Teach For India on Building Skills and Careers in the Social Sector

Ahmedabad ,As India’s social impact and education sectors continue to grow, there’s a noticeable shift in how organizations think about talent—what kind of people they hire, how they work, and how they’re supported. The focus is no longer just on passion for a cause, but also on specific skills, flexibility, and long-term professional growth.

To understand this evolving landscape better, we spoke with Tanya Arora, Senior Director, People at Teach For India (TFI), who shared valuable insights into the hiring trends, talent strategies, and regional impact shaping the sector today.

In the conversation, Tanya highlighted how organizations are moving away from generalist roles and now look for candidates with specific expertise—such as data analysis, product development, and fundraising. This shift helps drive better outcomes and stronger program delivery. She mentioned about the lasting influence of the pandemic on work models.

Many organizations have adopted remote-first or hybrid approaches, allowing them to engage consultants and experienced professionals for short-term or part-time roles. This trend has made the sector more open and accessible to career switchers and professionals from top universities exploring meaningful work.

Mindsets and values still matter deeply. Tanya shared that TFI places high importance on qualities like adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, and a growth mindset. These traits are key to creating long-term impact in a space that’s constantly evolving.

To support employees, Teach For India has built a strong professional development system. This includes weekly check-ins, leadership development conversations, and personalized growth plans. Employees can access learning platforms like Coursera and LinkedIn Learning, and receive a ₹25,000 learning grant for courses or events. Peer learning, retreats, and alumni engagement further support continuous learning and collaboration.

This approach has translated into real-world impact. In Ahmedabad, for example, TFI works with 16 schools and supports over 2,500 students through its Fellowship program. Tanya also pointed out that fair pay is becoming a bigger part of the conversation. Organizations are doing salary benchmarking and offering performance-based rewards to attract and retain top talent.

The non-profit and education sector is clearly evolving—blending purpose with professionalism, and flexibility with impact. With a strong focus on skill-building, growth, and inclusion, it’s creating a dynamic, future-ready workforce that’s equipped to drive meaningful and lasting change.