education working with colleges and employers to build stronger career pathways for students?
A strong partner ecosystem plays a critical role in expanding access to quality skilling opportunities. With thousands of partners across the country, Tally Education is able to reach learners in both metropolitan cities and smaller towns. Through standardized curriculum frameworks, structured training methodologies, and consistent learning content, the platform ensures that students across regions receive the same quality of education and skill development.

This ecosystem approach helps create equitable access to career opportunities and ensures that geography does not become a barrier to learning or employability.

Q10. Placement outcomes are a major concern for students and parents. What factors have helped Tally Education achieve a 75 percent placement success rate?
Strong placement outcomes are the result of effectively connecting skilled learners with relevant employment opportunities. Tally Education focuses on building this connection through multiple initiatives. Dedicated job portals allow employers to post vacancies while enabling students to apply directly for roles that match their skills. In addition, job fairs, placement drives, and recruitment events bring employers and candidates together on a common platform.

Equally important is preparing students for the hiring process. Bootcamps and training sessions focus on communication skills, personality development, and interview preparation, ensuring that students are confident and ready to present themselves effectively to potential employers.

Q11. Looking ahead, what skills do you think students will need most in the next five to ten years to stay relevant in the job market?
In the coming decade, the most critical skill will be the ability to learn, reskill, upskill, and adapt. Technology is evolving rapidly, and business models are changing at an unprecedented pace. Professionals will need to remain curious, flexible, and open to acquiring new skills throughout their careers. Alongside technical expertise, skills such as problem-solving, digital literacy, collaboration, and critical thinking will become increasingly important. Ultimately, those who embrace lifelong learning and adapt to change will be best positioned to thrive in the evolving job market.

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