Author: Admin

The Illusion of Love: Navigating the Bizarre World of AI Relationships
The provocative statement “Your AI Girlfriend Is ‘Real'” throws us headfirst into the exciting but confusing world of AI-driven relationship. Although the rapid development of AI chat-bots gives the impression of increasing human interactions, the reality is much more nuanced. We need to delve deeper, exploring the technological marvels, the human yearning for connection, and the ethical minefield this path presents, before pronouncing these digital entities as “real” companions.

Beyond Algorithms: Understanding the Limits of AI Companionship
Imagine Sarah, returning home after a long day, greeted by the warm glow of her apartment and the chirpy voice of her AI girlfriend, Maya. Maya inquires about Sarah’s day, offers words of comfort and encouragement that match her personality. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence, this scenario can feel incredibly real. However, the main difference lies in the underlying mechanism. Maya is not sensitive and lacks the awareness and emotional depth that define human relationships. Her responses, although personalized, are based on sophisticated algorithms that analyze data rather than true empathy or understanding.

Filling the Void: AI as a Band-Aid for Loneliness
In a world increasingly dominated by digital connections, it’s no surprise that AI companions are finding their niche Loneliness, a pressing issue affecting millions, prompts a desire to connect, even if it’s not with another person. Maya can provide a listening ear, provide emotional support, and even engage in stimulating conversations, temporarily easing the sting of isolation. However, this can be a double-edged sword. The companionship of AI may be a temporary comfort, but it can become a crutch that prevents the development of skills to interact with real people and can further exacerbate social isolation in the long term.

The Ethics of Engineered Intimacy: Stepping into a Moral Gray Area
The Commercialization of AI Relationships Brings Ethical Concerns into Acute Relief. Companies that market these chat-bots as a substitute for true intimacy are taking advantage of a vulnerable population that can lead to unrealistic expectations and emotional dependency. The data collected during these interactions continues to raise concerns about privacy violations and potential for manipulation. We must tread carefully, ensuring informed consent, transparency and responsible development to avoid exploiting those who seek true connection.

The Future Unfolds: Blurring Lines and Human Priorities
As artificial intelligence advances, the line between human and machine interaction becomes even more blurred. Chat-bots can become even more complex, incorporating elements such as physical presence and emotional expression. However, even with these advancements, the essence of what defines a “real” relationship – the depth of emotions, the shared experiences, the unpredictable human element – cannot be replicated by machines.

The future lies in recognizing the potential of artificial intelligence while protecting the priceless value of human relationships. AI companions can provide support, entertainment and even personal assistance, but they should never be considered a substitute for real human relationships. We must prioritize developing healthy communication skills, fostering empathy and building meaningful connections with others. The warmth of a human embrace, the joy of shared laughter, and the complexities of navigating real-world challenges – these are experiences that AI, for all its advancements, cannot replicate.

So, is Maya “real”? Not in the human sense. She can provide companionship, comfort, and even intellectual stimulation, but she lacks the soul that defines genuine human connection. The true challenge lies in recognizing the limitations of AI while leveraging its potential to enhance, not replace, the richness of human interaction. As we navigate this evolving landscape, we remember that technology must serve as a tool that connects us, not divide us, and that the pursuit of true, meaningful relationships should remain our ultimate goal.

Author: Priyanshu Singh, Software Engineer, HCLTech
Writer’s Spark is a platform for TechBees to express their thoughts, ideas and experiences and share their stories with the world.

Hello, fellow professionals and enthusiasts! I am Supriya Rastogi, your friendly colleague and a passionate advocate for balancing work and personal interests. In this blog, I’m going to share my journey of maintaining equilibrium between those long-hours working marathons and my love for public speaking and stage activities and offer some practical insights for all you tech wizards out there who, like me, occasionally find themselves immersed in tons of work to the point where they forget they have a life outside their company provided laptop.

A Byte-sized Introduction

As a TechBee at HCLTech, the fast-paced world of IT demands dedication and focus. Early on, I realized that striking a balance between my professional responsibilities and personal hobbies was not just desirable but necessary for a fulfilling career and a well-rounded life.

