As the 2024 elections loom on the horizon, the need for positive change in our country becomes ever more apparent. Amid discussions about national development, it is crucial to recognize that any reform or transformation begins from within ourselves. We, as individuals, need to uplift and develop ourselves, steering away from contributing to the ongoing brain drain that plagues our nation. With a heartfelt concern for my students, I find it imperative to address the root causes of the challenges many graduates face, emphasizing the importance of personal development and branding.

The primary root cause of the challenges faced by many students post-graduation lies in a sense of entitlement to unearned privileges. A crucial factor contributing to this issue is the lack of proper guidance during the early stages of academic and professional life. This compels me to share a personal anecdote to highlight the importance of early struggles and personal development, drawing from my experiences during my Master's degree.

Starting my work life in 2013 at Soorty Enterprises with a factory job managing inventory, I soon realized that a factory work life did not align with my aspirations. Transitioning to the engineering sector, I served in a procurement capacity for a year and a half as a contractual employee. Despite the financial stability provided by my father's business in leather goods, my desire for independence fueled my determination to pay my own course fees and raise my pocket money. Engaging in blog writing, I continued earning income and enjoyed the sense of self-sufficiency.

I always had a business mind and a thirst for independency, as I created my first website in grade 7th using a free hosting server and Microsoft FrontPage. Generating income through integrating my personal website with BidVertiser marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial spirit. Subsequently, in 2016 I joined the electronics industry, and sustained my career while pursuing studies. However, grappling with the demands of balancing work commitments and academic responsibilities, after almost three years of service I eventually made the decision to resign from my job.

Following my resignation, I was determined not to depend on my father's financial support and aimed to demonstrate my ability to stand by my decision. To ensure financial independence during this phase, I made a complete shift to content writing—an adaptable avenue that enabled me to sustain myself while also concentrating on my educational goals. During this time, I found myself passionate about health and well-being, leading me to start a personal blog with 5000+ followers. However, I made a bad move to discontinue the blog in 2018, as I perceived that it was not providing the direction or progress I sought in my journey. Sometimes, we wrongly judge situations, and when proper guidance is lacking, we may end up making decisions that lead to unfavorable outcomes.

Upon entering the education sector in 2019, I became acutely aware of the widespread confusion among students regarding their future paths and personal development. Despite many being on the right trajectory towards a professional career, I couldn't shake the feeling that something crucial was absent—an inspiration for being "self-made." In addition, it was evident that students were grappling with uncertainty about their future paths and were unsure about what steps to take in developing their professional careers. The young generation appeared to be less self-reliant and goal-oriented in this regard. This recognition inspired me to conduct research, emphasizing the significance of "personal development" for students and recent graduates, supported by the concept of "self-branding." This swiftly evolved into a mission to inspire the younger generation and extend support in any way possible. Since that moment, I found myself inseparable from the education sector.

So, let's delve into the concept behind personal branding. Understanding personal brand, as defined by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos – "Your personal brand is what other people say about you when you’re not in the room," becomes the cornerstone of my advocacy.

Why is personal branding crucial for students? It strengthens your visual image, instills trust in recruiters, and puts you in charge of your digital footprint. By maintaining consistency in online content, and showcasing passion, you make it easier for HR managers to invest in you. It helps you reach your goals by creating positive first impressions and fostering professional relationships. Yet, achieving this isn't about boasting or presenting filtered snapshots of your life. It requires a genuine narrative, a testament to your life's accomplishments that reflects your inner dedication and unwavering consistency.

Moreover, personal branding aids in defining your "Why," emphasizing the importance of identifying core values and passions. As a student, connecting with like-minded individuals contributes significantly to personal growth. Authenticity plays a pivotal role in personal branding, fostering trust between you and your audience.

Young graduates must understand the importance of personal branding, dispelling limiting beliefs, and recognizing that success goes beyond academic achievements. If we genuinely desire positive change and productive reform, we must start from within by altering our mindset, which shapes our aspirations. If we cannot succeed in this country, there is no guarantee that we can be successful outside of it.

Another poignant concern is the impact of 'failed parenting strategies' on the young generation. Raised with the notion of being special without necessarily earning it, many youngsters face a harsh reality upon entering the workforce. The emphasis on self-esteem has led to lower confidence levels and a distorted sense of entitlement. A mere good CGPA does not guarantee success. The focus should shift from accolades to developing a strong work ethic and a genuine passion for one's chosen path.

This brings me to another significant issue in this context. In today's social media-dominated world, the presentation of curated, filtered lives contributes to a false sense of reality. Rather than promoting such a mindset we must promote the utilization of social media productively to showcase genuine milestones achieved through dedication and honesty. Success stories often involve struggle and perseverance, emphasizing the need for a compelling back story.

Here's the unfolding scenario: Individuals graduate, secure a job, and swiftly transition into the real world. In this abrupt shift, they confront the stark reality that their uniqueness is not enough, financial advantages can't secure promotions, and there are no rewards for finishing last. The notion that desires can be fulfilled just by wanting them is dispelled. Instantaneously, their entire self-image shatters. Consequently, we witness a generation growing up with lower self-esteem compared to previous ones.

There's a timeless adage that goes, "No pain, no glory; no legend, no story." Simply put, without facing challenges, there can be no meaningful narrative. Every successful individual you know—those who have truly achieved success through hard work—has a unique and compelling backstory. Delve into the biographies of these achievers, and you'll find a common thread of struggle and determination.

The essence lies not in the quantity of likes or followers one has, but rather in the purpose behind one's actions. It's about the impact of what I'm doing and why I'm doing it. If the motivation is rooted in a noble cause, the number of likes or followers becomes inconsequential. True success stems from unwavering commitment to a cause, much like Noah building an ark because his cause was just, irrespective of popularity or followers.

For industry leaders, recruiters, and managers, a fundamental shift in perspective is crucial. In the corporate landscape, there's an undeniable responsibility to address the existing gaps. It is imperative to support this remarkable, idealistic generation in building their confidence, fostering patience, and acquiring essential social skills. This isn't just a choice; it's a responsibility to guide and uplift the next wave of talent, ensuring a more empowered and capable workforce.

To all the students engaging with this article, the impending elections serve as a reminder that change starts with us. As Thursday approaches, consider making a profound change within yourself. If a New Year's resolution hasn't taken shape yet, let it revolve around sculpting a version of yourself that exceeds even your own expectations. To our industry peers, let's unite in collaboration and promote the cause of nurturing and building talent. Together, we can pave the way for a transformative and empowered future.