Vembu praised the work-first approach as genuine empowerment for young people. Citing the heavy financial burden in the US, where Gen Z graduates owe an average of USD 94,000, he said the future belongs to those who can “stand on their own feet” without being trapped in student debt.
At Zoho, Vembu has implemented similar principles.
“No job requires a college degree,” he revealed, noting that hiring managers are instructed to remove degree requirements from job postings. He highlighted the example of Zoho’s Tenkasi office, where the median age of one technical team is just 19. Their “energy and can-do spirit,” he said, demonstrates how non-degree pathways can nurture talent effectively.
Indian families urged to rethink long-held beliefs
Vembu’s message was directed squarely at Indian parents and students, who often view college degrees as essential markers of success—sometimes at significant financial and emotional cost. He argued that the new US trend carries important lessons for India, especially as the 21st-century economy places greater emphasis on practical skills, adaptability and early professional exposure.
“This trend will change the way young people view the world and will change culture and politics,” Vembu warned. He urged families and employers to pay closer attention to global hiring shifts rather than assuming traditional credentials hold universal value.
A global conversation on education reform
The debate reflects a broader international rethinking of degree-based hiring. Several multinational companies, including technology leaders, have already dropped degree requirements for many roles. Critics of conventional higher education argue that universities are slow to adapt to industry needs, while supporters maintain that formal education provides essential foundations in critical thinking and ethics.
As India continues to expand its digital economy and skill-development ecosystem, the conversation around degree-free pathways is gaining momentum. Vembu’s comments have added fresh urgency to discussions about how the country prepares its youth for an evolving global workforce.