DigiPivot 5.0 Launched with the Largest Cohort Size yet of 400 Women

Chennai, June 27, 2024: The latest edition of DigiPivot, the free skill development initiative by Avtar Group, Google India and Centre of Executive Education at Indian School of Business, has doubled the size of its cohort size to 400 from last year’s number of 200. DigiPivot program has already made a significant impact, with 67% of women from previous editions successfully pivoting their careers. The current cohort of 400 participants is expected to see an even higher success rate.

 Avtar, India’s premier Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firm has, for the fifth time in a row, partnered with Google India and Centre for Executive Education at Indian School of Business (ISB) for DigiPivot 5.0 – the free skill development initiative, which will provide training for women in the digital marketing space. Hindustan Unilever Limited, has once again joined hands as the industry partner, to provide the cohort industry-specific insights and mentorship. 

 Applications are invited from women, who are currently employed with work experience ranging from 1 year to 18 years, women who are differently-abled, on career breaks and also in their entrepreneurial journeys.

 Commenting on DigiPivot 5.0, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President of Avtar Group said, “Avtar’s research shows that 45% of women on career breaks are open to exploring new careers, and over 70% of women on uninterrupted career paths are seeking pivotal transitions to add meaning and purpose to their careers. I am thrilled to invite women, across career stages, to join us in this journey empowered by DigiPivot. A career pivot to Digital Marketing – a path that offers the flexibility to work remotely, has high earning possibilities, with global opportunities, has the potential to drive amazing societal impact, and one that employs in-demand digital proficiencies – is an assured pathway to win in your careers.”

Madhuri Duggirala, Vice President, gTech Ads, Google, said: “As we move forward in the AI Revolution, DigiPivot represents a tremendous opportunity for Indian women to take a confident step towards a future-ready digital career. The transformative impact that our 400 DigiPivot alumni have had in their respective industries is what motivates us to continue growing the program, with our fifth iteration having a cohort that’s ten times larger than our first two. We’re committed to building a more inclusive workforce by providing our cohorts with targeted, purpose-driven and meaningful support. Our Google mentors will continue including our latest AI products into the Ads Upskilling curriculum to ensure graduates can make confident and informed pivots in their careers.”

“Research shows that when women work, it benefits her children, her family, her community and her nation. This is even more essential in the case of the Indian Woman Professional, whose economic participation in the workplace is critical not just for her own independence but for the nation’s development trajectory as well. But let’s face it: Women face numerous challenges in pursuing a career – difficulty managing family and work responsibilities, dealing with bias and discrimination, and so on. In this context, it is paramount that a woman be in a profession that genuinely satisfies her. Because otherwise, in the face of harsh challenges, there is a likelihood that she may drop off from the workforce. Quite often, the first career path that a woman professional chooses may not be the ideal one. So, being willing to alter her career trajectory can lead to better work-life integration, career advancement, job satisfaction, better health, and more,” Dr Saundarya added.

 The DigiPivot participants will gain knowledge on digital marketing along with Avtar’s proprietary Intentional Career Pathing, which is built on the tenets that are critical to charting sustainable careers. Senior leaders from Google will mentor the cohort, guiding them through experiential segments including case study challenges. The participants will go through sessions on core digital marketing skills and strategies, that will be hosted by senior faculty from ISB. Avtar will engage the participants in honing their strategic leadership skills to build intentional careers.

 “Having participated in the DigiPivot course, I can attest to the transformative impact it has had on my professional journey. After a significant career hiatus, the course provided me with the invaluable skills and knowledge necessary to confidently re-enter the workforce. The comprehensive curriculum and expert guidance not only equipped me with the latest industry insights but also instilled in me a renewed sense of purpose and direction,” shares Lovleen Gureja, from the 2022 cohort.

 “Digipivot is a good starting point for anyone new to digital marketing and looking to break into the field. It helped in my internal transition to a digital marketing project. The program is packed with inspiration and practical knowledge," pointed out, Manichandana Bajjuri, another member from the 2023 cohort.

 The cohort will go through intensive training virtually in technical and leadership skills needed for a career pivot. Last year, DigiPivot received more than 20,000 applications, who were then screened and interviewed to shortlist 200 for the program.