The New Success Formula for India:
Degree + Skills + Network
By Ashmita Chatkara 29
th May, 2025
th May, 2025
In India, we’ve grown up hearing, “Padhega India, tabhi toh badhega India!” Education
has always been our golden ticket—a path to respect, stability, and a better life. For
years, a good degree was the ultimate goal, the key to landing a dream job or making
your family proud. But let’s be real: in today’s fast-changing world, is a degree alone
enough to succeed?
Spoiler alert: It’s not. The job market has evolved, and so must we. To truly shine in
modern India, you need a new formula for success:
Success = Degree + Skills + Network
Let’s break it down and see why this trio is the game-changer you need.
1. Why Academics Still Matter in India
In our culture, a degree isn’t just a piece of paper—it’s a badge of honor. Whether it’s
cracking government exams, becoming a doctor, engineer, or CA, academic
qualifications open doors. They make your parents beam with pride and signal to
society that you’re on the path to success.
For many families, education is the ladder to climb out of financial struggles. But
here’s the catch: while a degree is still important, it’s no longer the only thing
employers care about. They want people who can do the job, not just those who
studied for it.
2. Degree: Your Entry Pass, Not the Finish LineA degree is like your boarding pass at the airport—it gets you in, but it’s not the whole
journey. Here’s what a degree does for you:
Gives you a solid foundation of knowledge.
Qualifies you for jobs, exams, or certifications.
Proves you’ve got the discipline to finish what you started But with millions of graduates hitting the job market every year, a degree alone won’t make you stand out. It’s like showing up to a crowded party—everyone’s got an invite,so how do you get noticed?
3. Skills: The Real Deal in Today
’
s World
’
s World
In 2025, skills are your superpower. It doesn’t matter if you graduated from an IIT or a local college what you can do is what sets you apart. Employers want people who can hit the ground running.
Here are some skills that can make you a hot pick:
Technical skills: Coding, graphic design, data analysis, or even AI tools.
Soft skills: Communication, teamwork, or leadership.
Digital tools: Think Excel, Power BI, Canva, or Figma.
Business skills: Digital marketing, freelancing, or sales.
Your degree might get you an interview, but your skills will land you the job. They show employers you’re ready to add value from day one.
4. Network: Your Secret Weapon
You’ve probably heard, “It’s not just what you know, but who you know.” And it’s true! A strong network can open doors you didn’t even know existed.Here’s what a good network can do:
Get you job referrals or insider tips on openings.
Connect you with mentors who guide your career.
Help you discover opportunities that never make it to job boards.
So, how do you build one?
Get active on LinkedIn—share your work, comment, and connect.
Join alumni groups or online communities like Discord servers.
Attend industry events, meetups, or webinars.
Your network is like a megaphone for your talent—it amplifies your presence and gets
you noticed by the right people.
5. The Formula in Action: Real-Life Scenarios
Let’s see how this plays out:
The takeaway?
A degree is great, but skills and networks turn possibilities into realities.
Wrapping It Up: A New Mindset for a New India
Your degree is still a big deal—it builds discipline and opens doors. But to thrive in
today’s India, you need more. Here’s the new mantra:
Get your degree, but don’t stop there.
Master 1-2 skills that align with your goals.
Build a network that lifts you up and opens doors.
Think of your career as a tripod:
A degree (your foundation).
A toolbox (your skills).
A bridge (your network).
When all three are strong, you’re not just ready—you’re unstoppable. So, go out there,
equip yourself, and shape your future!
GOOD LUCK!