I've been reflecting quite a bit on the recent statements from LinkedIn CEO Ryan Roslansky, who suggests that the future of work won't be defined by “fancy degrees” but rather by adaptability, human skills, and continuous learning [https://www.moneycontrol.com/education/fancy-degrees-won-t-save-you-linkedin-ceo-reveals-the-skills-employers-will-demand-in-future-article-13595937.html]. It strikes me, with a sense of both validation and renewed urgency, how closely this aligns with perspectives I’ve shared for years.
I recall a blog post from 2025, where I delved into the need for Transforming Education. In it, I explicitly questioned the pervasive culture of rote learning and the glaring disconnect between theoretical knowledge acquired through traditional education and its practical application in real-world scenarios. I even quoted, “Where is the question of applying the theories that we mugged up to any real life problems, later on?” This sentiment, expressed years ago, feels more pertinent than ever today. I advocated then for a data-driven approach to education reform, stressing the importance of relevant and applicable skills. Roslansky's current observation is a powerful echo of this insight, affirming that our educational systems need to pivot drastically to remain relevant.
Furthermore, in blogs like Coaching Classes are Poaching IIT-ians from late 2024, I noted the significant trend of IIT graduates moving into the edtech sector, drawn by attractive salaries. This shift, even among those with supposedly “fancy degrees” from premier institutions, highlighted a market-driven demand for specialized, practical skills that the edtech space was uniquely positioned to cultivate and reward. It was a clear signal that the value proposition of a degree was already evolving, pushing even the most academically credentialed individuals towards domains that emphasized skill acquisition and application.
The core idea I wanted to convey years ago, and which now resonates so powerfully, was that a paradigm shift in valuing education was imminent. I had already predicted this challenge: the traditional emphasis on a degree as a golden ticket would wane as the pace of technological change accelerated and industries demanded agility and specific competencies. My earlier ideas, such as advocating for more practical, relevant learning and challenging the inefficiencies within the education system, clearly hold value in this current context. The rise in student participation in board exams, as discussed in my 2025 blog on Rise in candidates appearing for 2025 board exams, further underscores the ongoing importance of formal assessments, even as the nature of what is assessed needs to change.
Reflecting on how things have unfolded, it’s striking how relevant these earlier insights still are. We are now at a critical juncture where the urgency to revisit and implement these ideas is paramount. The world demands not just knowledge, but the ability to apply it, adapt it, and continuously acquire new skills. Our educational institutions, policymakers, and indeed, individuals, must embrace this future where lifelong learning and a robust skill set are the true markers of success, far more than any single piece of paper.
Regards,
Hemen Parekh
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