Professor Angel Chakraborty is an Assistant Professor at GIBS B School, Bangalore. He holds an MBA degree in Marketing and Operations from Amity Business School, Noida, and a B.E. degree from NITTE Meenakshi Institute of Technology. Moreover, he is also pursuing a PhD degree from Reva University in Bangalore. He has eight years of experience in academia and industry. He has previously worked at Brindavan College, ITC Ltd., and Silicon Labs, Bangalore.

Professor Chakraborty has 14 research papers published in various journals and has received the Best Teacher Award from Padmashri recipient Dr. B.R. Shetty. Furthermore, he has taken part in six national and global conferences and has attended 52 FDP, workshops. He has personally guided 85 student projects as well.

GIBS B SCHOOL

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

As a faculty member in the MBA department, my roles and responsibilities towards the students are diverse and crucial in shaping their educational and professional development. My major responsibilities are delivering lectures, conducting seminars, and leading discussions on various subjects related to the MBA curriculum. I am responsible for guiding students in their academic and professional pursuits. This may include advising on course selections, offering career advice, and helping students identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

I also look over the assessment of students' performance through examinations, assignments, projects, and other evaluation methods. Providing constructive feedback to help students and collaborating with other faculty members to develop and update the MBA curriculum are also important duties. I also conduct research in my field of expertise and contribute to academic publications. Encouraging students to engage in research activities and guiding them in their research projects.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

Establishing healthy relationships with students and fellow faculty members is essential for creating a positive and productive educational environment. I prefer to maintain open lines of communication with both students and fellow faculty members. I try to be approachable and friendly. I make sure that I am available for conversations, whether it's about coursework, projects, or personal matters. I treat everyone with respect and empathy, showing understanding and consideration for their perspectives. 

I encourage collaboration among students and colleagues as well. Collaborative projects and activities can help foster a sense of camaraderie and shared goals. Invite others to participate in joint projects, workshops, or events. I recognise that everyone has different strengths, challenges, and circumstances. Consistency in my behaviour and interactions is key to building trust. Consistently treat all individuals fairly and uphold commitments. I also demonstrate the behaviours and values I expect from others. My actions can set the tone for the entire learning community.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

Bringing a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects is crucial for preparing students to excel in real-world scenarios. I Incorporate case studies, real-world examples, and anecdotes from relevant industries into lessons. This helps students connect theoretical concepts with practical applications and understand how concepts are used in different contexts. 

I assign projects that require students to apply theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems. I collaborate with local businesses or organisations to provide students with internship opportunities. Hands-on experience in real work environments can bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry practises. I organise field trips to relevant workplaces, factories, labs, or industry events. I use simulations and role-playing activities to simulate industry scenarios.

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

We do have several best practises that my department adopts to enhance students' skill development. We design a curriculum that aligns with industry standards and trends. We offer courses specifically focused on developing key skills relevant to the field and incorporate project-based learning into the curriculum by assigning projects that require students to apply theoretical concepts to solve real-world problems.

We conduct workshops and training sessions on specific skills such as communication, time management, project management, and technical tools relevant to the field. We provide career counselling services to help students identify their strengths, interests, and career paths. We facilitate interactions between current students and alumni who have succeeded in the industry. We incorporate capstone projects that allow students to apply their cumulative knowledge and skills to address complex challenges.

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How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

Strategizing and updating the curriculum is a dynamic process that requires careful planning and regular assessment. We conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to understand the current trends, demands, and challenges in the field. This might involve industry surveys, employer feedback, alumni input, and analysis of emerging technologies. We clearly define the learning outcomes for the students to achieve for each course. 

We include core theoretical concepts that form the foundation of the field, and we integrate practical components such as case studies, projects, and hands-on activities that allow students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. We stay updated with the latest technologies and tools used in the industry. We design the curriculum with flexibility in mind. We set up regular review cycles to assess the effectiveness of the curriculum on a semester or annual basis.

What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department or how does your department prepare students for Higher education?

The approach a department takes to prepare students for higher education and placements can vary widely based on factors such as the department's philosophy, resources, and field of study. Our collaborations with industries and organisations can expose students to real-world challenges and scenarios. This can include internships, co-op programs, or projects with external partners, which can enhance students' practical knowledge and make them more appealing to potential employers or higher education institutions. We organise seminars, workshops, conferences, and guest lectures by experts in the field. We provide students with mentorship from faculty members or professionals in the field who can offer guidance, support, and insights into various career paths. For students interested in pursuing higher education, we also assist in the application process by providing guidance on selecting programs, writing statements of purpose, and preparing for entrance exams.

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

Helping students cope with high competition in the outside world is a multifaceted endeavour that involves a combination of academic, personal, and emotional support. We encourage a growth mindset among students, emphasising that challenges and failures are opportunities for growth. We teach them strategies for building resilience, managing stress, and maintaining a positive outlook. We look at fostering a healthy competitive spirit that encourages collaboration, teamwork, and mutual support among students. 

We offer opportunities for students to engage with real-world scenarios through internships, projects, case studies, and partnerships with industries. We assist students in setting clear, achievable goals and break down long-term goals into smaller milestones to make progress feel more manageable and motivating. We teach students effective time management techniques and organisational skills. Additionally, we recognise and celebrate students' accomplishments, both big and small.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

We organise various extracurricular activities or programs that enhance students' skills and expose them to real-world challenges. We have hackathon competitions where students can solve real-world problems using their programming skills. The college has clubs that help students develop public speaking, critical thinking, and diplomacy skills by simulating debates and international negotiations. We introduce students to entrepreneurship through workshops, mentorship, and startup competitions, encouraging them to develop business ideas and understand real-world business challenges.

We involve students in community service projects that address local issues, teaching them about social responsibility and problem-solving. We encourage students to undertake scientific research projects and participate in science fairs to foster their analytical and research skills. We engage students in projects related to environmental conservation, recycling, and sustainable practises to raise awareness about global challenges.

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

Some of the challenges that educators, institutions, and educational technologies have faced or are facing in their efforts to uplift the quality of education are access to technology and resources. Not all students have equal access to technology and resources necessary for online learning or advanced educational tools, leading to disparities in educational outcomes. The rapid transition to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to adapt teaching methods, develop effective online resources, and ensure engagement in virtual classrooms. 

Educators need continuous training to effectively integrate technology into their teaching methods and to stay updated with the latest educational practises. Online learning can sometimes lead to decreased student engagement and participation. Educators need to find creative ways to keep students motivated and actively involved. Traditional assessment methods need to be adapted for online learning. Institutions also need robust technological infrastructure to support online learning, including stable internet connections, access to devices, and reliable software platforms.

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

Choose a career path that aligns with your interests and passions. Doing what you love will not only make your work more enjoyable but also increase your chances of success. Define your short-term and long-term career goals. Having a clear sense of direction will help you make focused decisions and stay motivated. Embrace a lifelong learning mindset. The world is constantly evolving, and staying up to date with new skills and knowledge is essential for career growth. Be open to change and willing to adapt to new situations and technologies. The ability to learn quickly and adjust to different environments is a valuable skill. Success often comes from hard work, dedication, and the ability to overcome challenges. Stay persistent in the face of setbacks.

Don't be afraid to fail. Each failure can provide valuable lessons that contribute to your personal and professional growth. Curiosity fuels innovation. Keep asking questions, seeking new experiences, and exploring different perspectives. Strive for a healthy work-life balance. Burning out can hinder your long-term career prospects. Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can boost your confidence and motivation.