As artificial intelligence reshapes industries and transforms the nature of work, young people entering the job market are facing a rapidly changing employment landscape. Recognising the need for stronger career guidance and future-ready skills, LinkedIn India has extended its partnership with Mentor Together, a non-profit organisation focused on connecting young people with mentors and career opportunities.
Backed by a grant of approximately ₹1.5 crore, the expanded initiative aims to support 25,000 students across Karnataka through structured mentoring programmes that combine employability training, career guidance and AI readiness.
The announcement marks the continuation of a seven-year partnership between LinkedIn and Mentor Together. The initiative also builds on the organisations’ long-standing collaboration with the Karnataka Department of Collegiate and Technical Education, which has helped bring mentoring opportunities to students across the state.
The programme arrives at a time when employers are increasingly looking for candidates who can adapt to new technologies and work alongside AI tools. While technical knowledge remains important, career experts believe that students also need guidance in understanding changing workplace expectations, developing professional confidence and making informed career decisions.
Over the past year, the partnership has already demonstrated significant impact. According to programme data, more than 23,000 students across nine districts of Karnataka participated in mentoring activities. In addition, 573 students received personalized one-on-one mentoring support through the Mentor To Go mobile application. The initiative also facilitated over 8,000 hours of mentoring conversations between students and professionals from various industries.
One of the most encouraging outcomes was the improvement in student confidence. Around 86 per cent of participating mentees completed the programme with greater clarity about their career goals and future opportunities.
The next phase of the initiative has been designed around a three-tier approach that integrates career development with AI awareness.
The first level focuses on Career and AI Awareness. Through group mentoring sessions, 25,000 students across Karnataka will be introduced to career planning concepts while also gaining a basic understanding of artificial intelligence and its growing role in workplaces. The objective is to normalise career conversations and help students become more comfortable with emerging technologies.
The second level, known as Foundational Career Mentoring, will support 8,000 students through structured mentoring conversations with professionals using the Mentor To Go platform. These interactions will focus on career exploration, workplace expectations and responsible use of AI tools for learning, planning and professional development.
The third level targets students who are preparing to enter the workforce. Around 700 final-year students will receive intensive placement-focused mentoring that combines guidance from experienced mentors, dedicated programme support and AI-enabled job search tools. The aim is to help participants navigate recruitment processes more effectively and improve their employment prospects.
The programme reflects a growing belief that technology alone cannot solve career challenges. While AI can provide information and tools, human mentors continue to play a vital role in helping young people understand their strengths, build confidence and make informed decisions.
By combining human guidance with AI-enabled support, LinkedIn and Mentor Together hope to equip students with the skills, knowledge and confidence required for an increasingly digital economy. As India’s workforce adapts to technological change, initiatives such as this could play an important role in ensuring that students are prepared not only for the jobs of today but also for the careers of tomorrow.
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