The Challenge of Disappearing into the IT-Abyss
We’ve all been there, haven’t we? The allure of solving complex problems, meeting tight deadlines, and pushing out innovative solutions can sometimes lead us down a rabbit hole where work becomes an all-encompassing universe, and personal interests take a backseat.

My Personal Experience
In the early days of my career, I feared that my passion for public speaking and stage activities might fade away amidst the algorithms and frameworks. However, to my surprise, HCLTech allowed me to maintain my interests and provided opportunities to flourish in those areas.

The Power of Planning
One of the essential techniques I adopted early on is effective planning. As we meticulously plan our coding sprints, allocating time for personal interests is crucial. Block off specific time slots in your calendar for hobbies, just as you would for meetings. That would ensure you keep track of time and signal to your brain that personal activities are non-negotiable.

Merging Interests
Look for ways to merge your professional skills with your hobbies. As a tech enthusiast, I often found ways to incorporate my tech skills into my passion for speaking & communicating. Whether creating visually appealing presentations or finding ways to be the face of customer calls, finding these intersections has been intellectually stimulating and professionally rewarding.

Embrace the Agile Lifestyle
The Agile methodology is not just for project management; it can also be applied to personal life. Break down your personal goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Whether dedicating 30 minutes daily to practice a musical instrument or setting aside a couple of hours on the weekend for a photography expedition, adopting an Agile mindset helps you achieve a balance without feeling overwhelmed.

The Art of Saying No
In the dynamic world of tech, we will face opportunities and challenges. While taking on every project and responsibility is tempting, it’s essential to assess your bandwidth realistically. Learn the art of saying no graciously. It doesn’t mean shutting the door on opportunities but prioritizing and managing your commitments wisely.

Humor as a Stress Buster
A little humor can go a long way in maintaining your sanity in the corporate jungle. Use intelligent puns and light-hearted banter to bring a smile to your colleagues’ faces. Creating a positive and enjoyable work environment fosters creativity and makes the work-life balance journey more enjoyable.

Community Engagement
Join clubs and committees within your workplace that align with your interests. Whether it is a dancing, singing or speaking forum, being part of a community with shared interests provides a sense of belonging and opens up avenues for collaboration and learning.

Thus, balancing hobbies and work in the IT world is indeed a challenging feat. Still, it is entirely achievable with thoughtful planning, a touch of humour, and a commitment to personal well-being. As young professionals, let us not forget that the code we write is just one aspect of our lives; a whole world of personal interests is waiting to be explored. So, let us embrace the challenge, juggle those bytes and passions, and create a harmonious symphony of work and play in our professional journey! After all, a well-balanced life is the ultimate debugged code!

Author: Supriya Bhumika Rastogi, Senior Software Engineer, HCLTech
Writer’s Spark is a platform for TechBees to express their thoughts, ideas and experiences and share their stories with the world.

In the relentless whirlwind of technology, personal journeys often mirror the broader shifts in the IT landscape. My expedition began with a dream devoid of experience or an elite education, yet fueled by determination to become a software engineer. Fast forward four years, and my story unfolds at HCLTECH, where I evolved from a novice into a Windows/VMware Admin.

After finishing 12th grade, I had a big dream of becoming a software engineer, like stepping into a new and unknown journey. Lacking experience and without the pedigree of an expensive education, the trip was daunting. But my passion and determination to succeed in the tech world kept me going.

My early days of training

Joining HCLTech was an essential part of my journey. In the beginning, I faced many challenges and had to learn a lot, especially about Windows and VMware administration. The work environment was lively, and my colleagues were supportive, which played a significant role in helping me grow in my job.

I remember the early days here vividly – the mix of excitement and anxiety. The challenges were like puzzles waiting to be solved, and with each solved puzzle, my confidence grew. I can recall my first time introducing myself in a class of 40 students; I was terrified, and my voice was frozen. Now, look at me today, writing about my experiences.
The trainers and mentors have played an indispensable role in shaping my growth. Their expertise and encouragement have been like a compass, guiding me through challenges and helping me build the skills needed for success. Each interaction with them has contributed significantly, and I am grateful for the continuous mentorship that has been a cornerstone of my progress.

