Every student in the country aspires for a job that’s not only rewarding but also enriching. If they get this opportunity during their academic career to learn as well as earn, it is bound to give them an edge in the competitive world. There is a need for students who want to intern and companies who outsource their projects to freelancers/students in the relative field. Sensing the gap between the two, 27-year-old Rachit Jain set up Youth4work.com, a non-profit initiative where companies post their project details free of cost and students can register and work on projects and also get paid.
Talking about how he got the idea for this website, Rachit explains, “I was working on the shop floor of an automotive company and I noticed that the company recruited freshers in a bunch and randomly chose a department for them. Some of my friends were working in departments which they weren’t suited for. A year later I was switched to the First choice service, where we reported to the HR department. For a company, it’s difficult to source the right candidate for the job. An HR spends 15 minutes, but it’s no guarantee the worker will stay on in the job after a year.”
Rachit adds, “The methodology of selecting the candidate for the job has potential for improvement. And a company requires a fresh batch of students to fill the space. I have invested all my savings in this venture and am prepared to take on more loans. My team and I are positive about the potential of the idea and the great feedback and response we have got from students who earn from our portal. Our prime aim is to add value to colleges, students and companies. And we are sure that if we add value, the profits will come later.”
Just two months since its launch the site has 1,100 users with over 60 companies registered. They have about 300 unique visitors daily and students from more than 97 colleges, 57 cities of India. Youth from various colleges have already earned more than `2.8 lakhs and 74 internship offers.
Mohul Raj Singh, a third year student of Sri Ram College of Commerce, is currently working on a project through youth4work.com, he says, “I am in the final year and have ample time to work on projects. In this project, I have to spend just 30 minutes on a social networking site to popularise this gaming company. There are two rounds in this project, and I’ve made it to the final round. If I win, I am entitled to a certificate and cash as well. It’s a good learning experience as the company has been regularly updating me.”
Lovey Dua, manager marketing of Ibibo Web Pvt Ltd, who has freelance projects on the site says, “We’ve outsourced two projects and are pleased with the response. Every firm wants participation of youth and it’s a good platform for students. It’s easier to hire as well, as a company that’s worked with a student on a project knows the strength of the candidate.”
Ashwini Kumar, a mathematics graduate, has worked on two projects. He says, “I wasn’t working when I worked on these projects. It’s not only about money, but also gaining knowledge. Where else can a student work hands-on on a project and add the experience in his portfolio.”