Dr. Pratibha Yadav is the Head of the Department of Commerce at Sherwood College of Professional Management - [SCPM]. She has completed her PhD from Galgotia University, Noida, along with an M.Com. She has also qualified for the NET JRF/SRF. She has more than ten years of teaching experience and one year of Industrial experience.

Before becoming the HOD of commerce, Dr. Yadav taught multiple subjects as a teacher. After completing her M.Com., she started her career in teaching. She also holds many certifications, such as the Executive Development Programme on Financial Data Analytics (IIM-K) and PGDCA. As an author and co-author, she has published more than five research papers nationally and internationally.

Sherwood College of Professional Management - [SCPM]

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

I have various responsibilities, including delivering lectures, conducting seminars, and leading discussions on various subjects related to the commerce curriculum. I am responsible for providing a structured and engaging learning experience that fosters critical thinking and the practical application of concepts. I assist in assessing performance through examinations, assignments, and projects, and provide constructive feedback to help students improve their skills and knowledge.

Occasionally, I collaborate with other faculty members to develop and update the commerce curriculum to ensure its relevance and alignment with industry trends and demands. Besides teaching, I also conduct research in my field of expertise and contribute to academic publications. Encouraging students to engage in research activities and guiding them in their research projects. Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions is important for me too.

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

I prefer to maintain open lines of communication with both students and fellow faculty members. Encourage them to express their thoughts, concerns, and ideas, and be an active listener when they do. I treat everyone with respect and empathy. Show understanding and consideration for their perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences. I participate in academic and social events within the institution. I recognise that everyone has different strengths, challenges, and circumstances. I try to be flexible in accommodating different learning styles and preferences and show understanding towards personal difficulties that may arise.

While being friendly, it is important to maintain professional boundaries. Clearly define your role and expectations, both in terms of your interactions with students and colleagues. Consistency in my behaviour and interactions is key to building trust. Consistently treat all individuals fairly and uphold commitments. I demonstrate the behaviours and values I expect from others. My actions can set the tone for the entire learning community.

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

We offer courses specifically focused on developing key skills relevant to the field. These courses might cover technical skills, communication skills, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership. We facilitate internships, co-op programmes, or work placements in collaboration with industry partners. This provides students with practical work experience and exposes them to real industry practises. We organise guest lectures by industry professionals who can share insights, experiences, and practical knowledge. We conduct workshops and training sessions on specific skills such as communication, time management, project management, and technical tools relevant to the field.

Moreover, we offer programmes that focus on personal and professional development, including resume building, interview skills, networking, and job search strategies. We administer skill assessments or evaluations to gauge students’ progress and identify areas where they need more practise. We regularly review and update the curriculum and teaching methods to keep up with industry changes and evolving skill requirements.

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

We conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the current trends, demands, and challenges in the field. This might involve industry surveys, employer feedback, alumni input, and analysis of emerging technologies. Thereafter, we clearly define the learning outcomes for the students to achieve for each course. These outcomes should align with the skills, knowledge, and competencies students need to succeed in the field. We stay updated with the latest technologies and tools used in the industry. Integrate relevant software, hardware, and applications into the curriculum to prepare students for technological advancements.

We design the curriculum with flexibility in mind. The curriculum should be adaptable to changes in the field and allow for the incorporation of new concepts and technologies. We set up regular review cycles to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum. This might be on a semester or annual basis. We map out the progression of courses to ensure that students build upon their knowledge and skills systematically. Before implementing major curriculum changes, we consider pilot testing new courses or modules. This allows us to gather feedback, identify potential issues, and make necessary adjustments before a full rollout.

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?

We design our curriculum to provide a strong foundation in the subject matter while also incorporating practical skills and real-world applications. This can help students not only excel academically but also be better prepared for the demands of higher education or the workforce. We also offer research opportunities for students to engage in projects, experiments, or studies related to their field. We do collaborations with industries and organisations that can expose students to real-world challenges and scenarios. This can include internships, co-op programmes, or projects with external partners, which can enhance students; practical knowledge and make them more appealing to potential employers or higher education institutions.

We offer dedicated career services that provide guidance on resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies. These services can assist students in securing internships, placements, or jobs after graduation. Moreover, we organise seminars, workshops, conferences, and guest lectures by experts in the field. These events can help students connect with professionals, researchers, and scholars, allowing them to expand their knowledge and build valuable connections for their future pursuits.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

Our biggest challenge is access to technology and resources. Not all students have equal access to technology and resources necessary for online learning or advanced educational tools, leading to disparities in educational outcomes. The rapid transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to adapt teaching methods, develop effective online resources, and ensure engagement in virtual classrooms.

Educators also need continuous training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods and to stay updated with the latest educational practises. Online learning can sometimes lead to decreased student engagement and participation. Educators need to find creative ways to keep students motivated and actively involved. Traditional assessment methods may need to be adapted for online learning. Educational tools and content must be inclusive of diverse cultures and languages to cater to a global student population.

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

I would advise students to follow their passion. Choose a career path that aligns with your interests and passions. Doing what you love will not only make your work more enjoyable but also increase your chances of success. Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Having a clear sense of direction will help you make focused decisions and stay motivated. Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. The world is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with new skills and knowledge is essential for career growth.

Be open to change and willing to adapt to new situations and technologies. The ability to learn quickly and adjust to different environments is a valuable skill. Build a strong professional network. Networking can provide opportunities, insights, and support throughout your career journey. Success often comes from hard work, dedication, and the ability to overcome challenges. Stay persistent in the face of setbacks. Don’t be afraid to fail. Each failure can provide valuable lessons that contribute to your personal and professional growth.