Dr. Arpita Srivastava is currently serving as the Head of the department- Marketing at the GL Bajaj Institute of Management and Research. Dr. Arpita Srivastava is a professional with 21 years of experience in both corporate and academia. She has worked in renowned pharmaceutical companies such as Dr. Reddy's Lab, Panacea Biotech, and Win Medicare in brand management roles. Her expertise lies in various aspects of brand management, including marketing research, market analysis, product launches, market segmentation, and budget allocation.

Dr. Srivastava holds a Ph.D. in Management with a specialization in Consumer Behavior. She is UGC NET qualified and has completed an MBA and PG PIMR (Post Graduate Program in International Management and Research) from Symbiosis. Her areas of interest and research include Brand Management, Marketing Management, Integrated Marketing Communication, Consumer Behavior, Retail Management, Rural Marketing, and Digital Marketing.

She has several publications to her credit, including papers accepted for publication in reputable journals and conferences. Some of her notable publications are:

"Factors Impacting the Effectiveness of Student's Online Learning Outcomes in Management Education: An Empirical Study Using Vroom's Expectancy Theory" (Accepted for publication in a SCOPUS indexed IEEE book on "Advanced Learning and Teaching in Higher Education: A Policy - Technology-Capacity Enabled Approach" by River publishers).

"COVID-19 vaccination determinants: An Empirical Evaluation of Vaccination Acceptance Model" (Accepted for publication in ABDC C category Journal, Journal of Information and Optimization Sciences).

"Digitized Entertainment - Factors influencing Consumer Adoption of OTT Platforms" (Presented at the 2022 OPJU International Technology Conference on Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development).

These publications cover a range of topics such as online learning outcomes, COVID-19 vaccination acceptance, mobile app user clusters, consumer perception of digital food ordering services, and consumer adoption of OTT platforms.

GL Bajaj Institute of Management and Research

Being a Head of your Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the Head of the Marketing Department in a PGDM college, my roles and responsibilities towards the students would be multi-faceted. Here are some of the key areas where I would focus my efforts:

Academic Leadership: Ensuring the delivery of high-quality marketing courses and programs that align with industry standards and trends includes designing the curriculum, selecting appropriate textbooks and learning resources, and collaborating with Team Members in faculty departments to enhance teaching methods and student engagement.

Student Support and Guidance: Providing guidance and mentorship to students pursuing marketing studies This involves offering academic counseling, helping students with course selection, and assisting them in setting and achieving their academic and career goals.

Industry Collaboration: Establishing and nurturing partnerships with industry professionals, companies, and marketing agencies to facilitate internships, projects, and job placements for students. It helps students gain real-world experience and increases their employability.

Skill Development: Identifying skill gaps in students and organizing workshops, seminars, and training sessions to enhance their marketing-related skills such as market research, digital marketing, branding, and communication

Career Services: Working closely with the college's placement cell to provide career guidance, mock interviews, resume building, and networking opportunities for marketing students This would also involve organizing career fairs and inviting companies to recruit talent from the college.

Research and Innovation: Encouraging faculty and students to engage in marketing research and innovation projects This fosters a culture of continuous learning and contributes to the advancement of marketing knowledge.

Alumni Engagement: Creating and maintaining a strong alumni network that can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and support to current students alumni can also assist in the placement process and share their experiences in the marketing field.

Student Events and Competitions: Organizing marketing-related events, guest lectures, workshops, and competitions to foster a vibrant learning environment and encourage students' participation

Continuous Improvement: Continuously evaluating the effectiveness of marketing programs, course content, and teaching methods seeking feedback from students and faculty, and making necessary improvements to enhance the overall learning experience

Therefore, my primary focus as the Head of the Marketing Department would be to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in marketing and support their personal and professional growth.

How does the program ensure that students are prepared for the challenges of the future?

The PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) program ensures that students are prepared for the challenges of the future through a combination of academic rigor, practical learning, and industry exposure.

The PGDM program regularly updates its curriculum to reflect the latest developments and emerging trends in the business world. This ensures that students are equipped with relevant knowledge and skills that align with the rapidly changing business landscape.

  • Emphasis on Soft Skills: Apart from technical knowledge, the program emphasizes the development of soft skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. These skills are essential for success in the future, as they enable students to navigate complex situations and work effectively in diverse environments.
  • Industry Interaction: The PGDM program fosters strong ties with the industry by inviting guest lectures, workshops, and seminars from industry experts and professionals. Students gain insights into real-world challenges and practical applications of their learning, bridging the gap between theory and practice.
  • Internships and Live Projects: Offering internships and live projects is common practice in PGDM programs. By engaging in real-life business scenarios, students gain hands-on experience, apply their knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of how businesses operate.

