In today's fast-paced world, technology has become extremely pervasive in all aspects of our lives. Technology has also played a dominant role in the up-gradation of the global education system.
By leveraging the full potential of these available technologies, many EdTech platforms have brought the fun back into learning through their innovative concepts and teaching methods.
GuruQ, a Delhi-based start-up, is one such platform that is trying to break the barriers in the tutoring space and facilitate students and parents' search for reliable tutors.
Developed by Minal Anand, an alumnus of Boston University, GuruQ stands out because it is India's first platform where students or parents can choose top, verified, and vetted tutors.
It aims to address the need for a single, simplified, and cohesive Ed-Tech platform that provides online and offline tutoring along with many other functionalities and services.
The idea was born after Minal completed her education in the US and returned to India when she realized the disparity between a diverse education system that made most technology and digitalization abroad versus the traditional forms of education in India, which is still predominantly based on memorization rather than practical applications.
When she returned to India, the difference between students who had studied abroad and those who had not was even more evident. She realized that a major reason for this disconnect was that educators in India are often not familiar with innovative teaching methods.
This urge to do some quality work in the field of education drove Minal to explore the Ed-Tech sector, which was by then one of India's most prolific segments. That is when GuruQ was born.
Currently, GuruQis one of India's best digital platforms that connect students and parents with the right tutors; and provides the best working space for them.
The company has some of the best tutors from different study areas including school education (K-12), language learning, competitive exams, and international entrance exams.
GuruQ-certified tutors are reliable, and accountable and undergo a 5-step rigorous scrutiny process. This includes a Proficiency Test, an online or offline Interview, and a full background check conducted by external agencies, thus ensuring students are entrusted in safe hands.
GuruQ also allows parents to evaluate tutors through automatically recorded online sessions so that the feedback can be used to enhance learning.
Through GuruQ, students can choose any tutor based on their class, subject, location, preferred mode (online or offline or a combination of both), experience &qualifications of tutors, and ratings & reviews by GuruQ and other students.
Furthermore, students can easily manage timetables, take online tests and assignments, and assess their progress through GuruQ's personalized dashboard called the Q-Board.
Tutors, on the other hand, can reach out to several students, manage their schedules, and increase their income. It's a win-win for everyone while facilitating world-class learning and teaching experiences.
GuruQ works with a democratic and participative style of management. It believes in encouraging its employees to be a part of the decision-making process.
The idea is that such contribution will lead to the free exchange of ideas and in turn the overall betterment of the organization. Under aspiring and capable leaders, GuruQfocuses on collaboration and teamwork as its main pillars.
The management makes sure that all teams collaborate in some way — whether it is marketing, tutor operations, student operations, or technology needs.
GuruQ'sheadoffice is located in Vatika Mindscapes on Main Mathura Road and boasts state-of-the-art offices and facilities. The GuruQ team works in an open floor arrangement to facilitate maximum interaction and collaboration. The company has a cafeteria, conference room, and a meeting room.
A Healthy Inquisitiveness
Creative & out-of-the-box thinking
Being a proactive, smart worker
Problem-solver, solution-giver
Exceeds expectations consistently
Always eager to learn and take on more
Dedication and commitment toward the work assigned
Open communication, collaboration, and teamwork.
Individuals who demonstrate the aforementioned traits are recognized and amply rewarded in the form of monetary & non-monetary incentives, and an increase in roles & responsibilities that allow them to grow in the organization.
Out-of-the-box thinking:
Out-of-box thinking is more than just a business mantra at GuruQ. Unique ideas are valued and the company incentivizes employees who can bring such ideas to the table.
Taking on additional responsibilities to further themselves:
GuruQ loves and values people who are willing to go the extra mile at the workplace and bring immense value to an organization.
Going beyond what is asked:
At GuruQ, people who continually exceed expectations are always encouraged. The company appreciates such employees by recognizing and rewarding them.
Thinking ahead and taking the initiative to tackle possible future scenarios:
GuruQ values the ability of people who can predict and assess potential future scenarios and develop solutions. It also rewards such people and develops a mutually beneficial long-term association with them.
The interview starts with the preliminary rounds – the first with the HR team and the second with the corporate team. Various elements are considered like a resume (experience, qualifications), ability, enthusiasm to handle the work, family background, other interests, etc. If the initial rounds are successful, the CEO of the organization then finally interviews the candidate.
Some 5Ps form the basis of the company culture and each of these is a guiding force for all employees.
Probe
GuruQ encourages and fosters an environment where employees question and probe all aspects of the business to ensure perfection in the services rendered.
Plan
Employees are made to plan their work with clearly defined deliverables and timelines. This ensures proper time management, systematic work, and maximum efficiency.
Prepare
Employees are given the correct guidance, support, and encouragement to prepare before undertaking the tasks assigned to them.
Pursue
The pursuit of a goal becomes easier with the clarity of purpose. Therefore, before pursuing any task, employees are made to probe, plan and prepare to ensure perfection in results once the task has been undertaken.
Perfect
Employees following the above-mentioned step consistently, over some time, deliver perfection in everything that they do, greatly contributing to organizational growth.
The above 5Ps amalgamated with high job satisfaction, and a positive working environment foster a high level of efficiency and time management leading to the perfection of all deliverables and work assigned.
GuruQ celebrates each employee's birthday in the office. In addition, the CEO often hosts occasional lunches and outings.
GuruQ believes it is important to maintain a work-life balance. The company encourages its employees to take on hobbies and interests outside of work.
The CEO says, "I tell all my employees that you must give your 100% percent to whatever you do; when at work put in your complete best to be the most productive, and when you're not at work, you must find hobbies or activities that you're passionate about."
GuruQ has over 20,000 tutors in Delhi NCR and 5,000 registered students. It has now expanded operations in Haryana and Punjab, where it will soon begin offering online and offline classes.
There are extensive plans in the works to expand to more states in North India and eventually create a pan-India presence. The company is also looking forward to adding more interesting and innovative features and offerings to its repertoire.