No industry can survive if it does not invest in expand its capacity. The entire idea behind capacity building is not just to inflate the economy, but to build it. Countries such as Pakistan that have the benefit of a large population and a significant percentage of the population under the 40 age bracket have a competitive edge over others.

Industries are undoubtedly doing a lot for the future generations’ career and guidance, enabling them to have contact with the industry. “This helps them to understand the existing trends. And working with the students, allows companies to better understand emerging trends.” comments Khurram Khalia, President and Ceo of Kalsoft.

The future is totally dependant on Information Technology and any supporting activities that corporations play in linking up with students, helps. After the dotcom crash, IT across the world experienced a crisis. With more professionals looking for ways to cut their losses and salvage their careers, the industry platforms stood vacant and empty. Pakistan, which was just beginning to find its place on the map as far as technology was concerned, also hurt significantly. Where we stand today, is because of the skilled manpower that either returned from the West, or the manpower that stood its ground and remained part of the IT industry, investing more in research than project implementation.

“It was indeed a tough time back then. And I do believe that the few companies that were still around in the early part of 2000, played a role in shaping us the way we are today. They allowed for the manpower even at that time, to exist as a part of the industry. And this is the same support that companies need to extend to graduates today. We’re certainly not in a crisis situation, however the Pakistani industry itself needs a lot of skilled HR. And the only place this is going to be available to us is through the institutions.” says Khurram.

While so much focus has been made on improving the international image of the country for business purposes, the gap between the corporate sector mentors and the education institutions continues to expand.

KalSoft, a Pakistani software development house, has always taken a deep interest in the talents and impressive skillset of young students. Sponsoring their projects, providing academy training and organizing various for students is something that the company takes very seriously. Recently, KalSoft participated at the NED-organized event called TechElite, a nationwide IT Competition and Project Exhibition in Karachi. “It is heartening to see how much effort is put into these events and more importantly, just how much practical application they have.” says Yasir Memon, SVP Solutions.

Provided with a mentoring opportunity, professionals from KalSoft did not only spend time assessing student projects, they also working with them to provide them with business plan ideas that may help the projects survive the long haul.

In addition, it also sponsored DigitalEyez a Digital Media event in FAST University Karachi. Both of these events were very successful and popular in students.

At TechElite, hundreds of students from all over Pakistan participated in the competition, which were categorized into Speed Programming, Software Solution, Hardware Solution, and Networking Solutions. “Yes, there were a lot of companies such as HP, Wateen and others and we were very happy to see the level of support from them.” comments Khurram Kalia. The delegates from KalSoft encouraged the students and briefed them about their latest projects, which included KalAcademy, for those who wanted to join but did not have any professional guidance.

More than just attending the conference and offering them experience and guidance, KalSoft also offers ideas as to how students can attract financing opportunities for the long term success of their projects. That was very encouraging for the students, as no one had ever showed interest in financing youngsters’ projects at such a big level.

KalSoft believes in the potential of the graduates and willingly extends its support towards them. “It’s not just about the sponsorship – it’s about working with them.” says Khurram Kalia.

Media Science, though in great demand, is not a very popular subject as yet. An IT student can be aware of IT programs and scopes to a certain level, but by supporting such events, KalSoft is providing a general platform to all the students of Pakistan by helping them get a preview into IT industry.

IT in Pakistan has expanded to a great level, there are many jobs, and their number will increase after the launch of new project of company. Because the IT in Pakistan is rapidly growing, latest technological fields are being introduced into Pakistan. Industry needs new students to be a part of their team and that is why they are organizing different Conferences, events, exhibitions and student competitions. Organizing such events is gradually creating awareness in students. The more companies that extend their time and support towards making these events a success, the brighter our future will be.

About KalSoft Pvt. Ltd.
KalSoft is an IT Solutions Provider formed 8 years ago under the wing of Kalia Group of Companies, a leading business group in Pakistan. It has subsidiaries based in the U.A.E., Oman, and Lahore, and operates in Africa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and the United States through its partners. KalSoft has achieved an ISO 9001:2000 certification and is the first SEI-CMMI Maturity Level 3 appraised IT company of Pakistan. KalSoft’s clientele spreads over worldwide corporations in various sectors: Automobile, Textile, Oil and Gas, Educational, Media, Telecommunication, Financial and Government.