Mar Thoma College for Women, Perumbavoor, HOD English: Lt. Dr. Sangeetha R K Interview

Lt. Dr. Sangeetha R K is the HOD of the English Department at Mar Thoma College for Women in Kochi, Ernakulam. She completed her B.A. and M.A. in English from the University of Kerala. Thereafter, she completed her PhD. in Partition Literature from the University of Kerala. She qualified for the UGC NET examination. She did research on Psychoanalytic and Trauma Studies in Literature. She has an impressive experience of 10 years in the field of education. Quote- One of the benefits of analyzing English is the development of advanced conversation skills.

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/department that will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

The Department of English at Mar Thoma College for Women is continuously working towards inculcating such courses for our students that will help them stand apart from the crowd, and prepare them for a successful career ahead. We have introduced such new courses that are highly relevant to today’s industry demand. These are- a B.A. English (Honours) program with a specialization in Cultural Studies, a Multi-Disciplinary Course in Content Writing, and Certificate courses in Gender Studies and Communication Skills in English. We have also introduced a Research Forum to encourage academic presentations and publications.

What are the factors that make these programs the best to opt for?

Embarking on a journey to gain a degree/certification in English is a profoundly rewarding experience, imparting a large number of advantages that amplify beyond mere instructional fulfillment. These programs now not simplest equip students with vital conversation competencies but also foster personal increase and open numerous career pathways. By delving into the world of literature, language, and essential evaluation, students can expand a flexible ability set that serves them well in numerous professional and private contexts. One of the benefits of analyzing English is the development of advanced conversation skills. The coursework normally emphasizes each written and oral expression, permitting college students to refine their potential to articulate thoughts persuasively in reality. Through writing essays, crafting study papers, and tasty innovative writing tasks, college students learn how to shape their minds coherently and present arguments correctly. Additionally, discussions and presentations sharpen verbal communique talents, getting college students ready for roles that require public speaking or interpersonal interplay. These abilities are vital in almost every professional subject, from company environments to innovative industries.

What will you say the “best practices” in the courses you’re offering are?

Some of the best practices offered by the college are mentioned below:

1. Research Forum: One of our high-quality practices is promoting research among graduate college students. Over the past 5 years, more than 20 students have offered papers in various establishments, which includes one in a worldwide conference. Three of our college students posted papers in reputed journals. Apart from this, we organize lectures on the ultra-modern trends in the field of literary and cultural research to acquaint college students with novel areas of study. Students interact in close reading, textual evaluation, and critical evaluation of various types of literature. These activities expand the ability to interpret complex texts, pick out underlying topics, and assemble well-supported arguments. Such talents aren't just treasured in educational settings, they are also applicable in many professional contexts such as research, consulting, and strategic making plans. The analytical prowess gained via an English course allows graduates to approach problems creatively and make informed selections. We also have a consultancy which gives editing and translation offerings. Under the aegis of the Consultancy, we've released a YouTube channel called ‘The Treasure Trove’ to enhance English language abilities. The booklet of a kids’s book is also inside the pipeline.

2. AGAPE Community service: In an increasingly globalized world, skillability within the English language has turned out to be a crucial asset for private and professional fulfillment. For many people, in particular, the ones from non-English-speaking backgrounds, growing English language competencies can drastically decorate their opportunities and integration into society. AGAPE is dedicated to enhancing English language proficiency and plays a crucial function in empowering communities, fostering social inclusion, and improving typical first-class lifestyles. The department conducts camps and routes to the general public to enhance their English language proficiency. It also aids in providing economic help to needy students.

3. Life Skill Development initiatives: These initiatives are designed to equip individuals with vital competencies that help them navigate ordinary challenges, make informed choices, and lead productive, satisfying lives. These projects raise awareness of developing a large variety of private, social, and expert skills that are vital for fulfillment in various aspects of life. Workshops, Seminars, and Structured periods that concentrate on precise existence capabilities such as communique, essential questioning, decision-making, or economic literacy are supplied. Their attention is on-

• Personal Skills: Self-awareness, emotional law, strain management, and time management,
• Social Skills: Communication, empathy, teamwork, and conflict resolution,
• Cognitive Skills: Critical wondering, hassle-fixing, decision-making, and creative questioning,
• Professional Skills: Leadership, adaptability, economic literacy, and entrepreneurship.

