Mrs. M. Nisha, an Assistant Professor and HOD in the Computer Science and Engineering department at Akshaya College of Engineering and Technology, Coimbatore. She has pursued a B.E. and M.E. in Computer Science Engineering. Besides that, she is currently pursuing her Ph.D. Additionally, she has more than 16 years of experience in teaching and has published 8 international and 1 national paper in journals. Furthermore, she is also a member of MISTE.

a

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty? 

I establish a healthy relationship and environment in our institute by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and feedback. I ensure regular feedback so everyone’s voice is valued and respected. By encouraging a culture of support, we try to create a positive atmosphere where individuals feel empowered. I prioritize professional well-being, ensuring that our community has opportunities to thrive personally as well as academically.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented? 

In our department, we integrate real-life case studies into your lessons. Analyzing actual situations helps students apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios. We also invite professionals from the industry to speak in class. Their insights, experiences, and practical knowledge provide valuable perspectives. Besides that, we organize field trips to relevant industry sites. Seeing operations firsthand enhances understanding and connects theoretical concepts to practical applications. Lastly, we use modern technological tools and software for teaching that are used in the industry because it gives the students a familiar experience of the industry and enhances their practical skills.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain the necessary skills? 

Our department provides internship opportunities and career counseling to our students, and we also organize cooperation programs and industry networking events that help them gain hands-on experience from professionals in the industry. Apart from that, there are mentorship and skill-specific training programs for the students. Furthermore, in the course curriculum, we have included industry-integrated courses to enhance the practical skills of the students.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students? 

Currently, we take time to revise our curriculum to meet the ever-changing world and take feedback from industries, stakeholders, faculty, and our current students. We do curriculum mapping every year to include new trends and innovations to help students learn about new technologies. Particularly, we rely on case and project methods, practical classes and exercises, internships, and partnerships with industry professionals. A strong and effective feedback system enables the making of constant changes in the represented features.

Check ACET Courses & Fees

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department or how does your department prepare students for higher education? 

Our department has advisors who guide students in pursuing higher education, including master's or doctoral programs. This involves providing information on admission requirements, standardized tests, and application processes. We also collaborate with universities or institutions offering postgraduate programs to facilitate informational sessions or campus visits.

How does the department enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to the industry standards?

 At our department, faculty development is an important policy since our faculty members are expected to be on par with the prevailing trends in their areas of specialty. This includes professional development programs, short-term courses, industrial training with certifications, and teaching workshops. Another way of enhancing this continuous learning is by extending monetary support for them to pursue specialized training

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead? 

As an academician and the head of the department, I always encourage the students to have a definite goal in their life and be focused on that. They should continuously keep learning and build strong networks. The students should always try to seek internships and gain practical experience. They should learn from their setbacks and celebrate their achievements. Every student should adapt to the changing world and build themselves like a personal brand. 

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course? 

After getting a degree in computer science engineering, one can get placed in the software industry. On the other hand, students can also opt for higher studies in India or abroad. Apart from that, they can also start their career in government jobs.