Dr. C. Prabha is an Associate Professor, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and an IQAC Coordinator at the Arjun College of Technology. A dedicated and passionate educator, she has 17 years of experience in academia. With a track record of guiding and inspiring students for excellence, Dr. Prabha had previously worked at the Karuna Institute of Technology and Sciences for 14 years. Besides her regular duties, she also delivers guest lectures and has guided two international interns from Germany and Spain. With eight papers published in SCI-indexed and nine Scopus-indexed journals, she has also received grants from DST and CSIR. Dr. Prabha has one patent granted and three patents filed in her area of interest.

Arjun College of Technology

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

The latest program we are offering in our department is a Mechanical Engineering degree. The mechanical engineering students are taught the basics to advance in the field which helps them stay updated on industry-relevant skills such as computer-aided design (CAD), and simulation tools.

What are the factors that make this program the best for the students to opt?

Our program is highly versatile. Graduates of this program are equipped with not just technical knowledge but practical skills as well. They are eligible for numerous job opportunities in different industries. Our students are given hands-on experience in their subjects under the guidance of a team of experienced faculty. There are also internship opportunities for the students, which makes the Mechanical Engineering program attractive to them.

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

We have a network of industry connections that we refer to for internships, special lectures and placements for our students. These connections also help in the professional development of our students and interactive lectures. We have a mentorship program as well, which is one of the many best practises in our Mechanical Engineering course.

What are some valuable insights of the program that you are offering at your institute/dept.?

Our Mechanical Engineering program emphasises hands-on learning, fostering a deep understanding of theoretical concepts through practical application. Our experienced faculty and robust internship opportunities ensure a well-rounded education. We prioritise innovation, encouraging students to engage in research and develop solutions to global challenges.

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How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

Our program ensures future readiness through a dynamic curriculum integrating essential skills like critical thinking, communication, and adaptability. By emphasising technology literacy, it evolves with industry trends, preparing students for evolving job landscapes. Regular feedback loops and industry collaborations fine-tune content, aligning it with real-world demands. Additionally, career counselling and experiential learning opportunities equip students with practical insights, fostering a holistic skill set that transcends traditional academic boundaries.

How did you train yourself/faculty to deliver this program to the students?

Our faculty are regularly undergoing comprehensive training, covering pedagogical advancements, technology integration, and industry relevance. Workshops, seminars, and collaborative projects deepened their understanding of the program's goals. Faculty are encouraged to adopt interactive teaching methodologies with current educational trends. This holistic approach guarantees their adept delivery of the program's nuanced content, creating an engaging and adaptable learning environment for students.

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

We are establishing an industry connection by signing an MOU through which students are given internships and collaborative projects. Regular networking events and guest lectures, featuring industry experts provide students insights. Advisory boards comprising professionals guide curriculum relevance. Alumni engagement fosters a bridge between academia and industry. By actively seeking industry feedback and incorporating it into program development, we ensure our students gain practical, real-world perspectives, enhancing their employability and aligning the program with current market needs.

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

Adapting faculty and students to new methodologies and technologies required concerted efforts. Ensuring seamless coordination among departments demanded effective communication. Obtaining industry buy-in for curriculum relevance proved intricate. Balancing traditional academia with innovative approaches necessitated careful calibration. Overcoming resistance to change and fostering a culture of adaptability were ongoing challenges. Despite these hurdles, continuous feedback loops and transparent communication played pivotal roles in successfully embedding the program into the curriculum.

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What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Our students engage in diverse projects that they choose depending on their interests and career goals. The range of project topics ranges from technology to business to societal challenges. These projects instill practical skills, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration, ensuring students are well-prepared for the complexities of the modern professional landscape.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

Mechanical engineering graduates gain a strong foundation in design, analysis, and problem-solving. This equips them for careers in industries like automotive, aerospace, and energy. The course fosters skills in CAD, simulation, and innovation, enhancing employability. Graduates often pursue roles in product development, manufacturing, or research. With a focus on analytical thinking, they are well-suited for managerial positions. The versatility of mechanical engineering opens doors to diverse sectors, ensuring graduates can thrive in fields ranging from robotics to renewable energy.

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

Cultivate a passion for learning and stay abreast of industry advancements. Seek hands-on experiences through internships to bridge theory with practise. Build a robust professional network for mentorship and collaborative opportunities. Embrace adaptability as technology evolves. Hone effective communication skills to convey complex ideas. Prioritise ethics in your work, fostering a reputation for integrity. A prosperous career stems from continuous growth, practical application, and ethical conduct in the dynamic field of mechanical engineering.