How do the programs ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

The prospects of reading our path are each promising and expansive. The subject gives diverse professional opportunities, fosters massive private and intellectual growth, and contributes meaningfully to societal advancement. As the world keeps evolving, the potential to apprehend complex narratives, speak correctly, and suppose significantly remains invaluable. English literature not only enriches a man's or woman's life, but it also plays a crucial role in shaping an extra knowledgeable, empathetic, and progressive society. For those passionate about exploring human circumstances and contributing to significant discourse, analyzing English literature gives a robust and pleasurable foundation for destined success.

Check Mar Thoma College for Women in Kochi, Ernakulam Courses & Fees

How do you tend to build an industry connected with this program?

Building a profession linked to English Literature involves leveraging the talents and understanding received during the studies while also actively looking for opportunities to interact with relevant industries. It is built in diverse ways-

• Internships: Students are seeking internships in publishing homes, media stores, or literary agencies to build enterprise connections. Internships provide treasured insights into industry practices and might lead to future task possibilities.
• Freelance Work: Students do freelance writing, editing, or content material introduction to construct a portfolio through our Language Consultancy Service and various activities in the college. Freelancing permits them to showcase their competencies to potential employers.
• Volunteering: Volunteering for literary activities, e-book fairs, or non-profit businesses that concentrate on literacy and education helps students construct a community and gain enjoyment in a related discipline.
• Networking and Building Connections: Students are encouraged to enroll in applicable provider companies, including NCC (National Cadet Corps) and NSS (National Service Scheme). These Extension provider activities offer several benefits, starting from community empowerment and advanced quality of life to economic and environmental blessings. By offering education, assets, and guidance, extension offerings beautify character and community capabilities, foster collaboration, and make contributions to overall societal development.
• Events and Conferences: Attending enterprise conferences, workshops, and literary events. These gatherings offer possibilities to meet experts and study enterprise tendencies.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing an English degree/certification/diploma?

An English degree/diploma offers numerous opportunities to students in many fields. Some of these are listed below:

• Writing and Editing: Author/ Writer: Graduates of English can work as an Author/Writer. They will then write books, articles, or blogs. Editor: They can also work as an Editor and edit content material for publishing homes, magazines, websites, and media outlets.
• Content Writer: They can work to create content for websites, social media platforms, and digital marketing companies.
• Teaching and Academia: Teacher: They can teach English at schools. Lecturer/Professor: They can teach university or college students.
• Media and Journalism: They can report and write for newspapers, magazines, TV, or online platforms. Copywriter: They can write persuasive content for classified ads, advertising campaigns, and branding.
• Public Relations Specialist: They can manage the general public image and communications for individuals or companies.
• Publishing Industry: o Publisher: They can oversee the production of books, journals, and various written content. o Literary Agent: They can represent authors to publishers and negotiate ebook deals. Proofreader: They can ensure that the content of a book is free from errors before publishing.
• Creative Industries: They can write scripts for movies, TV, or theater.
• Content Developer: They can create scripts and content material for video games or interactive media.
• Corporate Sector: They can manage the conversations of an organization as a Corporate Communications Specialist.
• Diplomatic Services: The graduates can work in embassies, consulates, or international businesses.
• Research: Literary Researcher: They can research literary history, ideas, and grievances.
• Freelancing and Entrepreneurship: Freelance Writer/Editor: They can provide offerings independently to numerous customers.
• Entrepreneur: They can start their very own enterprise related to publishing, writing, or academic offerings.
• Higher Education and Specialization: Postgraduate Studies: They can specialize in English literature, linguistics, comparative literature, creative writing, and so on.
• Law: Pursuing a law diploma after B.A. English is common, mainly for careers in prison writing or becoming a legal professional.
• Skills Developed: Studying B.A. English additionally facilitates the students to develop precious talents like crucial questioning, communication, and analytical competencies which can be tremendously transferable to many other professional paths.
• Job Market Considerations: The task marketplace can be competitive, especially in fields like journalism, publishing, and academia. However, having sturdy writing and conversation abilities, alongside applicable experience (internships, freelance work, and many others), can improve a person’s employability.
• Emerging Fields: With the upward push of digital media and content advertising, there may be increasing demand for professional writers and content creators in various online platforms, making English graduates nicely desirable for those roles.

When you were appointed to this position, what was your vision?

As the HOD of the English Department of Mar Thoma College for Women, my passion has been to nurture a student community that believes in its personal growth and wellness. My vision is to enhance a girls’ network that is independent and self-assured to make decisions on a personal level and lead a meaningful existence.

What made you decide to become a teacher?

I intend to create a society composed of intellectuals who possess a deep insight based on facts and go beyond regular beliefs to enquire into matters. A teacher should acquire this purpose by inculcating the values of selflessness, perseverance, sympathy, commitment, and social awareness among college students.