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

 Pursuing a PGDM (Post Graduate Diploma in Management) course offers several benefits and career options for graduate students. Key advantages and potential career paths:

  1. Specialized Knowledge: PGDM programs offer specialized knowledge in specific areas of management, such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, International Business, etc. This expertise makes graduates valuable assets in their chosen fields.
  2. Practical Skills: The emphasis on practical learning, case studies, internships, and live projects during PGDM helps students develop the essential managerial skills required in real-world business scenarios.
  3. Career Acceleration: Graduates with a PGDM often enjoy faster career progression and are eligible for higher-level positions compared to candidates with only a bachelor's degree.
  4. Entrepreneurship Support: PGDM programs that encourage entrepreneurship and provide support for start-ups can equip graduates with the knowledge and confidence to launch and manage their ventures.

Career options-

Marketing Manager: Graduates can pursue careers in marketing and brand management, overseeing promotional activities, market research, and customer engagement strategies.

Financial Analyst: Those interested in finance can become financial analysts, handling financial planning, investment analysis, and risk management for companies.

Human Resources Manager: HR-focused PGDM graduates can work as HR managers, responsible for talent acquisition, employee development, performance management, and organizational culture.

Operations Manager: Graduates with a specialization in operations management can manage the production, logistics, and supply chain processes of companies.

Product Manager: In the tech or consumer goods industries, product managers are responsible for developing and launching new products.

Supply Chain Manager: Graduates can manage supply chain operations, optimizing inventory, transportation, and distribution processes.

The career options after pursuing a PGDM course are diverse and span various industries. Graduates can find opportunities in corporate companies, startups, consulting firms, non-profit organizations, government agencies, and more, depending on their specialization and interests.

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

We implement various strategies and support mechanisms to help my students cope with the high competition in the outside world. Some of the ways are:

Industry-Relevant Curriculum: An up-to-date and industry-relevant curriculum would equip students with the most relevant knowledge and skills needed to thrive in a competitive market.

Mock Interviews and Assessment Centers: conducting mock interviews and assessment centers to prepare students for job interviews and selection processes. Constructive feedback and tips for improvement would enhance their interview performance.

Networking Opportunities: Facilitating networking opportunities with industry professionals, alumni, and potential employers. This would enable students to expand their professional contacts and gain insights into the job market.

Encouraging Innovation: Creating an environment that fosters innovation and creativity encourages students to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to problems, which would, as a result, set them apart in a crowded job market.

Recognition and Awards: Recognizing outstanding achievements and performance among students would motivate them to strive for excellence and encourage healthy competition.

How does the department support students in their academic and career pursuits?

The department provides academic advisors or counselors who assist students in choosing the right courses, setting academic goals, and creating a suitable study plan to excel in their studies through resources and Facilities like access to libraries, laboratories, and other facilities to enhance students' learning experience.

How does the department foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment?

The department is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment, recognizing the value of diversity in enriching the educational experience for all students. The department organizes events, workshops, and discussions that celebrate diversity and address issues related to equity and inclusion. They create safe spaces and support systems for marginalized communities, encouraging open dialogue and promoting student understanding. By nurturing a diverse and inclusive learning environment, the department aims to empower students to embrace differences, cultivate empathy, and become well-rounded global citizens.

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

Discover Your Passion: Take the time to explore various subjects, fields, and activities to identify what truly excites and motivates you. Your passion will be the driving force behind your success and will make your career journey more fulfilling.

Set Clear Goals: Having clear objectives will help you stay focused and work towards achieving what you desire in your career.

Embrace Lifelong Learning: The world is constantly evolving, and so are industries and job markets. Make continuous learning a habit by staying updated with the latest trends and technologies. Enroll in courses, attend workshops, read books, and follow thought leaders in your field.

Build a Strong Network: Networking is a crucial aspect of career growth. Connect with peers, mentors, professors, and professionals in your chosen industry. Attend conferences, seminars, and networking events to expand your circle and learn from others' experiences.

Develop Soft Skills: Besides technical expertise, soft skills like communication, adaptability, leadership, and problem-solving are highly valued by employers. Work on honing these skills to improve your overall employability and effectiveness in the workplace.

Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: Failure is a natural part of the learning process. Don't be discouraged by setbacks but see them as opportunities for growth and improvement. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and persevere.

Remember that a prosperous career is not just about financial success but also about finding purpose, fulfillment, and happiness in what you do. Embrace these principles, stay committed to your goals, and your journey toward a prosperous career will be a rewarding one.