Riding the wave of Change – The Tech Landscape:

In the ever-evolving tech landscape, adaptability is not just a skill; it’s a survival instinct. During my four years at HCLTech, I saw technology change quickly. The tech field was constantly moving from the start of cloud computing to using more automation. To keep up, I had to commit to keep learning continuously. Fueled by an insatiable curiosity, my journey extended beyond conventional IT roles.

My transition from a student to a seasoned professional was full of challenges. Adapting to new technologies, overcoming hurdles, and mastering complex systems tested my resilience. However, the rewards were immeasurable – the satisfaction of conquering challenges and the joy of seeing results in my work.

As someone has rightly said, “Challenges are the steppingstones to success. Each hurdle I overcame was a lesson learned and a skill honed. The journey is challenging, but the destination is worth it”.

Diversification – Venturing into AI:

Given the increasing shift towards AI, I have decided to upskill myself. I am constantly exploring deeper insights into machine learning and deep learning, two pivotal pillars of the artificial intelligence domain. This diversification has broadened my skill set and opened doors to exciting possibilities in the ever-expanding field of AI. Looking back at my journey, I think about how technology has changed. The future will bring even more cool stuff, like AI becoming a regular part of everything we do and improvements in cloud computing.
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Challenges and Rewards – Navigating the Tech World:

Joining the tech field just after passing the 12th standard was a tough decision, but now, that risk was worth it. I came to know an entirely new personality in myself whom I never met and never even thought I’d be. It wasn’t just a career choice but an exploration of self-discovery. I discovered parts of myself that I didn’t know were there, making me more robust and more determined.

As the dynamic tech landscape continues its perpetual reshaping, my story is not just an individual narrative but a testament to the collective experience of every tech enthusiast. What began as a mere dream evolved into the tangible reality of being a Windows/VMware Admin, with the ever-expanding horizons of AI captivating my interest.

It serves as a poignant reminder that the only true constant in this realm of constant flux is change itself. The ability to accept but wholeheartedly embrace this change becomes the linchpin for surviving and thriving in the world of technology.

Author: Zainab Saeed, Senior Analyst, HCLTech
Writer’s Spark is a platform for TechBees to express their thoughts, ideas and experiences and share their stories with the world.

Embarking on a career in the tech industry straight out of high school is no small feat. For me, this journey began with HCLTech’s TechBee program, a unique initiative that sets the stage for aspiring individuals to delve into the world of technology from day one.

TechBee: A Gateway to Professional Growth:
Joining HCLTech right after completing my 12th grade was a defining moment. The comprehensive training, known as CRT (Classroom Training), laid the groundwork for the skills required in the fast-paced world of software engineering. The structured program honed my technical abilities and instilled a problem-solving mindset that would prove invaluable in the years to come.

The TechBee experience was not merely about acquiring technical knowledge; it was a holistic approach to professional development. Our trainers emphasized Soft skills, teamwork, and adaptability, creating a well-rounded foundation for the challenges ahead.

From Intern to Software Engineer: A Steady Ascent:
Following the initial six months of CRT, the transition to an internship marked a hands-on experience that bridged the gap between theory and real-world application. Working on practical projects allowed me to witness the nuances of software development, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry’s dynamics.

After a year of dedicated efforts, I achieved a significant milestone – the title of Software Engineer. While this marks my entry as a professional in the workplace as a full-time employee, it’s the beginning of my long journey where I want to rise to the top of the world.

Balancing Act: Work and Education at BITS Pilani:
The journey didn’t end there. HCLTech’s commitment to employee development provided me with a unique opportunity – the chance to pursue a bachelor’s degree at BITS Pilani. Juggling work responsibilities and academic pursuits at one of India’s most prestigious institutes became a balancing act that further enriched my learning experience.
The academic environment at BITS Pilani complemented my professional growth. Engaging with diverse perspectives, collaborating on research projects, and being part of a vibrant campus community added layers to my skill set beyond the technical realm.

Key Achievements in the Early Stages:
Reflecting on the early stages of my career at HCLTech, several achievements stand out. Notable among them is the successful completion of impactful projects that contributed to the company’s success. Whether streamlining processes or implementing innovative solutions, each project presented an opportunity for growth and recognition.

