Prof. Sona Vikas is the Head of the Department of the School of Management and Liberal Studies at NorthCap University. She holds a PhD (Management) from GGSIP University and has more than 24 years of work experience in Industry and academia. She has been a Master Trainer for the ICP-CSR Certificate Programme (under IICA, Ministry of Corporate Affairs, and Government of India) and was bestowed with the Research Excellence Award 2022 by the INSc Institute of Scholars, registered under the Ministry of MSME and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, in February 2023. With her Industry Experience in HR, Sales, MIS, and Quality, she brings a lot of practical insights to the classroom. Student mentoring and conducting behavioural training programmes for both students and corporations are where her heart lies.

The NorthCap University

Can you tell us about your educational background? 

I have worked for 24 years in both industry and academia. I started my professional career in 1998 in the travel industry, where I was associated for about seven years, handling HR and Quality functions. I shifted to academics in 2007. I hold a BA (Eng.) Hons from Delhi University and was a university topper and a gold medalist during post-graduation at Devi Ahilya University Indore. Not only am I UGC – NET qualified but I also have a PhD in Management from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Delhi. I have written about 100 research papers for International and national journals, international and national conferences and edited books. I have published a textbook and edited six books. I have also won several awards during my teaching tenure. I joined NorthCap University in June 2022 and am currently the head of the School of Management and Liberal Studies.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I have held various positions including Assistant Dean, Program Director - MBA, Associate Dean - International Relations, Public Relations Officer and Head-Trainings & Placements, engaged in both academic and administrative roles during my academic tenure. I had implemented transdisciplinary learning across the University in the past, and led students in several community outreach projects. These leadership positions gave me an opportunity to hone my leadership and people skills. I have won several awards during my teaching tenure. I joined The NorthCap University in June 2022 and am currently the Head of School of Management and Liberal Studies. Along with my team of diligent faculty members, we have a very daunting task of leading and giving direction to more than 750 undergraduate students in business and management.

The significant impact a teacher can have on the student community is what keeps me connected to the education sector. The youth of today is the future of tomorrow, and by mentoring them, I am able to show them the right path in making informed career decisions. This life-changing influence on a student’s life is my biggest motivation.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

I believe in a participative and democratic style of leadership. All my department colleagues are encouraged to give suggestions and contribute as per their interests and abilities. There is adequate delegation for task completion. For any problems that may arise, input is sought from all the colleagues. This has created a very transparent system in the department. Feedback is a two-way process and colleagues are motivated to suggest best practices for the improvement of the department. I believe in demonstration and being hands-on in my work. My pro-activeness, multi-tasking nature, and ability to handle work under pressure give my team members the motivation to work harder. Being a positive and optimistic person, I lead the faculty team with fairness and non-bias.

What do you see as the University’s greatest strengths?

The university focuses on student-centric learning. As a result, the greatest strengths of NCU lie in its academic rigor, quality teaching processes, strong industry-academia relationship, hands-on learning approach, differential pedagogy, and holistic development.

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What are some of the major changes that Covid-19 has bought in the education sector according to you?

I feel that there is one very significant change that has been witnessed due to Covid-19. Education has transformed itself during the pandemic, with e-learning taking centre stage. The virtual classroom dominated, and educators not only endured the circumstances, but also tried to leverage technology to deliver an engaging experience inside the classroom. Education saw an instant shift in its whole experience with respect to delivery, pedagogy and student engagement. With concentration levels of students dropping to an abysmal low, it has been a very tough time for the educators to keep them engaged and interested in the class, once the classes commenced offline. Class time management has become very important. Learners have become the centre of the learning process, and with the use of technology, the outdated practice of rote learning, the conventional learning methods have been replaced. The situation is such that hybrid teaching and the increased role of technology in the classroom is where the future lies.

Are there any placement opportunities for the students?

There is a dedicated placement cell in the University, Centre for Placement Attachment and Alumni Engagement (CPAA) which not only provides opportunities for placements, but also for internships, both at National and International levels. The focus of CPAA is to enhance student employability through regular career counselling and reducing the gap areas. Maintaining good connect with Indian and Multinational companies, CPAA provides placements and internships for all the Programs of the School of Management & Liberal Studies. The profiles and emoluments to graduates is improving with every year and the best of the brands are interested in hiring out students.

How is your relationship with the students of your college?

The student-faculty relationship at NCU is cherished by both sides. Every student is assigned a faculty mentor to guide them on aspects related to academics, career decisions, professional matters, and even on the personal front if required. A bond gets developed between the faculty and the mentees, which benefits the students a lot. Their behaviour is kept in check and their academic progress is monitored on a regular basis. The students are in touch with their mentors for any issues they may face and are unable to resolve them by themselves. This ensures that they don’t get distracted and are able to achieve their career goals. The students celebrate all the festivals on campus with their faculty members. Our campus is very vibrant and with more than 60 Clubs and Societies, students get an opportunity to further strengthen their relationships with their faculty mentors.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute/ university?

Our university has a rich and long legacy of more than 25 years. The established academic processes are consistent and sacrosanct. The people-centric approach has helped to create a very harmonious environment in the Institution, wherein all stakeholders are looked after, whether it is the students, faculty, staff members, parents, recruiters, or others. The Management looks after the welfare of all its stakeholders, and as a result we have a high retention rate, with more than 30% of the faculty and staff have a tenure of more than 10 years in the Institution.

Any suggestions/messages that you would like to give to the current youth?

I would like to share with the youth these three points for their consideration:

  1. Start building your network during your college days only. At the end of the day, your network will be your net worth.
  2. Use your mobile phone for getting knowledge rather than wasting time on social media. Your awareness levels with respect to all the aspects, issues and contemporary happenings need to be very high.
  3. College years are the best for self-improvement, so focus on making a better version of yourself, whether you want employment or you want to give employment.