SRM University, Dy. Director of T&P: Ms. Mithu Pandey Interview

Ms. Mithu Pandey is the Dy. Director of T&P at SRM University Sonepat. She is also the IACL for Bosch India. Ms. Pandey is a certified trainer from MEPSE with over 13 years of experience. She has worked in top Banks, MNCs, and Universities like ICICI Bank, KIIT, the University of Bhubneshwar, and BML Munjal University. Ms. Mithu holds a B.Sc. degree and a masters in Computer Programming from Agra University.

How does the placement and training department of SRM university support students in securing internships and industry-related experiences during their academic journey?

SRM group has a legacy of 50+ years in academics and every year we have thousands of students graduating from different branches. The university has relationships with more than 500 companies where SRM alumni work. Experiential learning is the best practise at our university. We train our students from the first semester for the corporate world in soft and technical skills. We have live projects and internships that are part of the curriculum. We also send students for industrial visits and conduct leadership talks and workshops at the university. Every semester, we call industry experts for the mock interview practise as well. The placement department gives students a platform to apply for internships and jobs. Our internships are monitored by the faculty mentors and we meet with the student's company managers during the internship to get feedback on the performance and subjects.

How do you stay updated with current industry demands and job market trends to enhance placement opportunities for students?

Our university supports us in attending HR conclaves, and conferences. We have an industry advisory board where we conduct quarterly meetings to understand market trends. Based on the inputs we provide training to teachers to help them teach the students better. Industry experts are the part of Board of Studies, which helps to revise our curriculum based on industry needs.

What strategies do you use to create strong relationships and partnerships with employers and companies for placement opportunities?

The university regularly reviews and updates its curriculum to align with industry trends and demands. This process involves consulting with employers, alumni, and professionals in relevant fields to identify key skills and knowledge required in the job market. We have established strong partnerships with industries and employers that can lead to internships, cooperative education programmes, and other forms of hands-on experience. The university hires faculty with relevant industry experience in addition to academic qualifications. This ensures that students receive insights from professionals who understand current workplace expectations.

We provide robust career services that assist students in exploring career options, building their professional skills (resume writing, interview skills, etc.), and connecting with potential employers through job fairs and networking events. Incorporating real-world projects and assignments within the curriculum can give students exposure to actual industry challenges. We also encourage students to participate in clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities related to their field of study that can help them develop leadership skills, teamwork skills, and a deeper understanding of their chosen profession.

How do you ensure that the university's graduates are well-prepared and with the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the expectations of employers?

To stand out among competitors and attract top employers, the placement and training department of a university may implement several unique initiatives or programs. The department could establish a Corporate Advisory Board comprising representatives from leading industries and organizations. This board provides guidance on industry trends, skill requirements, and internship opportunities, ensuring that the university's curriculum remains relevant and meets the needs of employers.

The department facilitates long-term experiential learning projects in collaboration with top employers. Students work on real-world challenges provided by these companies, gaining practical experience and making valuable contributions. We organize industry immersion programs where students spend a significant amount of time working within companies during their studies. We also create tailor-made training programmes for specific companies based on their needs, ensuring that graduates possess the exact skills required by those employers.

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What unique initiative or programs does the placement and training department of the university have in place to stand out among competitors and attract top employers?

Encouraging students to engage in career development activities beyond academic studies is essential for their future success in the job market and professional growth. The university's career services team provides one-on-one counselling sessions to help students explore their interests, skills, and career goals. The counsellors here offer personalized advice on career paths and strategies to achieve their objectives.

We organise workshops and seminars on topics such as resume writing, interview skills, networking, and personal branding, equipping students with the practical skills needed for career development. We also encourage students to participate in internships and cooperative education programmes, allowing them to gain hands-on experience in real work settings.

We offer certificate courses, workshops, or short-term training programs in collaboration with industry partners to help students acquire specialized skills and knowledge. Supporting career-focused students is done through clubs and organizations that allow students to take leadership roles, develop teamwork skills, and gain experience in organizing events and initiatives related to their fields of interest. We involve successful alumni in career development initiatives, such as panel discussions or networking events, which can inspire and motivate current students to strive for excellence.

How do you ensure that the training programs you design align with industry trends and meet the needs of various employers?

We design training programs that align with industry trends and meet the needs of various employers requiring a proactive and iterative approach. We try to stay updated on current industry trends, advancements, and evolving skill requirements. Engaging in regular discussions with industry professionals, employers, and relevant associations to understand their needs and expectations is a priority for us. We also establish advisory boards comprising representatives from industries related to the training programs.

The college also conducts needs assessment surveys among employers and industry stakeholders to identify specific skill gaps and preferences. Thereafter, we analyze the feedback to inform the design and content of the training programs. We strive to forge strong partnerships with a diverse range of employers. We have implemented a process for ongoing program review and improvement, regularly assess the curriculum's effectiveness in meeting industry needs, and make adjustments as required. We also design training programs with a focus on lifelong learning and encourage graduates to participate in continuous professional development to keep pace with industry changes.