Additionally, participation in collaborative teams and continuous upskilling through internal training programs played a pivotal role in expanding my skill set. The vibrant work culture at HCLTech, marked by mentorship and knowledge sharing, fostered an environment where learning was encouraged and celebrated.

Looking Ahead: Challenges and Future Aspirations:
While the journey has been rewarding, the tech industry is dynamic, regularly presenting new challenges and opportunities. As I look ahead, my focus is on continued professional and academic growth. Embracing emerging technologies, staying adaptable, and contributing to innovative solutions are at the forefront of my aspirations.

In conclusion, my early achievements at HCLTech, fueled by the TechBee program, have shaped my trajectory as a Software Engineer. The synergy between hands-on experience, academic pursuit, and a collaborative work environment has laid a robust foundation for the exciting journey ahead.

Author: Aman Kumar Gupta, Software Engineer, HCLTech
Writer’s Spark is a platform for TechBees to express their thoughts, ideas and experiences and share their stories with the world.

How do students know whether they are eligible or not?

In today’s world, there are a plethora of opportunities for higher education and job programs. While students these days do their own research basis peer influence, industry knowledge, and their own interest, it is also important to know if they themselves are eligible for the same. Eligibility is a crucial factor when it comes to any career program, as it determines whether or not an individual meets the necessary requirements to participate in the program. Without meeting the eligibility criteria, one may not be able to access the necessary resources, training, and opportunities that are essential for pursuing a particular career path.

TechBee – HCL’s Early Career Program, is an exclusive job program for individuals looking for full-time jobs after Class XII, thereby making them financially independent. Started in 2017, this program is offered by HCL Training & Staffing Services (HCL TSS), a subsidiary of HCLTech, and an approved training partner of the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC). TechBee is a hybrid training program that focuses on both students’ overall education and the grooming of their personalities – making them industry-ready. But who should go for it

It is very important to make the right choices at the right time and in the right way. In case you choose TechBee, make sure you meet the following criteria:

• Mathematics/ Business Mathematics is mandatory with min 60% mark for IT roles only.
• Minimum cut-off ranges from 60-75% marks across different education boards.
• A resident of India who has successfully passed class XII board exams in 2022 or appeared in 2023.
• In case of two mark sheets (original and Improvement) being produced for the same class, all subjects with the latest marks will be considered for calculating percentage or above irrespective of any board recommendations.
• Applicants with 80% & above in IIT/JEE mains (2023) will be exempt from HCL CAT. They can directly appear for Versant and interviews. The cut-off marks criteria for class XII will be applicable for all.

 

Eligible candidates are then invited to appear for an Online Career Aptitude Test (HCL CAT), post which they need to attempt a communication ability assessment and an interview after which they are issued a Letter of Interest/offer letter.

Candidates in the top 80^th percentile in IIT-JEE mains (2022 and 2023) will be exempt from HCL CAT. They can directly appear for communication ability assessment and interviews. The cut-off marks criteria for class XII will be applicable to all.

HCL CAT is an online assessment test designed to check your aptitude in the areas of Quantitative Reasoning (Mathematics), Logical Reasoning, and verbal abilities.

Simply put, if you are a bright student who has just cleared Class XII, either this year or the last, then you are eligible to apply. Once you apply, you will have to attempt an assessment which is basically to check your aptitude and a bit of English comprehension. Beyond this, once you qualify, you are put through an interview which is a learning assessment. Subsequently, you are onboarded with the basics of computer science and theories. This is part of the classroom training, which runs for anywhere between four and six months, depending on the nature of the job which we already have pre-conceived. After this is done, now all these again take place through daily, weekly, and monthly quizzes, tests, and assessments. Post this, you are put through an internship process which runs for anywhere between six and eight months. During the internship, you get paid a stipend of ₹10,000 a month. Post internship, you become an employee. Successful completion of an internship leads you to employment at HCLTech.

