On August 1, 2025, the students of the IT Customer Care Executive course (Batch ID: 250219) from Don Bosco Tech Society participated in an engaging and impactful Market Scan activity at RP Mall, Kollam. This field initiative was designed to offer students practical exposure to the local employment landscape and deepen their understanding of current hiring trends in the retail and customer service sectors.

The day commenced with an orientation session led by Ms. Shiny S, trainer of the IT Customer Care Executive course. She set the tone for the day by briefing students on the core objectives of the market scan. The session provided valuable guidance on how to approach employers professionally, interpret job market signals, and accurately complete the structured questionnaire forms used for data collection.

Students were divided into five teams of five to six members each. With well-defined roles and responsibilities, each team was tasked with collecting relevant information from at least five employers operating within the mall. The questionnaire forms included fields such as company name, location, available designations, current vacancies, salary packages, and contact information. Field Officer Mr. Athul S K, alongside Ms. Shiny S, secured necessary permissions from the RP Mall management and supervised the entire activity to ensure smooth execution and safety of all participants.

As the teams fanned out across the mall, they connected with a range of reputable retail businesses including Harees Gold, Fashion Factory, 1st Step, and Bata India Ltd. These interactions proved to be eye-opening. Employers shared real-time vacancy data, highlighted desired skills in candidates, and expressed a growing interest in hiring trained youth with strong communication abilities and customer service aptitude.

In addition to the student interactions, Mr. Athul and Ms. Shiny used the opportunity to engage with store managers and company representatives in more strategic conversations. These discussions focused on exploring potential partnerships for internships, placements, and long-term collaborations. Employers responded positively, recognizing the quality and preparedness of Don Bosco Tech students and expressing openness to future hiring opportunities.

Throughout the day, students gained invaluable insights into employer expectations, hiring patterns, and workplace dynamics. This hands-on experience helped them better understand how theoretical learning translates into real-world competencies. Many students shared that the activity boosted their confidence, improved their interpersonal skills, and provided clarity on the types of roles they might pursue post-training.

The program concluded with a group photo session to mark the occasion. A total of 27 students participated in the event, each contributing actively to the data collection and analysis process. The information gathered during the scan will not only serve as a foundation for upcoming placement efforts but also support future employer engagement strategies.

The Market Scan at RP Mall was more than just an academic exercise; it was a meaningful step toward preparing students for employment in a competitive market. By offering this level of practical exposure, Don Bosco Tech Society continues to reinforce its commitment to transforming young individuals into skilled and job-ready professionals. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of blending classroom instruction with real-world engagement to produce well-rounded and employable graduates.