Dr. H. Abirami is the Principal of Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science, Chennai. She is the University gold medalist,first class with distinction in her Master’s degree in Biotechnology and ranked third in her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from Bharathidasan University. She has also pursued a Master’s degree and a Doctorate in Philosophy- Biotechnology. She has almost 20 years of working experience and has published 24 research papers. Furthermore, she has served as an IQAC Coordinator, NIRF, and AISHE Nodal Officer, which involved her in academic administrative work. Besides that, she has also worked with UGC on schemes like UG&D, Gurudakshata, and the Learning Outcome-Based Curriculum Framework.

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In what ways do you address the need to introduce practicality to the subjects and try to align them with industry?

Mohamed Sathak College aims to have a vocational and professional approach to education delivery systems to prepare students for the workplace. The college works with various industries in its endeavor to prepare the students for current and future market needs. Guest lectures, workshops, and industry projects are incorporated into the curriculum as a way of offering practical experience. In our program, securing a paid internship is one of the objectives that is highly valued. Along with our state-of-the-art placement cell, which directly gets into contact with companies for internships and jobs, our students gain practical experience. We also have modern and well-equipped laboratories and facilities to enable students to experience what they learn. Lastly, we also have industry experts join us as visiting faculty and help students transfer the theoretical knowledge accumulated in classes to their practical usage in the real world

How do you plan on the curriculum, and how frequently does it take to be altered to make it suitable for the students?

Currently, at Mohamed Sathak College, we take time to revise our curriculum to meet the ever-changing world and feedback from industries, graduated students, faculty, and our current students. Advisories from the industry help steer the process of relating the requirements of a course to the relevant industry norms. We revise the curriculum every two to three years 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 business organizations. A strong and effective feedback system enables the making of constant changes in the represented features. You acquire professional development for the faculty to improve the curriculum implementation, making our education quality the best and current with market demands to produce workforce-ready students.

What measures are presented by the department for the students to apply in their studies to effectively acquire the required skills?

At Mohamed Sathak College, the department employs several best practices to equip students with essential skills for their careers. Apart from theoretical concepts, students have workshops, lab work, and practical sessions in which they can get practical experience. We also offer internships with some of the biggest companies, so students can practice on paid internships while developing their skills. The professionals in the field always take the time to present the newest trends and technologies to the students. Furthermore, students also participate in research projects, which helps them develop a problem-solving attitude and enhances it to boot. Besides that, the college also has other training programs and accreditations focused on enhancing technical, soft, and other new-age skills and talents. Lastly, group cooperation and teamwork assignments help students improve their cooperative skills.

What is the most current service that you are offering in your institute that can make the students outshine the others and stand out from the crowd?

Among all the student development programs, we start with the one that stimulates and strengthens the student both physically and mentally. In addition to inter-collegiate competitions and awareness rallies on numerous social causes, some events are organized in a bid to shape and improve their intelligence and personalities. These strategies are considered to be some of the most essential for the future generation. The university’s communication-based lectures, both online and person-to-person, are organized from time to time to facilitate the students' communication in the English language. Occasionally, quizzes and oratorical competitions are also held so that they can exhibit their knowledge in the concerned languages. Some students have paid the prince by coming up with their English plays performed in neighboring colleges and, in addition, won cash prizes.

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How does the program establish this view that it is preparing the students for the future?

Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science also aims to provide what the students could face as preparation for the next stage in their lives. The institution provides the appropriate course contents, which are periodically revised to capture the current market demands and trends. Further, the college gives importance to skill development programs, which are directed towards improving the efficiency of the necessary tools and attitudes that are required for overcoming work challenges. Research opportunities are also provided, which motivates the students to conduct new research and formulate valuable thoughts with analytical thinking skills. Another important activity within the specifics of the college is the career services, which help students manage employment profiles through consultation, resume writing, and information on interviews. The alumni offered students good networking opportunities in their transition from an academic to a working environment. Other desirable features include participation in extracurricular activities and extensive international experience, which enable the students to get the best education to develop as individuals and become world-wise citizens. These collective activities make sure that the Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science prepares students for the future and success in their respective fields.

What are the advantages of doing this course and the occupations one can secure after completing the course?

Studying at Mohamed Sathak College comes with many advantages and opportunities in particular fields of aspiration. Graduates can consider the following careers: research scientist, clinical laboratory technologist, biotech product analyst, pharmaceutical sales representative, electronics engineer, circuit designer, technical consultant, research and development specialist, software developer, systems analyst, it consultant, cybersecurity specialist, graphic designer, media planner, advertising executive, content creator, business analyst, marketing manager, human resource specialist, financial analyst, writer/author, editor, public relation specialist, teacher/lecturer Further, postgraduate courses lead to senior management positions, advanced IT and software development positions, financial analyst positions, and industry-specific jobs.

What was the picture you had in mind when you entered college, and how do you endeavor to actualize such similar dreams?

When I joined as the principal of this college, my idea was to build a college culture that supports academic success, creativity among the students, and personality development. To manage my current organization according to the stipulated vision, I have particularly paid attention to the following areas: First, amplifying academic achievements through the ongoing curriculum’s improvement. Secondly, I have focused on the development of the faculty, which, in my opinion, are the driving force of any educational establishment and give their best in case they are provided with good opportunities. There is provision to invest in continuous professional development programs, workshops, and conferences for the faculty members so that they get updated with contemporary knowledge in their respective specializations. We have also enhanced the infrastructure and facilities, which include modern laboratories, a library, and recreational facilities, for enhanced learning among the students. We also see it as our endeavor to give our students a chance to travel and go on exchange programs to other parts of the world so that they can have a wider vision. For the mentioned goals and vision to be achieved, Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science will be transformed into an institution that generates responsible, creative, and intellectual citizens.

Which of the college’s assets are pivotal, in your opinion, and how may they be further developed?

Mohamed Sathak College of Arts and Science has some distinct features that make it one of the most prominent educational institutions in this part of the world. One of the major advantages is the strong pool of our professionals—the faculty members. Our professors and lecturers are both academically qualified as well as experienced and dedicated to each learner’s success. The other key strength of the college is the diversified portfolio of its academic programs. It also provides a numerous list of courses meant to suit the needs of a diverse student population and help them pursue their goals and dreams. Our better industry relationship is also another valuable asset. This creates internships, placements, and project avenues for students to gain practical learning and perspectives on the various fields of operations. Another of our strengths is community engagement. The activities in this area are not only advantageous to the neighbouring community but also help inculcate the spirit of corporate citizenship in our learners.

Which pearl of wisdom would you want the students to gather to enable them to have fruitful employment in the future?

The dynamics of the market are constantly shifting, as is the advance in technologies; therefore, it calls for one to learn all the time. Building up good professional contacts causes one to get valuable experiences, advice and help. Thus, it is important to acquire hard skills in problem solving, teamwork and interpersonal communication for any field one intends to venture in. Volunteering, internships and part-time employment can be as valuable as the right kind of education. Some of them may become quite hectic, but the willingness to change can often have positive consequences. It will be easier for a person to align his or her activities and choices if he or she develops clear short-term and long-term objectives in the labour market. Advising a mentor gives one direction, criticism, or a word of encouragement. One should avoid permanent burnout at work, and one has to be financially savvy, that is, know how to save and invest money, while following the ideas of a reasonable work-life balance.