Announcements:

What Is On-the-Job Learning and Why Students Need It?

What Is On-the-Job Learning and Why Students Need It?

Rebecca Riserbato
Emihun Pakma

Published:

Views: 143

For many students today, selecting the best career path involves more than just obtaining a degree; it also involves being prepared for the field immediately. In this situation, On The Job Learning or OJL is essential. Many students are still unsure about the nature of on-the-job training, how it works, and why employers prefer graduates with real-world work experience.

At Medhavi Skills University (MSU), this happens to be India’s largest industry-integrated learning network, students step into real workplaces while still completing their academic programs.

What Is OJL?

On-the-job learning, or OJL means a structured learning approach where students receive training outside of the classroom in an industry workplace. It enables students to:

  • Apply theoretical concepts in real-world scenarios
  • Work in actual industry surroundings
  • Learn directly from professionals, and
  • Gain an understanding of corporate culture, expectations, and procedures.

OJL is, in essence, learning by doing rather than merely reading or hearing. Students become active participants instead of passive learners as a result.

The Significance of OJL in the Current Employment Market

The labor market is now more skill-driven and competitive than it has ever been. Employers now consider experience, flexibility, and industry knowledge in addition to degrees when evaluating graduates.

This is why OJL is now crucial:

  1. It Closes the Skill Divide

Due to their lack of practical experience, many graduates have difficulty finding employment. OJL addresses this by giving students the chance to practice the precise skills that businesses need.

  1. It Increases Professional Self-Belief

Students learn how to manage deadlines, teamwork, communication, and professional pressure, skills that are not fully developed in the classroom.

  1. It Boosts Employability

Employers are confident that a student with OJL can begin contributing right away because of their practical experience.

  1. It Assists Students in Identifying Their Strengths

Students' true passions, strengths, and ideal career path are revealed via practical experience.

 The Advantages of OJL for Students

OJL is a life-changing event rather than merely a requirement. The main advantages for students are as follows:

  1. Instantaneous Learning

Instead of learning antiquated theories, students learn the instruments, methods, and procedures that are actively employed in the industry.

  1. Industry Links & Networking

Through OJL, students can develop solid professional connections that could lead to future employment prospects.

  1. Early Professional Culture Exposure

Students gain first-hand knowledge of workplace requirements in areas such as problem-solving and teamwork, as well as dress codes and timeliness.

  1. Soft Skill Development

During OJL, critical thinking, leadership, communication, time management, and customer service all organically increase.

  1. Financial Independence and Stipend

Many OJL partners at institutions like MSU provide stipends. Simultaneous learning and earning is an empowering combination for students. 
 

Medhavi Skills University's Distinctiveness in OJT-Based Education

Among universities in Sikkim and across India, Medhavi Skills University (MSU) has established itself as a leader in skill-based, industry-integrated education. What makes MSU unique is this:

  1. The only university in Sikkim whose curriculum includes paid on-the-job training

Paid on-the-job training (OJL), which provides students with real-world work experience and a stipend while they study, is mandatory for one of MSU's programs.

This "learn-and-earn" strategy benefits thousands of students annually.

  1. Full Assistance with Government Scholarships

MSU is the only university in Sikkim to ensure that all eligible students have access to government funding opportunities. This makes professional education more affordable, accessible, and stress-free for families.

  1. A 70% skill-based curriculum

MSU places a high priority on hands-on training, real projects, industry immersion, practical learning, and professional development. Students start applying what they learn on the first day rather than waiting until graduation.

  1. Cutting-Edge Campus Driven by Technology

The campus has the following amenities:

  • State-of-the-art labs
  • Up-to-date equipment
  • Digital learning spaces
  • Industry-standard tools

Everything is designed to help students study in an environment that is extremely similar to the industry.

  1. Sturdy Industry Network & Placement Advantage

Leading Indian companies across a range of sectors, such as banking, logistics, IT, hotels, and healthcare, work with MSU.

 How OJL Training Becomes Effective in Real Life

  1. Learning Becomes Practical, Not Just Textbook-Based

Students don’t just read about concepts, they implement them. For example:

  •       A healthcare student learns to take vitals with real patients.
  •       A business management student assists in client communication.
  •       A hospitality student manages live operations in hotels.

This hands-on exposure builds real competence.

  1. Students Understand Workplace Culture Early

Many graduates struggle in their first job because the environment is unfamiliar. But with OJL:

  •       They learn discipline and professionalism.
  •       They understand teamwork, deadlines, and communication.
  •       They adapt to the pace of industry life much faster.
  1. Improves Decision-Making and Critical Thinking

Real workplaces come with real challenges. Students learn:

  •       How to solve unexpected problems
  •       How to think independently
  •       How to apply theory in real situations

This makes them confident and job-ready.

  1. Increases Employability and Reduces Skill Gaps

Employers prefer candidates who can start contributing from Day 1.

With OJL experience, students don’t need long training periods making them an asset to any company.

  1. Builds Strong Professional Networks

Students meet industry mentors, managers, and professionals during their OJT. These connections often lead to:

  •       Internships
  •       Placements
  •       Referrals
  •       Long-term career growth

Example of a Real Student: When OJL Transforms Lives

Sanjeena Chettri at Kolkata's Hyatt Regency

Sanjeena's dream job has always been in the hospitality industry. Although it wasn't without difficulties, her eight-month OJL at the Hyatt Regency Kolkata was her "dream come true." She had to deal with demanding schedules, long hours, and a fast-paced workplace. However, those months helped her become a self-assured professional.

She gained knowledge of time management, professionalism, discipline, customer service, and high-pressure issue resolution.

Most significantly, she was financially independent during her training thanks to a monthly stipend. She now claims with pride that OJL better prepared her for the real world than she could have imagined.

The Reasons OJL Is No Longer Optional

For students wishing to launch lucrative careers in a competitive field, OJL is not just beneficial but essential. It offers real-world experience, useful skills, professional behavior, financial independence, career confidence, and industry contacts.

Furthermore, universities like MSU show that when OJL is properly integrated, students get far more than just a degree, they build their future

Study at medhavi skills university!

Don't forget to share

Call