Students are exposed to value-add events like CEOconnect Series & HRtalks, says VSM Mumbai Prof

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Prof Rubina Mohammad shares various ways in which students are made industry-ready. She also shares various skill expectations that are imperative in helping students achieve new heights in the corporate world.

Prof Mohammad teaches Management Functions and Organizational Behavior, Business Communication, and Marketing Management at Valia School of Management Mumbai.

Q. What are the salient features of the teaching methodology adopted by your college? How does this differ from others?

A. VSM conceptual understanding of the topics through research-led activities and presentations/discussions in class. Technology has taken over every aspect of our personal and professional lives and ignoring this is not an option anymore.

While the core principles of management remain intact, the variables have changed dramatically and thus we incorporated the same in our programs too. The need for hands-on learning is far more relevant today than ever before.

Q. How are you preparing your students to be Industry ready?

A. From an academic point of view; the students are exposed towards Presentations, Project Report formation, Case Studies, Content Writing, Debates on topics based on syllabus etc. helps build the knowledge base of their respective subject matter. The students are also exposed towards value addition events viz; CEOconnect Series, HRtalks, Marquee Speakers Sessions where top corporate professionals are invited to share their experiences and insights into Corporate World.

Q. What are the qualities you are looking for in student applicants? What qualities do they need to do well in your course?

A. Apart from basic conversational skills; We believe in unique expectations from the students viz: innovative mind, out-of-box ideating, and zeal towards Management education studies. Mental agility, smart work, result-oriented are the few qualities that we would like to see in our students.

Q. How do you ensure that your course curriculum is up to date and meets industry requirements?

A. Constant modification and flexibility are given to faculty members to bring changes. The Body of Knowledge, by and large, doesn’t change very much. Yes, due to the evolution of the Corporate Environment, there is a change in the way this knowledge has to be applied. Thus, taking live examples of the application of these concepts in contemporary approaches helps.

Q. Is your college receptive to innovation, technology, science & entrepreneurship? How? Could you cite some examples of these?

A. Yes, based on the program architecture created to upgrade the skills of the students not only based on industry requirements but also meeting the needs of the students, basis the soft skills requirement.

We have a very active E-cell in the school that keeps organising several workshops, seminars, and lectures as well as visits to incubators to motivate students to be entrepreneurs and for creative thinking.