Dr. Preetha R. Nair is the Principal of MES Engineering College in Ernakulam, Kerala. She holds a B.Tech. degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad, and an M.Tech. degree in Applied Electronics from MGR University, Chennai. She also earned a Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering from Jain University, Bangalore. Furthermore, she has more than 20 years of experience in teaching.

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What key factors keep you connected with the education sector?

My passion for teaching and eagerness to continuously learn more about my subject drive my commitment. I find immense joy in sharing knowledge and seeing students grow. Additionally, staying engaged and constantly seeking new insights are essential for providing the best education to my students. This ongoing journey of learning and teaching keeps me deeply connected to the field

How could your college be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds? 

 At MES, we believe there are no racial differences; we stand firmly against racism. We offer scholarships of up to 90%, along with providing uniforms and books. Additionally, MES has planned four houses for underprivileged students in association with the K Chitapali Foundation (KCF) and the National Service Scheme (NSS). Our efforts were recognized when we received the Best Award from NSS for the years 2021-22.

What do you think should be the college’s top priority over the next 10 years?

To be in line with market changes, the college has to equip itself with the upgrading of the technological and industrial sectors. Because the syllabus is modified every four years, we pledge ourselves to stay above other colleges by enabling internships for the third- and fourth-year students of our college. This practical exposure will make sure that they are taking on the ever-changing demands in the workplace without a hitch. Through the supply of an updated education model, we propose, together with our industry partners, to strive to prepare our students with the aptitudes and information that are necessary for their successful future careers.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in college?

It is required to have a "student-friendly environment.”. Our main focus is on creating a community that fosters open and untrammeled communication and ensures that every student is heard and valued. Through fostering a culture of respect for everyone and inclusivity, the college envisions a supportive community where students are growing academically and personally. We wish to create an environment where the college becomes the place where students feel secure, supported, and motivated to perform their best.

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How does your college prepare students for placements?

At MES, we have set up the Google Development Club (GDC), which acts as a center for students to deal with technological projects and initiatives. We are working on the creation of a specialized center for GDC to underline and deepen these opportunities. Moreover, we have open spaces where students can collaborate, innovate, and accelerate their learning process. Our algorithmic method ensures that the students will be ready for the corporate world as they have not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience and a good understanding of the industry.

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

MES faculty are professionals with significant industry experience who enrich the classroom by teaching the students real-world lessons. Our consistent desire to keep them informed means we regularly run webinars and workshops headed by professionals from the industry. These seminars thus enable members of the faculty and students to gain recent information and applicable skills. This ongoing professional improvement prepares our teachers to properly implement the latest industry innovations and regulations and to lead students correctly.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths, and how can they be enhanced?

 MES is proud of the fact that it has an extensive network of over 200 educational institutions, of which 32 are colleges, three engineering colleges, two architecture colleges, and a medical college. This large number of institutions allows us to offer a wide variety of education as well as resources. To develop these strengths, we aim to build stronger bonds between the institutions. We hope a more integrated approach between academic centers and academic teaching staff in incorporating technology, with a special focus on the improvement of learning outcomes for students through technology, will yield positive results in all academic areas. We also plan to take this to the next level by investing in modern technology and introducing new teaching techniques that will keep our schools at the forefront of the industry. The intent is to make our institutions identify with our students through the acquisition of new faculties and the introduction of new skills and knowledge that are in demand by employers, providing the learners with skills and knowledge to excel and compete in the jobs they prefer to do.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students so they can have a prosperous career ahead?

My valuable advice is to say, 'The next three or four years are your investment for your future'. This period in which you will be busy learning and getting better will surely be a solid basis for the whole career that you will build for the following 40 years. Choose to be the one who is tuned to the continuous inflow of knowledge in whatever field you are passionate about. Rather than doing things without them, in your learning process, you should seek to cultivate a solid understanding of basic principles, gain the necessary skills, and take advantage of suitable openings as best you can.