In a bold proclamation, Zoho CEO Sridhar Vembu emphasises the company’s commitment to prioritising skills over formal degrees. He points out that a plethora of young professionals are flourishing without college credentials and advocates for a substantial reevaluation of how talent is assessed by parents and employers alike.
Co-founder and CEO of Zoho, Sridhar Vembu, has articulated that the company does not mandate a college degree for any of its positions.
This declaration was made in a recent post on X, where he called upon Indian parents and enterprises to reconsider their perspectives on higher education and recruitment practices.
Vembu asserted that this philosophy is emblematic of a broader cultural transformation occurring globally. More young individuals are opting for practical skills and hands-on experience, eschewing the costly pursuit of degrees.
Vembu Advocates for Skills Over Degrees
In his post on X, Vembu noted that a significant number of astute young Americans are now eschewing college altogether.
He further remarked that “progressive employers” are progressively embracing this paradigm, recruiting individuals based on skills rather than academic qualifications.
He argued that this paradigm shift will empower young adults to avoid burdensome student debt and attain financial autonomy at an earlier age. In his view, this evolution could bear profound implications for societal, cultural, and even political realms in the future.
He stated, “This represents genuine youth empowerment, enabling young individuals to stand independently, all without incurring substantial debt for a degree.”
Vembu urged Indian parents, high school students, and major corporations to “attend to” this burgeoning trend.
Zoho’s Policy on Degree Requirements
Vembu clarified that Zoho upholds a stringent internal guideline stipulating that no position necessitates a degree.
Should a manager list a job requiring such credentials, the HR department reaches out with a courteous request to eliminate the requirement.
Zoho seeks to centre hiring practices on skills, passion, and a propensity for growth.
This approach has been deeply ingrained in Zoho’s ethos for years, particularly through the Zoho Schools of Learning program, which equips young individuals with skills immediately after they complete their schooling.
Young Professionals Thriving at Zoho
He mentioned his close collaboration with a technical team in which the median age is a mere 19.
According to him, their “exuberance and can-do attitude” serve as a profound source of inspiration, compelling him to maintain pace with their dynamism.
This observation, he suggested, underscores the potential for young individuals to learn and evolve rapidly in the absence of formal degree requirements, provided they are afforded appropriate opportunities.
Abhinav covers the intersection of defence, space, and AI for WION News, adeptly distilling complex topics into lucid and engaging narratives. With a solid background in digital storytelling.
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