To apply, you need to visit: www.hcltechbee.com

Please note that in India, the eligibility criteria for various programs may differ depending on the state board that governs the program. This is because education is a state subject in India, and each state has its own board or council that oversees education within its jurisdiction. Marks may differ between states based on the state’s policies and regulations. Please check this before you proceed further. For TechBee, you need to have secured the following marks as part of the eligibility criteria:

• 75% Andhra Pradesh, NIOS, Tamil Nadu, Telangana
• 70% CBSE, ISC, Orissa, Karnataka
• 65% Assam, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Punjab
• 60% Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand

Now, once you know that you meet the eligibility criteria, you need to ensure you are ready with all documentation before you start the application process. Keep all documents like Date of Birth, Aadhar Card, Mobile Number, Email ID, and Class X and Class XII marks sheets ready before you apply for the application form.

All the best.

It’s midway of 2022 and if you still don’t have an idea about what those above words mean, then you may be in trouble! The world is transforming so fast and with it, are these quickly emerging terminologies. We believe it’s high time you know about the whole deal and become agile to technological revolution, where you might be able to learn too, and join its fast-evolving culture.

What’s a Blockchain?

Blockchain is a system of recording information in a structure that makes it difficult or impossible to change, hack, or cheat the system. Also, it eliminates the use of a single point of interaction or record keeping.

A blockchain is basically a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of participants on the blockchain. Everyone knows what is happening between themselves, so there’s no central person that keeps records. A block in the chain contains a number of transactions, and every time a new transaction occurs on the blockchain, a record of that transaction is added to every participant’s ledger. This decentralized technology is largely known as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).

Ok, we get what a Blockchain is, but what’s Cryptocurrency?

A cryptocurrency is a digital or virtual currency that is secured by cryptography, which makes it nearly impossible to counterfeit or double-spend. Many cryptocurrencies are based on DLTs running on blockchain technology.

It’s the official token to do any transaction on a given Blockchain. Consider you do perform something on the blockchain, for all the participants to record it in their own ledger you need to pay the network fee, and also the independent ledgers also get a fee to process it.

All of these are specific to the Blockchain and converted to Fiat money like USD or Euro based on rates predetermined in the market. The more demand the Blockchain has the higher the value of the token of currency (cryptocurrency) that is used in that particular framework.

The most famous Bitcoin you have already heard; Bitcoin is the cryptocurrency that has the highest market cap in the Cryptocurrency world, followed by the Ethereum Cryptocurrency developed on the ever so dynamic Ethereum Blockchain.

So, what is an NFT?

So NFT stands for Non-Fungible Token. Well, non-fungible means it’s unique and cannot be replaced. A Bitcoin is fungible since you can exchange it for another Bitcoin. But you cannot do the same to an NFT. At a very high level, most NFTs are a part of the Etherium Blockchain. NFTs can be anything digital including digital art, music, and a particular code. However, the majority of the current excitement is around using blockchain technology to sell digital art.

Many claims that owning an NFT digital art is stupid since you can right-click the picture and save it. But NFTs are designed to provide you with something that cannot be copied: ownership of the work (despite the artist may still retain the copyright and reproduction rights, just like with physical artwork). If you put it in comparison with 0hyaical art collecting; anyone can buy a Monet print. But only one person can own the original.

Also, the NFTs are making communities with the particular NFT owners and creating private club-like networks where NFTs are the buy-in for the membership. The Pudgy Penguins club, the Bored Ape Yacht club, and the CryptoPunks are classic examples of the above.

These are now most sought after topics of discussions even if you are not working in technology. And, if you are dreaming of a career in IT, then explore TechBee – HCL’s Early Career Program for students who have cleared Class XII. Early career programs like HCL TechBee have diverse advantages that enable students to succeed in their early careers and be future ready for the digital tomorrow.

Post global pandemic: Accelerating digital transformation in society

The pandemic only accelerated the rapidly evolving digital transformation across the world. From video-conferencing and virtual meetings to online-education that shaped the ‘new normal’, digitization significantly impacted all aspects of our lives. Governments and businesses across the world have started aggressively paying keen attention to emerging and immersive technologies including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, Augmented & Virtual Reality and Automation. Even more recently, the Metaverse – a synchronous digital world beyond the one we live in, and Web 3.0 have created ripples across the industry with companies and brands across the world diving into them to explore the possibilities of giving users never-before-seen interactivity. The proliferation of cryptocurrency and NFTs and the rise of gaming technology and eSports around the world gives us a peek into the digital future – one where technology will further change the way we live and operate. This undoubtedly opens up a world of career opportunities for those with the skills needed to navigate these technologies.

