We Create Curriculum Relevant to the Industry's Current and Future Demands, says PMIST Assistant Professor

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr D.Thayalnayaki, Assistant Professor, in the Department of Civil Engineering at Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (PMIST), Thanjavur talks about the partnerships and collaborations of the Department of Civil Engineering with industry. The department works with industry partners to provide students with chances to participate in industry-led initiatives, internships, and co-op programmes.  

Dr D.Thayalnayaki is currently working as an Assistant Professor at Periyar Maniammai Institute of Science and Technology (PMIST), Thanjavur. She has 18 years of experience in teaching. 

Q1. What are the three things that Civil Department is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from the other departments?

• Embrace new technology: By incorporating new tools and approaches into their work, the Civil Department may stay on the cutting edge of technology. 3D printing, virtual reality modelling, and drone technology are examples of this. By adopting this new technology, the department can distinguish itself as progressive and forward-thinking.
• Student engagement: Departments that actively engage with their students through internships, co-op programmes, and collaborations with companies can set themselves apart from the competition. Hands-on experiences and opportunities to engage in real-world projects can help students acquire essential competencies and stand out in the job market.
• Networking: The department can create and maintain ties with industry professionals, organisations, and stakeholders through consultancy work. This can assist the department in staying current on industry trends and advances, as well as identifying chances for collaboration and partnership.

Q2. What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become more industry ready?

• Partnerships and collaborations with industry: The department works with industry partners to provide students with chances to participate in industry-led initiatives, internships, and co-op programmes. These collaborations give students useful practical experience and give them the opportunity to work on projects that meet industry standards.
• Practical training and workshops: To provide students with essential technical and professional skills, the department organises practical training sessions and workshops. These training classes cover topics such as project management, construction practices, surveying, and the usage of industry software applications.
• Capstone projects: In their final year, students are assigned capstone projects that require working on a complex challenge or project sourced from industry partners. This allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a practical situation and learn how to operate in a team, manage project timetables and budgets, and deliver results that meet industry standards.

Q3. What are the key attributes that a student should have in order to

Apply for your Department.

• Interest in science and technology: Civil engineering is a field in which scientific and technological ideas are applied to solve real-world problems. Students should be enthusiastic about science and technology and be eager to learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Civil engineers are responsible for designing and building structures, systems, and infrastructure that are safe, efficient, and long-lasting. Students must be able to think creatively and innovatively in order to come up with unique solutions to challenging challenges.
• Civil engineering projects require meticulous attention to detail and specifications. To ensure accuracy and precision in their work, students should have an eye for detail and be able to pay attention to minute aspects.

To excel in Civil Engineering

• Overall, students who possess these key attributes are likely to excel in the Civil Engineering Department and have successful careers in the field of civil engineering.

Q4. Which facet of your department is the stand-out aspect? What is it that helps your department differentiate itself for this programme?

• Hands-on learning: Civil engineering is a career that requires a great deal of hands-on experience. Our students are provided with hands-on experience through lab work, field trips, design projects and Consultancy. This hands-on learning allows students to apply theoretical principles to real-world circumstances while also gaining practical abilities that companies highly value. Also, they earn while they learn through consultancy activities.

Q5. What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your department (observed over the past five years)?

• Curriculum development: The department creates curricula relevant to the industry's current and future demands. This can assist students prepare for the job market and make them more appealing to potential employers.
• Career counselling and support services: The department helps students and alumni navigate the employment market by offering career counselling and support services. This includes reviewing resumes and cover letters, preparing for interviews, and developing a job search strategy.
• Alumni engagement: The department connects with its alumni in order to create and maintain relationships that may lead to future job opportunities. Alumni mentorship programmes and alumni career services are examples of this.