ThoughtSol values technical proficiency, a positive attitude, integrity, and a collaborative spirit, as we offer a clear career roadmap for young talent, emphasizing continuous learning and development, says Vinet Kuumar, founder and CEO, ThoughtSol.

ThoughtSol believes that “Happy Employees = Happy Customers” and it’s people are our greatest asset. The approach to talent recruitment and career development is centered around creating an environment where individuals can thrive, innovate, and grow. The SI and IT services company ThoughtSol is committed to: Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Well-being and Future-ready Workforce. Vinet Kuumar, founder and CEO, ThoughtSol talks on the importance of nurturing young talent in technology space towards the progress of the society and the country at large.

Q. What are the key factors for the young talent and engineering students of India to plan their careers in the field of Information Technology?
Vinet : As someone who has navigated the IT industry for many years, I believe young talent and engineering students in India should focus on several key factors:
o Technical Skills: Master programming languages, data structures, algorithms.
o Stay Updated:Keep abreast of latest trends like AI, ML, cloud computing, cybersecurity.
o Soft Skills: Develop communication, teamwork, problem-solving abilities.
o Networking & Internships: Gain industry exposure and practical experience.

Q. How do you see India Inc spearheading the talent pool in the field of Information technology?
Vinet : India Inc. is leading the way in IT talent development through extensive skill-building programs, industry-academia partnerships, and a thriving startup ecosystem. Initiatives like NSDC and government-led programs enhance employability, while innovation hubs provide a platform for experimentation. The collaboration between academia and industry ensures students are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the IT sector, creating a robust pipeline of skilled professionals ready to drive technological advancements.

Q. How is ThoughtSol building its talent workforce especially from engineering/ management colleges?
Vinet : There are multiple methods to build a robust, sustainable workforce at ThoughtSol. With Campus Recruitment, we collaborate with top engineering and management colleges for campus drives to identify promising and fresh talent eager to innovate in the IT field. We also offer internships and trainings that provide hands-on experience on real-world projects. With Mentorship Programs, we assign experienced professionals as mentors to guide and support young recruits, fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.

Q. How much of your current workforce are passed out or fresh talent from the total employees? Do you see this figure change over next couple of years?
Vinet : Currently, about 8% of our workforce consists of fresh talent. We expect this figure to increase in the coming years due to intensified campus recruitment efforts, growth and expansion plans, and a strong focus on training and development to prepare new graduates for challenging roles within the organization.

Q. What are key attributes you seek in a potential candidate from fresh talent (first timers to jobs) to work with your organisations? What is the career roadmap for them?
Vinet : At ThoughtSol, we seek candidates with a relevant skillset, alignment with our company culture, and strong teamwork abilities. We value technical proficiency, a positive attitude, integrity, and a collaborative spirit. At ThoughtSol, we offer a clear career roadmap for young talent, emphasizing continuous learning and development. New hires receive thorough onboarding and training in technical and soft skills. We support certifications, pair employees with mentors, and conduct regular performance reviews. Opportunities for cross-functional projects and internal mobility help employees grow and succeed within the company.

Q. What are the advantages and disadvantages of fresh talent versus long term employees?
Vinet : These are multiple factors on both sides of talent as we build and create the right balance of the workforce with fresh and long term employees at ThoughtSol.
(A) Fresh Talent
Advantages: Fresh talent can be easily moulded as they do not come with preconceived notions. They bring new ideas, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn. They are often more adaptable to new technologies and methodologies.
Disadvantages: Lack of experience can lead to a steeper learning curve, requiring more investment in training and development.
(B) Long-term Employees
Advantages: Long-term employees have a deep understanding of the company’s processes and culture. They bring stability, experience, and can mentor new employees, reducing the training burden.
Disadvantages: They may have preconceived notions and may be less adaptable to change. Shifting their mindset to new ways of working can be challenging.

Q. Talent development at a company is a team sport. How do you ensure the synergy of all employees with the young talent for business growth?
Vinet : We achieve this through Mentorship Programs which includes experienced employees mentor fresh talent, providing guidance and sharing knowledge, which helps in building strong professional relationships. We encourage mixed teams comprising fresh talent and seasoned professionals to work collaboratively on projects.
Open communication channels and regular feedback sessions ensures that everyone is aligned with the company's goals and expectations. We promote an inclusive culture where all team members ideas are valued, creating a sense of belonging and motivation to contribute towards common objectives.