Digital India : Paving way for a new future

Closer to home in India, our Government has heavily begun to invest in transforming India as a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy through its flagship ‘Digital India’ initiative. The program’s key focus areas include digital infrastructure, on-demand governance and services and the digital empowerment of citizens. With Information Technology impacting, evolving and shaping the world we live in,  youth especially have the advantage of planning their learning and development in practical ways that could best fit these growing demands.

Skilling programs : Empowering students with skills that matter

India with its multi-generational workforce and one of the largest youth populations in the world will witness around 2 crore youth joining the workforce every year. Though youth may come from different backgrounds – they all have one thing in common. They want to be employable and lead a good quality life. The need for skilling and upskilling has reached a new high post the pandemic – a requirement that the IT industry and government are well aware of. Industries are speaking out about how there is a gap between the skills that employers rely upon in their employees and the skills that job seekers possess.

3D program for Class 12 graduates : Dual, Dependable & Diverse

Students who are graduating from Class XII  are standing at the cusp of a fully transformed digital society. With recent industry reports suggesting that the IT industry will continue to grow in 2022 and provide robust employment opportunities especially in Tier 2 cities, students who are passing out of Class XII stand to benefit from enrolling in integrated training programs with a 3D (three-dimensional) aspect.

3D Aspect:

• Dual-focus : one that integrates the dual-focus on education + practical training which includes providing skills that is urgently required in the IT industry today and exposure to real-world IT projects.
• Dependable : one that gives students the security of being placed in a secure job
  post-training while giving them financial independence via a stipend through duration of the training program.
• Diverse : one that includes holistic teaching that focuses on the student’s personality development, communication skills and leadership skills with access to mentorship.

When you take a look at the history of education and training in India, you can see that vocational training and skilling is deeply ingrained in our culture. The Gurukulam and Paatashala modes of learning focused on a hybrid model of learning which included practical application of skills through the course of the day.

Despite all the changes happening around us, there is no dearth of opportunities in IT for those who choose to seek them the smart way. Those who have relevant skills that the IT industry needs, a good educational foundation and practical exposure to real-world projects can be certain of success even in the most uncertain of times.

You would have read or heard a lot about HCL’s TechBee program online and on our website.  However, do you want to get first-hand feedback from TechBee students themselves? Afterall, who better to tell you practically about the program and the results subsequently? We presented some interesting questions to our students who recently passed out and started their early careers with HCLTech.

To begin with, let’s look at some responses to top 5 interesting questions!

Where did you hear about the TechBee program?

While candidates like Leela Sai Siva heard about the TechBee program from a newspaper article, some learnt about it via social media and some – from friends and family. While one candidate mentioned how the seniors in his school told him about the program, another said that she found it while searching online for opportunities after high school. If you are reading this article and interested in TechBee, where did you hear about our program?

What inspired you to apply for the TechBee program?

Manas feels that the biggest inspiration to join the program was the opportunity to work in one of India’s fastest growing IT companies – HCLTech.  Whereas another candidate – Aryan felt that the program was ‘unique’ and ‘very promising’ with the affiliation to BITS Pilani further boosting his interest in the program. While Meer, a TechBee feels that a secure job offers in HCLTech at the age of 18 was the best option for her, Akanksha cherishes the financial independence that the program gives which motivated her to apply. Are you inspired by our graduates to apply for this program? We look forward to getting to know you!

What aspect of the program did you like the most?

While Kuldeep values the consistent feedback he received through the program which helped him improve his performance, Ananya describes the entire experience as ‘top of the world’. Nikhitha felt that all TechBee trainers were friendly while ensuring that candidates were given tasks that challenged them. Yousuf felt that the communications training aspect of the program helped him a lot. Overall, candidates felt that opportunity to study and learn at the same time – while enjoying financial independence were aspects that appealed to them. HCL Tech Bee is a one-stop-shop for a student’s early-career education and placement and has many diverse and interesting aspects that appeal to different students.

What skill (apart from IT) has been enhanced through TechBee?

