The digital world is set to lead to an explosion of 500 per cent increase in jobs by 2018. Spurred by disruptive changes in business models, even end user businesses would transform, taking into account new digital technologies, rapidly transforming the employment landscape, as predicted by a Gartner Report. Today, mobile technologies, user experiences and data sciences (or big data) are driving businesses. Consequently, some of the most in-demand skills and domains are connected to smart machines, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, integration specialisation, digital business architecture, nanotechnology, wearable technology, et al.

Given the current scenario, careers in domains such as IoT, nanotechnology, industrial design, robotics, tech innovations, cyber law, intellectual property rights, urban planning, modern architecture, interior design, disaster management, automotive design, aerospace, etc, can be considered for long-term investments in education. Consequently, academic programmes, leading to the skill sets corresponding to above areas, hold immense potential and are primed to grow globally (including India) in the years ahead.

Closer home, there are a number of Government initiatives such as the Smart Cities, Digital India, Make in India, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, 24/7 Power for All, among others. These programmes are poised to ramp up infrastructure development across the country, which will require a trained talent pool of human resources for varied verticals.

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Generation Z looks for lot of interactive e-learning. Institutions which cater to an environment of e-learning, would have a better image compared to others. Among others, it is important to note how institutes support employability through say focus on communication skills, life skills, aptitude training and most important placement assistance.

An institute with a learning environment and support may take you closer to the goal. Institutes which are closely connected with industry and have autonomy to upgrade curriculum, also offer appropriate upgradation, industry inputs and support for training of students by experts, which is invaluable. Additionally, the quality of faculty is critical to ascertain the quality of teaching. Without the former, the latter is impossible. Besides these, campus facilities are equally important so that students and the faculty do not fret about discomfort levels.

To identify good universities, students should check past records. The ability of institutions to place students in worthwhile openings and the kind of recruiters and companies that come to their campus are good indicators of reputed entities. Official recognition and accreditations, domestic as well as global, and the number, type and spread of courses are also significant benchmarks about the quality and standing of institutions. Those with multi-disciplinary courses naturally attract the best companies to their campus, boosting the placement prospects of students. Accordingly, students should note all the above parameters to ascertain career paths they select stand them in good stead throughout their lifetimes.