Dr. Shikha Agarwal is the Head of the Department of the B.Com. programme at Indirapuram Institute of Higher Studies. After her BBA and MBA degrees in Finance and Marketing, she completed her B.Ed. and a PhD in Finance. She has over 15 years of work experience in academia, and she has worked at institutes like Heirank Business School, and SCT Institute of Management.

Dr. Agarwal has published 15 research papers in reputed journals on the topic of finance and banking. She has also written three books on the same area of research.

Indirapuram Institute of Higher Studies( IIHS)

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

As the Head of the Department (HOD), my roles and responsibilities towards the students are crucial in ensuring the overall success and development of the students and the department. Some of the key responsibilities include providing visionary leadership to the department and setting academic goals and objectives. I also need to care for the welfare and well-being of the students and oversee the faculty members in the department, ensuring they are delivering quality education and providing the necessary support and guidance to improve their teaching capabilities.

In my role, I also need to provide academic and career guidance to the students. This includes helping them with course selection, internships, research opportunities, and other educational resources. Furthermore, I collaborate with faculty members to plan the academic calendar, schedule classes, manage examinations, ensure that academic standards are maintained, and implement measures for continuous improvement in the teaching-learning process.

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and how students get practical experience from studying the subject?

We have incorporated project-based learning into the curriculum, where students work on real-world projects related to the subject matter. These projects should encourage students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations, fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking. We also organise hands-on activities, experiments, and simulations that allow students to interact directly with the subject matter. We also arrange visits to relevant industries, museums, research facilities, or locations related to the subject and have established partnerships with companies or organisations that offer internships or workshops related to the subject.

The college invites professionals from the field to speak to the students, sharing their experiences, challenges, and successes. For subjects like science, engineering, and computer programming, regular lab sessions are essential. These provide students with opportunities to conduct experiments, work with equipment, and practise their skills under guidance. We leverage educational technology and simulations to create virtual environments that mimic real-world scenarios. The curriculum implements capstone projects at the end of a programme or course.

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

Some general best practises that we offer to help students gain necessary skills are a well-structured and up-to-date curriculum that aligns with industry trends and demands, ensuring students learn relevant skills. We also offer practical, hands-on experiences through internships, co-op programmes, and real-world projects to apply theoretical knowledge. The college also has specialised courses focusing on particular skills, such as communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and leadership. Students have access to resources like career counselling, resume building, and interview preparation to help them transition successfully into the job market.

The college has workshops or courses on soft skills, time management, teamwork, and adaptability to enhance overall employability. The teachers encourage students to participate in research projects to foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. By pairing students with mentors who can guide and support them in their personal and professional growth. Providing regular feedback to students on their performance helps them identify areas for improvement. Overall, we promote interdisciplinary learning to develop a holistic understanding of complex issues and foster creativity.

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How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

Helping students cope with high competition in the outside world is essential for their personal and academic growth. We teach your students that intelligence and abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. A growth mindset fosters resilience and the willingness to face challenges, even in competitive environments. We also work with your students to set achievable short-term and long-term goals. This will help them focus their efforts and measure their progress, fostering a sense of accomplishment. We make it a point to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of the students, regardless of the outcome. This will reinforce the importance of hard work and determination. It is also essential to have a balanced lifestyle that includes regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and time for relaxation and hobbies. A well-rounded life contributes to better focus and reduced stress.

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

Common challenges that educational departments and institutions may face when trying to uplift the quality of education are resource constraints. We have limited financial resources, which can hinder efforts to invest in updated teaching materials, technology, infrastructure, and faculty development programmes. Keeping the curriculum up-to-date with the latest knowledge and industry trends can be challenging, especially in rapidly evolving fields. Moreover, ensuring that teachers are well-qualified, motivated, and continually trained in innovative teaching methods can significantly impact the quality of education. It is also a challenge for us to address the disparities in access to quality education, especially in underserved communities, which is a complex and pressing challenge. Designing effective assessment methods to measure learning outcomes accurately and fairly can be a challenge, and integrating technology effectively into the educational process requires strategic planning and ongoing support.

What do you see the department’s/ college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

The college has strong leadership abilities, headed by a team of highly knowledgeable academicians, an administrative team, and an admissions team. Most of our teachers have doctorate degrees and leave no stone unturned for the bright future of the college. Our biggest assets are the students, who are the strength and pillar of the organisation. Nurturing the students in the right direction is the mission of the college.

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

I would like to advise students to discover their passion and strength, set clear goals for the future, and don’t get lost in sheep walking. Be adaptable and resilient, and build a network and relationships. They should take certifications, develop soft skills, and be updated about current industry trends. Nothing can stop the energy of the youth, they are the future of the nation.