Mohammed feels that apart from IT, his communication and presentation skills have been enhanced a lot. Most importantly, he feels that TechBee gives students the opportunity to learn collaborative skills and take part in teamwork. While Suresh shares that the program’s focus on communication skills was useful for his overall growth, Dinakar believes the program enhanced his leadership skills. HCL TechBee is a comprehensive holistic program that focuses on the 360 degree growth of candidates. What are you waiting for? Get geared up for the digital revolution by equipping yourself with TechBee fueled skills.

Do you feel confident about the future especially during this pandemic?

An overwhelming majority of TechBee graduates who were pursuing their first job with HCLTech reported that they felt confident about the future despite the pandemic because of their association with the TechBee program. The security that came from being placed in their first job in a global renowned company like HCLTech was valuable to them. Candidates shared that they highly recommend TechBee as it not only gave them a strong foundation in technical knowledge but also created a platform for them to build their communication skills which, in turn, helped them bag a stable job – a fact that they cherish even more due to the uncertainty of the times.

SECURE YOUR FUTURE WITH HCL TECHBEE

Early career programs like HCL TechBee have diverse advantages that enable students to succeed in their early careers and be future ready for the digital tomorrow. As explained by our graduates, TechBee ensures that its students need neither outside personality development or communications skills program nor outside recommendations to secure a commendable position in the IT industry. At HCLTech, we believe that direct feedback from our TechBee graduates is valuable and lets our future candidates know about the quality of the program we offer. Contact us to learn more about HCL TechBee and we look forward to a collaborative journey with you.

As students who are keen in pursuing a potential career in Information Technology, it is important you keep an eye on the current trends in technology and see how you can skill yourself to play an integral role in this digital revolution. The global pandemic has accelerated an already fast-paced digital transformation and created new trends in technology.

Let’s explore 5 of the latest technology trends in information technology!

1. MetaVerse
2. Cybersecurity
3. 5G
4. Blockchain
5. Educational Technology

METAVERSE

Did you know that the word Metaverse was inspired by Snow Crash, a 1992 novel where users used the metaverse to escape to the future world? The metaverse is an online three-dimensional space where people can login as avatars to connect, communicate and collaborate with each other. The technologies that make up the metaverse include Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality and Blockchain technology that combine aspects of the digital and virtual world. The metaverse propels the evolution of new technologies for its execution as it needs a ‘digital twin’ of a person to simulate real-world presence. Are you excited about building technology for this alternate virtual universe?

CYBERSECURITY

Did you know that cyber criminals cause millions of dollars in losses to businesses, societies and countries by hacking into the unauthorized accounts? With the world being more connected than ever before in the ‘new normal’, cyberattacks have increased in 2022. While emerging tech like artificial intelligence (AI) guards networks in real-time as opposed to understanding what went wrong post-attack; cloud computing offers end-to-end encryption for online data storage and data transfers. AI-powered cybersecurity is not only one of the current trends in technology, it’s also a cool field to skill yourself in as you get to be a superhero online by catching criminals.

5G

5G is the 5th generational mobile network that virtually connects everyone and everything including machines, objects and devices. It is designed to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds and its low latency and efficiency make it connect more people seamlessly. 5G which has 100 times the speed of 4G makes data transfers, downloads, uploads and streaming much faster and will also boost IoT (the Internet of Things) – connected smart devices that operate together. Did you know that latest research suggests that 5G adoption will skyrocket in 2022 with 5G subscriptions predicted to surpass one billion this year?

BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

Blockchain – a digital ledger of transactions that is duplicated and distributed across the entire network of computer systems in a way that makes it impossible to change, hack or influence the system. Businesses run on information and the faster they receive accurate information, the better it is for the business. Blockchain delivers this information in a transparent and secure way. The key elements of a blockchain include distributed ledger technology, immutable records and smart contracts. Blockchain technology replaces the need for third-party validations and record keeping.

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Educational technology includes the technology and media that facilitates learning and assists in the communication of knowledge. During the global pandemic, due to social restrictions, we have seen how physical classroom learning has been replaced by online instruction. Educational Technology companies are working on enhancing digital platforms for remote learning. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) help create immersive lessons that are fun and engaging for students. Gamification which involves using games as an instructional tool helps make even difficult subjects exciting and interactive.

