Making Education Accountable with Ashish Munjal Co-Founder & CEO Sunstone Eduversity | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

Ashish Manjal, co-founder and CEO of Sunstone, discusses his entrepreneurial journey and the founding story of Sunstone, an education company focused on providing quality education to tier 2 and tier 3 college students in India.

Key Insights

• 🗯️ Choosing the right market is crucial for startups, and market size and potential growth should be considered.
• 🗯️ Sunstone's focus on problem-solving skills, communication skills, and the right attitude aligns with what employers are looking for in graduates.
• 🎓 Government policies supporting skill-based learning and a hybrid education model are benefiting the education industry.
• 🧑‍🎓 Sunstone's ability to adapt to challenges during the pandemic and provide value to students contributed to its success.
• 👾 Opportunities exist in the education space, including addressing the shortage of tech talent and exploring consumer-first solutions.
• 🪘 Continuous learning, reading, and personal growth are important for entrepreneurs in the long entrepreneurial journey.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How did Ashish Manjal's previous startup experiences influence the founding of Sunstone?

Ashish's experiences at Nolarity and Crownit taught him the importance of choosing the right market and focusing on specific areas instead of spreading oneself too thin.

Q: What are the key skills that employers are looking for in graduates from Sunstone?

Employers value problem-solving skills, communication skills, and the right attitude in graduates. Technical coding skills are less important, as companies are more interested in candidates who can learn and adapt.

Q: How has the government's support for skill-based learning influenced the education industry?

The government has introduced policies that support skill-based learning, including breaking down degrees into diplomas and certificates, and encouraging a hybrid form of education that combines offline and online learning.

Q: What challenges did Sunstone face during the COVID-19 pandemic?

The pandemic brought uncertainty and challenges for Sunstone, but the company adapted by implementing a hybrid learning model and offering upfront fee options for students. The focus on skills and career readiness helped Sunstone thrive during this time.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Ashish Manjal started his career in consulting and investment banking but soon realized he wanted to pursue entrepreneurship. He co-founded a startup called Crownit before starting Sunstone.

• Sunstone aims to provide a high-quality education experience for tier 2 and tier 3 college students, focusing on career outcomes and employability.

• The company works in partnership with colleges, offering programs such as their pay-after-placement MBA, and focuses on skills such as problem-solving, communication, and attitude.