Mr. Snehil Mitra has been working as an Asst. Professor of ET&T Department in Columbia Institute of Engineering and Technology, Raipur Chhattisgarh since July 2017. He has done Under-graduation from Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Professional Management & Technology, followed by Master of Technology from UPES, Dehradun.

Columbia Institute of Engineering and Technology

Being a Faculty of the B.Tech. ET&T Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As an assistant professor, my roles and responsibilities toward students are multifaceted. One of my primar responsibilities is to deliver high-quality instruction to students. I strive to create an engaging and inclusive learning environment that promotes critical thinking, fosters intellectual curiosity, and supports student’s academic growth. I serve as a mentor and advisor to students, guiding them through their academic journey. I assist in career planning and personal development. I am available to address student’s concerns, offer advice, and help them navigate any challenges they may encounter during their college experience.

As an Assistant Professor, it is my responsibility to build a positive learning environment. I endeavor to create an inclusive, respectful, and supportive classroom environment. I value diversity and actively promote an atmosphere where all students feel welcome and valued. I encourage open dialogue, respectful debate, and the exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of intellectual curiosity and mutual respect.

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

Establishing healthy relationships with students and fellow faculty members is crucial for creating a positive and productive academic environment. I try to encourage open and respectful communication with students and colleagues. Create a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

I make myself available and accessible to students and colleagues as much as I can. I engage in informal conversations too and am attentive to their needs. I practice active listening by giving my full attention when someone is speaking as it makes individuals feel valued and respected.

I offer constructive feedback to students to help them improve their skills and academic performance. I try to highlight both strengths and areas for improvement. I also seek opportunities to collaborate with both students and fellow faculty members. Encouraging group projects and research partnerships makes academic and personal relationships better. Engaging in cooperative endeavors strengthens relationships and promotes a sense of shared purpose.

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

As an assistant professor, my goal is to ensure that the subjects I teach have a practical and industry-oriented approach. For that, I try to stay updated with industry trends. I make it a priority to stay informed about the latest developments, technologies, and trends in the industry relevant to the subjects I teach. This allows me to incorporate real-world examples and case studies into my lectures and discussions, making the content more relevant and practical.

We invite professionals from the industry to deliver guest lectures or share their experiences with students. This gives students the opportunity to interact with industry experts, gain insights into the practical applications of the subject, and understand the skills and knowledge required in the field.

I believe in providing students with opportunities for hands-on learning experiences. This could involve practical exercises, laboratory work, or project-based assignments that simulate real-world scenarios. By actively engaging in problem-solving and the application of concepts, students develop a deeper understanding of the subject and its industry relevance.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

One of my roles is to support and guide students through their academic journey. Coping with high competition in the outside world is a common concern for students, and I can help them navigate this challenge.

I believe in instilling a growth mindset in my students, which means helping them understand that their abilities and intelligence can be developed through hard work, perseverance, and learning from failures. By cultivating this mindset, students become more resilient and better equipped to face competition. Creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment is crucial. I encourage collaboration and teamwork, where students can learn from each other and support one another. This promotes a sense of community rather than cutthroat competition, and students can benefit from collective knowledge and experiences.

Academic success is important but it is equally vital to develop a well-rounded skill set. I encourage students to engage in extracurricular activities, community service, internships, and research opportunities. This broadens their perspective, enhances personal growth, and helps them stand out in a competitive environment. I make myself available as a mentor to students, guiding career paths, and personal development. By understanding their goals and aspirations, I can offer tailored advice and help them navigate through the challenges they may face.

When you came to college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

When I joined the college, I had a vision that can align with the institution’s goals and their own academic interests. I wanted to become an effective educator, aiming to inspire and impart knowledge to my students. I had a vision of creating an engaging learning environment, fostering critical thinking skills, and helping students achieve their full potential.

As Assistant professors I saw myself as a mentor and guide for my students. I envisioned providing valuable advice, support, and guidance to help students navigate their academic journey, career choices, and personal development.

To achieve this I engaged in ongoing professional development to enhance their teaching methods, expand my knowledge base, and stay updated with the latest research and advancements in their field. I try to develop and refine my teaching techniques to create engaging and inclusive classrooms.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from curriculum to train/teach the students?

There are various interventions and approaches I utilize apart from the curriculum to enhance the learning experience of my students. These interventions are aimed at promoting active engagement, critical thinking, and holistic development.

I believe in incorporating active learning strategies to encourage student participation and involvement. It may include group discussions, problem-solving activities, case studies, role-playing, simulations, and hands-on experiments. These strategies promote collaborative learning, critical thinking, and the practical application of knowledge. I leverage technology to create an interactive and engaging learning environment. This may involve using educational apps, online platforms, multimedia resources, and virtual simulations. Integrating technology not only facilitates access to a wealth of information but also fosters digital literacy and prepares students for the modern workplace.

I strive to establish connections between theoretical concepts and real-world applications. By incorporating real- life examples, case studies, and industry-related projects, students can understand the practical relevance of what they are learning. This approach helps to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, preparing students for future careers. I emphasize the use of formative assessments throughout the learning process. These assessments, such as quizzes, class discussions, and feedback sessions, help me gauge student understanding and identify areas that require further clarification. By providing timely feedback and addressing misconceptions, students can actively monitor their progress and make necessary adjustments to improve their learning outcomes.

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

As an assistant professor, I would like to offer a few valuable pieces of advice to students for a prosperous career ahead.
● Choose a field of study and career path that align with your interests and passion. When you genuinely enjoy what you do, you are more likely to excel and find fulfillment in your work.
● Recognize that education doesn’t end with a degree. The world is constantly evolving, and it’s crucial to continuously update your skills and knowledge. Seek out opportunities for professional development, attend workshops, and stay informed about the latest advancements in your field.
● Cultivate meaningful relationships with peers, professors, and professionals in your industry. Networking can provide valuable insights, open doors to opportunities, and help you stay connected in your field. Attend conferences, join professional organizations, and engage in online communities related to your interests.
● In addition to technical knowledge, focus on developing soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are highly sought-after by employers and can set you apart from others in your field.
● Find mentors who can guide and inspire you throughout your academic and professional journey. Mentors can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and provide valuable connections. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, professionals, or alumni who have achieved success in your desired field.
● Understand that setbacks and failures are part of the learning process. Embrace them as opportunities for growth and learning. Develop resilience and learn to bounce back from challenges. Use failures as stepping stones to success by analyzing what went wrong and finding ways to improve.