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Earning While Learning:

  • Writer: Dr Sp Mishra
    Dr Sp Mishra
  • Oct 11
  • 4 min read

A Concept India Needs to Embrace (ICC Blog # 126)


Created by GPT5 with my instruction
Graphic design: spm

A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Thought

During a recent visit to a Tanishq showroom, I noticed a young assistant wearing a name tag that read "Store Promoter." Curious, I asked the main store executive about this role.

He explained that during festive seasons, they hire temporary staff—often young students—to handle the increased customer flow. These short-term workers are typically selected through trusted local networks, given the business's involvement with gold, diamonds, and other precious jewelry.


That brief conversation gave me pause. If students can responsibly take on such roles for a month or two, why is the concept of earning while learning still so uncommon in India? Why isn't it integrated as a structured element of education and career preparation?


India’s Youth Potential: Vast Numbers, Limited Exposure

India boasts one of the world's largest student populations—over 4.6 crore enrolled in higher education and nearly 25 crores in the school system, including around 6 crores in secondary and higher secondary stages. Yet, the proportion of students gaining meaningful work experience before graduation remains minimal.


Unlike many Western countries, part-time work for students in India is largely limited to urban areas and elite institutions. For most families, the notion carries a stigma, often viewed as a marker of financial hardship rather than an opportunity for ambition or growth.

Two key barriers persist. First, the formal job market lacks efficient systems for short-term or part-time hiring, with most positions designed for full-time, permanent roles. Second, societal and academic norms treat education and employment as sequential phases—study now, work later—as if they cannot overlap.


In an era of rapid technological shifts and fluid career paths, this approach is antiquated. Future success requires adaptability, practical skills, and discipline—qualities honed through experience, not just textbooks.


Earning While Learning: Global Practices

In many nations, Earning While learning is embraced as an integral part of education, not a distraction.


United States

The U.S. formalizes this through Work-Study Programs, where universities partner with departments and local employers to provide part-time jobs (up to 20 hours weekly) on or off campus. Roles span research assistance, administration, and retail, fostering time management, communication, and accountability while allowing students to earn income.


United Kingdom

UK students commonly work 15–20 hours weekly, aided by university career centers that connect them to safe opportunities. Employers value this as evidence of initiative and independence.


Germany

Germany's Dual Education System blends academics with paid apprenticeships, splitting time between classrooms and industry. This integration reinforces theory with practice, contributing to one of the world's lowest youth unemployment rates at around 6.5% in 2025.

Japan

In Japan, "arubaito" (part-time jobs) is a cultural norm. Students often take roles in retail, hospitality, or administration, with employers prizing this experience for demonstrating discipline and teamwork. Job interviews frequently probe candidates' student-era work history.

These models share a core idea: student work is a developmental tool, not merely an economic fix.


Early Signs of Change in India

India is witnessing nascent shifts, though on a limited scale.


  • Retail and Hospitality: Brands like Tanishq, Starbucks, Decathlon, and Domino’s recruit students as seasonal promoters or part-time staff, particularly during festivals.

  • EdTech and Tutoring: Platforms such as Vedantu and Byju’s hire college students as mentors, content creators, or part-time educators.

  • Startups and NGOs: Emerging companies tap students for project-based tasks like social media management, content creation, or event coordination, offering skill-building exposure.

  • Government Initiatives: The National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) and Skill India Mission promote structured training. As of 2025, NAPS-2 targets 13 lakh apprentices for the financial year, with nearly 4 lakh engaged so far, aiming for 46 lakh cumulatively by 2025-26.


These efforts show India experimenting with work-integrated learning, but a comprehensive national framework—linking students, institutions, and employers with trust, incentives, and safeguards—is still absent.


Building a Framework for the Future

To mainstream earning while learning in India, following steps may be considered:


  1. Integrate Work into Curricula: Institutions should award credits for part-time jobs or internships, providing academic validation and incentive.

  2. Design Flexible Roles: Employers can create student-accommodating positions with shorter shifts, weekends, or projects that align with academic calendars.

  3. Launch a National Portal: A verified platform could connect students with local opportunities, ensuring fair pay and protections.

  4. Shift Perceptions: Parents, educators, and policymakers must reframe work as educational enhancement. Schools could facilitate discussions or feature alumni with part-time experience.

  5. Incentivize Employers: Offer tax breaks, awards, or recognition to companies hiring students, boosting formal sector participation.


The Broader Societal Impact

Early real-world exposure instils responsibility, confidence, and purpose in youth—attributes classrooms alone can't fully deliver. Students learn the worth of time, money, and collaboration. Employers benefit from a dynamic, innovative workforce.


If even a portion of India's 30 crore students engages in structured part-time work, the ripple effects on productivity, innovation, and employability could transform the nation.


Toward a Culture of Integrated Learning and Earning

India stands at the cusp of demographic and economic shifts. To unlock its youth's potential, education and employment must intertwine, not remain silos.


In the future, the "Store Promoter" may symbolize this evolution—a norm where students declare with pride: "I am learning, and I am earning."


In our latest podcast episode, Prof T Prasad shared similar concept, which he has developed as part of the pedagogy at IIM Mumbai. What he is doing is very novel, but we really need to scale this idea for India.


You may watch or listen to the full conversation here



1 Comment

Guest
Oct 11

Mandi Sir

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