ByDr Pankaj Sharma

November 4, 2021 (IANSlife) The job market in India took a massive hit with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving students uncertain about their future. Fresh college graduates were filled with anxiety amid the pandemic when pay cuts, layoffs, closure of many businesses and companies made headlines. The situation worsened in the second wave when the country witnessed disruption across all sectors of the economy. However, the festive season finally seems like the light at the end of this very long tunnel as markets open up and sales thrive amid signs of a weakening COVID-19. The hiring activity, which was reduced by 15% in April 2021 as per reports by Naukri.com[1], is gradually catching up with the pace. The clear reason for this is that companies hire interns and employees in their core teams with an increase in their ad spending and sales during the festive season.

The festive season is at its peak from September to December in India and drives robust hiring across sectors like E-commerce, automobiles, BFSI (Banking, financial services, and insurance), real estate, hospitality, food, and retail. This makes the festive season an ideal time for students to apply for internships and jobs. While the country seems to recover from a long pandemic phase, consumer brands are pulling up to capture consumer sentiments to boost sales and profits. Also, brands have sought to engage in 'revenge spending' knowing the pent-up demand from end-consumers that the pandemic had created. This makes this festive season a perfect opportunity for students to look for internships and gradually secure a job in the market.

Hiring and internship opportunities across sectors in the festive season

For the retail industry, the festive season in India results in a significant rise in shopping across the domestic market which creates demand for a talented workforce that can handle sales at a massive level. So, the retail sector undoubtedly sees opportunities for hiring and recruitment currently. A recent survey by Manpower Group revealed that among 3000 employers, nearly 64 per cent would be eyeing to expand their recruitment during the last two quarters of this year[2].  There is an increasing shortage of talent as markets bounce back so students can easily leverage this opportunity.

Similarly, there are a plethora of opportunities waiting for students and fresh graduates in the E-commerce sector. There was a higher penetration of e-commerce shopping across metro cities as well as towns during the last year as consumer behaviour changed during the pandemic. Online shopping will further witness a massive surge in Diwali sales and offers. These COVID lockdowns and restrictions led to massive growth and

transformation of this sector, facilitating direct and indirect employment to cater to a surge in demand for online products. The job opportunities in this sector included delivery personnel, packers, pickers, and sorters. In addition to these jobs, vacancies are also expected to open in mid-management levels in operations, finance, and digital marketing.

Gig work opportunities during the festive season for those looking to work from home or online internships

Many companies also hire gig workers to meet the rising consumer demands during the festive season. Gig work consists of income-earning activities outside of traditional, long-term employer-employee relationships. This work culture has thrived in the pandemic along with the Work from a Home set-up that has made hiring easy for companies as well as job seekers. According to experts[3], the upcoming festivals will boost demand for gig workers as the economy opens up. With the onset of the festive season in the third quarter, the hiring of gig workers is set to witness a spike. Gig work is ideal for those looking to work with the comfort and safety of their home amid an anticipated third COVID wave. The third wave, however, remains within the ‘realm of speculation and probabilities.

(Dr Pankaj Sharma, Director Admissions, JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur)

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