
Parent: My son is in his final year of college, and I’m constantly hearing about how difficult it is to get a good job these days. There are so many graduates and so few opportunities. It’s overwhelming.
Dr. Malpani: I understand. You’re not alone—many parents share the same concerns. But let me ask you this: why do you think your son needs a job?
Parent: Well, isn’t that the logical next step after education? He needs a job to earn a living and build a career, doesn’t he?
Dr. Malpani: True, a job is important. But here’s a radical thought: why not help him think beyond getting a job? Instead of applying for a job, why not encourage him to create one?
Parent: Create one? That sounds ambitious. How does one even begin to do that?
Dr. Malpani: By shifting the mindset. Most people see themselves as job seekers, waiting for opportunities to come their way. But the reality is, the best jobs are never advertised. They’re created through networking, positioning yourself as an expert, and demonstrating how you can add value.
Parent: That sounds easier said than done. Won’t companies prefer candidates with degrees and work experience over someone just starting out?
Dr. Malpani: Not necessarily. Employers today are more interested in skills, problem-solving abilities, and the value a candidate brings to the table. A degree is just a piece of paper unless it’s backed by real-world competencies.
Parent: That makes sense. But how can I guide my son to stand out and build those skills?
Dr. Malpani: The first step is to help him see himself as more than just another job applicant. Encourage him to identify his strengths and interests, and position himself as an expert in a niche area. The best way to do this is to get him to create his own website. This provides invaluable personal branding, and will help him stand out from the crowd. Networking plays a big role here. A strong professional network can open doors that no job portal ever will.
Parent: So, you’re saying connections matter more than qualifications?
Dr. Malpani: I wouldn’t say more, but they matter just as much. Let me put it this way: the best time to apply for a job is when you don’t need one. This allows you to network and build relationships without the pressure of needing immediate results.
Parent: That’s interesting. But how do we go about building a network, especially for someone just starting out?
Dr. Malpani: Networking doesn’t mean attending fancy events or cold-calling strangers. It can start with simple actions—connecting with alumni, attending industry workshops, joining online forums, or even reaching out to professionals on X and LinkedIn. The goal is to learn from others and showcase your value over time.
Parent: You’ve given me a lot to think about. But this approach feels so different from what we’re used to. Schools and colleges don’t teach this.
Dr. Malpani: You’re absolutely right. Traditional education is designed to churn out followers, not leaders. It focuses on passing exams, not solving real-world problems. That’s why so many graduates feel lost when they step into the job market.
Parent: So how do we break free from this system? How do we prepare our kids for a future where jobs are scarce and competition is fierce?
Dr. Malpani: The answer lies in giving your child autonomy and agency. Help them take charge of their own learning journey. Equip them with the tools they need to explore their passions and develop skills that are relevant in the real world.
Parent: That’s easier said than done. Where do we even start?
Dr. Malpani: Start small. A great resource I always recommend is the book What Color Is Your Parachute?. It’s a guide to meaningful work and career success that’s packed with practical advice. Encourage your son to read it—it’s a game-changer. You can read it free at https://annas-archive.org/md5/85297c454c9d997721ff6d6134d6aa60
Parent: I’ll definitely check it out. But how can we create an environment where he can apply these ideas and experiment with his interests?
Dr. Malpani: That’s where the concept of a digital learning pod comes in. These pods are designed to give students the freedom to explore, learn, and innovate at their own pace. They’re not tied to rigid curriculums or standardized tests. Instead, they focus on real-world learning, collaboration, and creativity.
Parent: That sounds amazing. But isn’t setting up something like that complicated?
Dr. Malpani: Not at all! In fact, you can start your own Teach to Earn digital learning pod with minimal resources. All you need is a PC and an internet connection. From there, your child—and even other kids in your community—can explore endless opportunities to learn and grow.
Parent: This sounds like a transformative approach. But do you think it will really make a difference in the long run?
Dr. Malpani: Absolutely. The future belongs to those who can think critically, solve problems creatively, and adapt to change. A digital learning pod equips your child with these skills and gives them a head start.
Parent: I feel so much more hopeful now. Thank you, Dr. Malpani.
Dr. Malpani: You’re welcome. Remember, your children won’t get a second chance at this. Take matters into your own hands by starting your own digital learning pod today. It’s an investment in their future—and there’s no better time to begin.
Take the first step toward empowering your children today: Start a Teach to Earn Learning Pod