British students completing their business and finance related courses are keen to gain work experience in companies based in India, according to the UK-India Business Council.
Ten British students from various universities have begun their work experience with Indian companies on winning the UK-India Business Council Scholarship scheme 2009.
"UKIBC has noticed a clear trend where British students are keen to gain work experience in India and are looking to start their career with Indian companies. They see this work experience opportunity as a way to assess whether the Indian work environment is a suitable place to explore such a career opportunity," a UKIBC spokesperson said.
The 10 students have secured paid work experience with a range of companies based in India from banks to social enterprises. The scholarship offers an opportunity to gain work experience in an emerging market and adds to their attractiveness as a potential employee.
Sharon Bamford, CEO of UKIBC, said: "This exchange will strengthen our aim to position 'modern' India in the minds of the next generation and also strengthen the business, trade and investment ties between India and the UK."
British High Commissioner Sir Richard Stagg also supports the idea of linking up education institutions with businesses and increasing student exchange and internship flows between the two countries, the UKIBC said.
Stuart Jempson from Bath University, one of the 10 students to have won the scholarship says, "Having studied in Singapore, I would consider Asia and India as a destination for my career. These next few months will help me concrete this decision."
For Simon Milward from Cambridge University the opportunity to gain work experience in India is ideal as he wants to have a career in social enterprise. "I want to take this scholarship as an opportunity to work in India, especially with the poor. India is one of my preferred destinations."
Ranjot Singh Jhalli from Kingston University adds, "Due to India's shift towards becoming a global power, I feel that this experience would be hugely beneficial to me."
Ian Gomes, partner and chairman of High Growth Markets, KPMG, which is one of the companies hosting the scholars, said, "As the epicentre of business activity moves towards the emerging markets, it is inevitable that future generations of international managers will require hands on experience of working and operating in these markets if they wish to progress their careers rapidly.
"It's never too early to build a better understanding of new peoples, their cultures and work styles in today's globalised world."
The UKIBC scholars are on eight-week, paid internship with accommodation in India under UKBC's 'Next Generation' programme. The objective is to provide UK students with an opportunity to gain work experience in India and get a true insight and understanding of 21st Century India.
