Mumbai: Student Tribe is dedicated to empowering students from tier two and tier three colleges who often lack access to the same opportunities as their peers in top-tier institutions. With a community of over 650,000 students across eighth cities and a cumulative reach of 2.5 million on social platforms, Student Tribe connects students with brands and companies, providing a wide range of career and skill-building opportunities.
The recent government initiative of generating employment and sponsoring higher education programs has emphasised the importance of internships, higher education and jobs amongst the younger generation. Understanding the need of many students getting limited exposure in tier two and tier three colleges to internships, networking events, and connections with industry professionals, Student Tribe caters to these students trying to provide them with equal opportunities.
Sri Charan Lakkaraju is a leader in the education industry, with over 15 years of experience driving transformative change and fostering innovation. As the founder and CEO of Student Tribe, a platform dedicated to bridging opportunity gaps for students from tier two and tier three colleges, he has empowered hundreds of thousands of students to pursue meaningful careers and education.
Indiantelevision.com caught up with Lakkaraju, where he explained about Student Tribe, skill development & upskilling, expansion plans and a lot more.
Edited excerpts
On Student Tribe and its vision for empowering the student community
Student Tribe exists to recognise and nurture talent from tier two and tier three colleges. We believe that every student deserves an opportunity to grow, regardless of their background. Our approach focuses on building students' intellectual, financial, and social capabilities to prepare them for successful careers. We're creating a platform where talent meets opportunity, breaking down barriers that often hold back students from smaller colleges.
On Student Tribe focusing on skill development and upskilling for students in today's competitive landscape
At Student Tribe, our approach to skill development is shaped by industry requirements and market trends. Occasionally, free workshops are offered for students, providing valuable learning opportunities. For selective students who are eager to pursue their interests with dedication, exclusive cohorts are offered, designed for those who are committed and passionate about their growth.
Through our social media content, we act as a filter, offering free resources, upskilling opportunities, and the best scholarships available. We also keep students updated with essential details, such as exam dates and other key student-related information. Our academics team collaborates with industry experts to ensure that the programs we offer provide hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world projects. By maintaining regular dialogue with companies and industry leaders, we adapt our training to meet evolving workplace needs, ensuring that students develop relevant skills and stay aligned with current market demands.
On Student Tribe collaborating with brands to ensure students from tier two and tier three cities have access to equal opportunities
And.Our Community Marketing as a Service (CMAS) model creates meaningful connections between brands and students. We leverage both online platforms - through not only our social media assets but also nano and micro-influencers, college networks and offline engagement through immersive campus experiences. This dual approach helps brands build authentic relationships while providing students with various opportunities, such as gig work and exclusive brand collaborations. By joining the Student Tribe Community, students can gain access to flexible earning opportunities, skill-building experiences, and more!
On believing internships are critical for students' career development, facilitating these opportunities
Internships provide students with hands-on experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Student Tribe connects students with internships that align with their skills and aspirations. By leveraging our partnerships with companies, we ensure that students gain exposure to real-world challenges and build the confidence to step into their careers. Finding these opportunities couldn't be easier.
The st. App brings two fresh internships every day, while our ST Opportunities Instagram page shares three to four exciting openings daily.
This constant stream of curated roles creates endless possibilities for career growth. From tech to marketing to design, every opportunity is just a tap away.
On the key employment challenges faced by students today
Today's workplaces need people who can think on their feet and work well with others.
Our community helps students develop not just technical skills but also essential soft skills through natural interaction and collaboration. Every week we bring in new chances to grow together.
For instance, our recent event brought together over 1000 students from 60+ colleges, but that's just one of many opportunities we create. It's amazing to see how a simple conversation at one of our events can spark friendships, future collaborations, or even career opportunities. This constant flow of interactions is shaping students into confident individuals who are ready to make their mark.
On some of the major skill gaps you observe between companies’ expectations and students’ capabilities
Beyond the obvious gap between education and industry needs, students often lack the confidence and exposure Many students feel stuck in their shells, unsure about stepping into the real world. That's why we've created a space that feels like home - where genuine connections help everyone grow. Here, students discover their strengths by learning from each other's journeys, turning shared experiences into stepping stones.
Through regular meetups, project collaborations, and honest talks, even the quietest voices find their strength. You'll see someone who rarely spoke up now leading discussions, or a student who used to hang back now reaching out to help others. As bonds deepen and confidence builds, we're not just preparing for tomorrow, we're growing into a family where everyone has each other's back. It's amazing how a simple "I've been there too" can transform self-doubt into self-belief.
On mental health becoming a growing concern
Mental well-being thrives when we support each other, which is exactly what our St. CARE initiative is all about. Through our Happy Students Network creates safe spaces where students help students, building understanding and resilience together. This community-based approach ensures that no student faces their challenges alone and while students lead the way in supporting each other, our professional team is always there when needed. We're also sensitizing students on social media through the st.care page getting people talking about multiple topics that were once taboo. We are trying to show everyone that it's okay and actually pretty cool to open up about mental health and reach out for support.
On some innovative strategies that helps brands to reach effectively
Our approach centers on authentic community engagement. Instead of viewing students as a target audience, we create spaces where brands become part of the student journey. Through student influencers, community events, and collaborative projects, brands integrate naturally into student life, leading to meaningful relationships built on trust and shared experiences.
On building a community-centric approach that benefits students
Our community is a living ecosystem where growth happens naturally through interaction and collaboration. Students find mentors, build friendships, and discover opportunities within a supportive network. This organic approach to development helps them build confidence, discover their strengths, and prepare for their careers while being supported by peers who share their journey.
On the future plans for Student Tribe
As our community grows, we're focusing on deepening connections and creating more opportunities for collaborative learning. While expanding across southern and western India, our priority remains building strong local student communities. We're exploring new ways to bring emerging opportunities in AI, blockchain, and other fields to our members while ensuring our community-first approach continues to support holistic student development. By creating meaningful collaborations with brands, institutions, and industry leaders, we aim to provide a wider range of experiences and resources that empower students to thrive in an ever-evolving world.
