The countries, societies and their economies have always been affected from the wars. Students, who stand on the margins of their career, are the most affected groups. When any of the wars starts, the education systems of the society become collapse and getting a suitable the jobs become more difficult. The employment opportunities reduce to a significant level.
In the world history, the World War I, World War II, the India- Pakistan Wars, the India- China War, the Kargil War, the Russia- Ukraine War and the recent conflict between US, Israel and Iran is showing how the wars affect the career and job opportunities for the students of whole world.
How War Affects Student Placements
We have to understand the mechanism through which the career opportunities and employment prospects of the students are affected.
- Unstable Economy- At the time of any war, the government of the concerned country redirects a large amount of their national budget towards military operations in place of developmental programmes.
- Scholastic disruption- At the time of war, Universities, colleges and other educational institutions may close, their infrastructure can be demolished, and students may have to move some other place. The learning process and skill development process of the students may also be affected.
- Manpower dislocation- Many people move or migrate to the safe places due to the war resulting in increased competition for limited job opportunities.
- Social and psychological Impact- Students suffer mental stress due to the exposure to war resulting in their academic performance and preparations for obtaining the job.
Industry demand fluctuation- The job demand shifts towards military operations, security, healthcare etc. resulting in decreased hiring in developmental sectors.
History of Wars affecting students’ placement
- First World War (1914–1918)- The education system and employment opportunities were very badly affected due to the first World War. Many students of different universities were forced to join the military. Admissions in the universities were very low. Job opportunities were decreased because industries were focused on wartime production. Many students completed their studies after the completion of war, delaying their careers by several years.
- Second World War (1939–1945)- There was a longer impact of Second World War on education and employment. Many of the students joined the military and never returned due to casualties. Universities faced reduction in student enrolment due to the mass migration of the students. Many of the students could not complete their higher education. However, some countries introduced policies for affected students to complete their higher education, which boosted the job placements.
- India–Pakistan Wars (1947, 1965, 1971)- India Pakistan wars of 1947, 1965 and 1971 were very crucial for the economic and educational conditions of the country. Budget for education was reduced and job opportunities were decreased due to the slower economic growth. Campus placements were reduced due to the uncertainty in industrial sector. Financial and other important resources were significantly diverted to defense sector, particularly in the 1971 war which affected the development sector.
- India–China War (1962)- The India- China war of 1962 created sudden national insecurity in India. Many technical and engineering students were encouraged to contribute to defense production and research on priority basis. The growth of private sector industries was reduced temporarily and affected the placement activities.
- Kargil War (1999)- The Kargil war of 1991 between India and Pakistan was relatively short but significantly influenced the economy of the country. The war created uncertainty in the financial market, due to which the multinational companies reduced the recruitment activities in the country. The students also wanted to join military forces as well as other government jobs. However, the long term impact on placements was smaller because the war was limited in scale of time.
- Russia–Ukraine War (2022–Present)- The Russia–Ukraine war has shown the effect of modern conflicts on global employment and student placements. There is a Massive migration of skilled workers and students due to this war. The universities have shifting to online education due to decrease in number of students. Destroyed infrastructure and businesses significantly affected the Unemployment. Students are struggling to find the job opportunities and seeking employment in the foreign countries.
- Recent U.S.–Israel–Iran Tensions- The recent conflict between United States, Israel and Iran has significantly affected the global market and the job security. It induced volatility in global financial markets resulting in decreased hiring in multinational companies. Recruitment patterns are shifting in the technology and energy sectors. Students are facing delayed hiring cycles and reduced internship opportunities.
Conclusion
Wars create negative impact not only on nations and army but it also disrupts the careers of many students. From the World Wars to the recent conflicts between the countries, history indicates that the education systems and job markets suffer from negative impacts during times of conflict.
To reduce the negative impact of war on education system, governments are supposed to develop online education systems to maintain learning during the wars. Governments can provide post-war employment schemes for graduates and also encourage the international collaboration and student exchange programs.
Ultimately, protection of education during the wars is essential for obtaining the nation’s future human resource and long-term development.
Dr. Abhay Shankar Mishra
Head, Department of management,
NRI Institute of Information Science & Technology