The academic infrastructure at GIBS is currently on par with the best in the world, says Rishab, PGDM-GIBS

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Prof. Rishab Jain, PGDM department at Global Institute of Business Studies talks at length about the importance of industry readiness skills among students. He goes into detail talking about the initiatives taken by the institute to help students’ achieve the same such as project-based learning in groups, weekly assignments, etc.

Rishab Jain has over 11 years of experience leading several projects in the startup, education, and youth development spaces. From spreading financial literacy to over 12,000 students, conducting Startup Bootcamps for 3,100 students, running 2 seasons of Ambassador Programs for S.M.I. and creating impact across 170 colleges in India.

Read the complete interview below

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

A: The academic infrastructure at GIBS is currently on par with the best in the world. We are committed to making GIBS a center for exceptional learning experiences, with faculty actively involved in academic research, situational analysis, group discussion techniques, assignments, seminars, conclaves, and experiential and case studies.

Q: How are you preparing your students to be industry-ready?

A: For industry readiness, the students are encouraged to dedicate time to social impact and project-based learning in groups. We prepare them by giving them the right opportunities, challenges, and weekly assignments. We believe in rewarding articulated expression and divergent ideas. Allowing for failure and overcoming shortenings is also very important. So we believe in empowering student groups to make strategic decisions and using the latest tech tools to improve themselves and key areas.

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

A: The most important quality is being a team player. However, since it’s natural to have various levels of quality, students tend to catch up with the growth of their peers. Articulation is a must, and we pick the right talents through our set parameters.

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

A: Our curriculum design has included meaningful global connections, exposure to required fields/areas, and research into current needs. By keeping up with the latest industry needs and incorporating the same into the course curriculum, makes us special.

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

A: Yes, I recall from my periodic meetings (Design Sprints) with the management of GIBS, who had initiated devoted societies/cells aimed at fostering growth in the above-mentioned streams. This is firmly supported by their numerous training initiatives in a variety of core and vocational areas of training.