Why Freshers Should Pay for Training, Not Expect Stipends

Ruchir Gupta -

In today’s job market, fresh graduates are finding it harder than ever to land their first role. One of the key reasons? An unrealistic expectation that companies will not only hire and train them from scratch but also pay them for it. With many freshers facing a skills gap, this article explores why freshers should shift their mindset and even consider paying for training or internships to grow their skills.

1. The Education Gap Is Real

  • The education system in India has failed to prepare students for the demands of today’s workforce. Many fresh graduates enter the job market underprepared, lacking the skills they need to contribute meaningfully to a company from day one.
  • This skills gap leaves many freshers expecting companies to fill the gap, providing the training that colleges should have given them.
  • Read: How Your College Education Shortchanged You

2. Expecting Companies to Train You Isn’t Fair

  • Many fresh graduates expect companies to not only provide training but also pay stipends or salaries during the process. However, this expectation is unrealistic. The responsibility for delivering adequate training should lie with educational institutions, not employers.
  • Companies, unlike colleges, are focused on results. They can’t afford to train you from the ground up without getting something in return. Expecting them to do so without contributing value only creates imbalanced expectations.

3. Companies Are Already Investing in You

  • It’s important to recognize that companies already make significant investments when hiring freshers. They provide the essential infrastructure:
    • Utilities (electricity, water, etc.)
    • Office space and facilities
    • Access to computers, software, and internet
    • Furniture and equipment
    • Salaries paid to experienced staff who invest time in training you
  • These are all hidden costs that companies bear while onboarding fresh graduates. Given these contributions, it’s reasonable for companies to expect freshers to add some form of value in return.

4. Work for Free, Grow Your Skills

  • Given the significant investments companies make, freshers should offer to work for free rather than asking for stipends. Many graduates enter the workplace without experience, meaning they have little immediate value to offer. By offering to work without pay, freshers can:
    • Gain hands-on experience
    • Develop industry-relevant skills
    • Build a strong professional network
  • This mindset shift will benefit freshers in the long run, allowing them to gain the skills that are actually needed in the job market.

5. Shifting the Mindset

  • Instead of asking, “What can the company do for me?” freshers should shift their perspective and ask, “What can I do to contribute?” This change in mindset helps graduates understand that companies must strike a balance between running their business and training new hires.
  • In return, companies will likely value freshers who are eager to learn, contribute, and grow, even if they aren't demanding stipends.

6. Investing in Your Own Growth

  • If you’re entering the workforce without the necessary practical skills, take control of your own learning journey. Here are some ways to bridge the gap:
    • Enroll in certification programs: Online courses in your industry can give you a competitive edge.
    • Work for free: Find internships or volunteer positions where you can gain hands-on experience.
    • Seek mentors: Having experienced professionals guide you can accelerate your learning curve.
  • Taking responsibility for your own growth not only sets you apart from other candidates but also shows employers that you are serious about your career development.

Conclusion: Take Charge of Your Career

The ball is in your court. Take the initiative to invest in your skills, whether by paying for internships, working for free, or pursuing additional certifications. Companies already invest time, infrastructure, and resources in training freshers, so it’s only fair that fresh graduates contribute in return.

In the long run, the skills and experience you gain will be far more valuable than any stipend or salary.