The dynamic job scene needs professionals to adapt to VUCA realities and perform effectively, says Asst. Professor

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Assistant Professor of Communication and Soft Skills, Minouti Naik at Kohinoor Management School talks at length about the institute’s pedagogy to equip students with the necessary skills to adapt quickly to VUCA realities and perform effectively and efficiently. She further elaborates on the importance of various technical and soft skills, needed to perform in the industry.

Naik holds Masters in English Language and Literature and has served as a faculty, at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, in varied colleges in Mumbai. She has over 16 years of rich academic experience.

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 changing job scene needs professionals to adapt quickly to VUCA realities and perform effectively and efficiently. By equipping students with the latest in the field, through the dynamic curriculum and by proving inputs on various technical and soft skills, needed to perform in the industry, the institute ensures that we make our students confident to face various scenarios and situations.

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

A: The faculty members are in tune with the changing requirements of the industry. They weave this awareness into the various caselets and problems they give the students, thus ensuring that the students are up-to-date with the latest in the field. Tips from the alumni and guest speakers from the industry, who are constantly working on different cryptic issues, also go a long way in making our student's industry-ready.

Moreover, the holistic development of students is encouraged through participation in intra and inter-institute competitions and workshops that include sectoral analysis and research paper writing competitions. Furthermore, sessions on wellness and wellbeing are organised in the form of weekly meditation and yoga, thus equipping students to become balanced, not only on the professional front but also on the personal one.

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 looked-for quality in students is their eagerness to learn. A student needs to have a thirst for learning and absorbing knowledge. This quality cannot be created in an individual. It is an inherent part of one’s nature. The institute, with the help of experts from varied fields, moulds a student, provided s/he has the rigour. A student just has to be receptive and open to ideas and have a positive mindset, to put his/her best foot forward in the direction of knowledge and skill-building. 

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

A: The inputs given to students are upgraded, as per contemporary industry requirements. The feedback from the alumni, recruiters and inputs from the industry experts and visiting faculty, who themselves are experts in their domains are incorporated in the teaching. Moreover, the faculty makes an effort to stay informed about the latest in their field, which in turn is incorporated in their pedagogy.

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

A: The Entrepreneurship Cell of the college encourages students to explore ideas and the faculty guides students on varied aspects related to their ideas. Moreover, through a streamlined mentorship process, the students can engage fearlessly in an idea exchange with their mentors. Students are encouraged to network and this leads to a cross-pollination of ideas. Many of our students have been able to both contribute and explore great ideas during the pandemic and have been able to showcase their entrepreneurial streak. Moreover, the college also provides scope for discussions with alumni entrepreneurs, to help students learn from their seniors about the lessons their seniors learned from their ventures.

As regards technology, students are exposed to Advanced Excel Training. Students are also given access to varied databases to help build their research acumen and to procure knowledge of the latest developments in varied domains.