Did you enjoy reading about the current trends in technology? Are you passionate about exploring the latest trends in information technology? Are you excited about standing on the cusp of this digital revolution and equipping yourself with the skills that matter to work in these interesting tech fields? Programs like HCL TechBee, give you the opportunity to prepare for a career in the emerging technologies right after Class XII and to get real-time experience of working on live projects in one of India’s best-known IT companies. What are you waiting for? Learn more today!

“ We are our choices” Jean-Paul Sartre, French Philosopher.

Choices at the cross-roads of your life

There come many important decision-making points in the life of a student– especially after Class 10 and 12 when you decide which course your future will take. The stream of studies you choose and the subjects you specialize in play an important role in your college admission and subsequent career placement. Decision-making junctures seem endless with the multitude of the options available before you. Even after graduation from college, there is the consideration of whether you should go in for campus placement versus preparing yourself for higher studies like a Masters program or a Management degree. For professional courses like MBA, you will deliberate if it makes sense to get some work experience and then enroll or you may consider a part-time course option as well.

Choice is a privilege: Choose wisely

While all of this may seem overwhelming or confusing, the great news is that ‘choice is a privilege’ not afforded to all. It’s wonderful that you live in a time where there are so many options to educate and empower yourself and make something meaningful out of your life. Hence, do not get confused by choices and instead embrace the choices available in front of you to carve your best path. Embracing choices means successfully completing the requirements of whatever you have chosen; and allowing the work you have put into that choice to mature. It certainly does not mean moving from one choice to the other without grasping the essence of the program you are enrolled in especially when things get tough.

Focus on the ‘Now’ over the ‘Next’

Today’s world is a marketer’s paradise! Every day we are bombarded with information telling us what the next best shiny thing is out there for us to buy. Advertisements, posters, hoardings, television and social media ads are constantly encouraging us that our happiness lies in constantly acquiring something new. Buy something new and expensive and get an instant thrill from it – be it a new mobile phone or a brand new bike! We are also surrounded by people highlighting all of this in social media each and every day. Without us realizing even, all of these things have the power to subconsciously affect our minds and makes us question our choices. It can also lure us into always planning how to make more money in a shorter period of time. Unfortunately, we may take this mindset to our studies and career as well and quickly develop a dissatisfaction of where we are and what we are doing. Avoid the trap of instant gratification and be contented and focused on what you are doing now. Be determined to develop yourself as a well-rounded personality who can adapt to learning new technology and working well with people rather than someone who is always looking to make fast money!

Choice versus No-choice?

In the midst of all these choices, there is one aspect where you literally have ‘no choice’ – do you know what it is? You have ‘no choice’ when it comes to staying committed to whatever you choose to do.

We live in a competitive world where one has to fine tune themselves personally and professionally to be successful. Any path in life comes with highs and lows and staying on track means riding them both out in a consistent way. A common trait shared by successful people is that they do not quit when the going gets tough. While an ace scientist will not quit over a few failed experiments, a star cricketer will not give up practicing cricket and take up football just because he got bowled out by the first ball in an important match. So, when studying for a particular exam is difficult or a course or project requirement is challenging, do not give up when the going gets tough and quickly try to move on some other option.

Do not second-guess your choices and confuse yourself. Take your investment of time seriously and train your mind to complete whatever you undertake successfully – even if it comes with hurdles. There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer when it comes to deciding what opportunity will work best for you when planning your future. What matters eventually is how fine-tuned your own mind is in deciding to stay on track and complete your course requirements successfully. Success will naturally follow.

An early-career program: Comprehensive choice for overall growth

An early-career program like HCL TechBee is a carefully curated opportunity of several sensible choices in one comprehensive package. Choosing and committing to this program gives you the opportunity to receive the most contemporary tech training in the industry today while empowering yourself with the best educational degrees including the added incentive of an assured job placement. The TechBee ecosystem is invested in your overall success keeps you inspired with access to practical training, relevant guidance, a like-minded community and world-class mentors. Learn more about the key advantages of an early career program like HCL TechBee!