We Encourage Collaboration and Networking Among Faculty, Students, and Researchers, says Dr Manoj Goel

In a conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr Manoj Goel, Joint Director-KIET Group of Institutions talks about the institution's innovative approaches to enhance employability in today's competitive job market. KIET Group of Institutions has a dedicated placement cell that works closely with the industry to identify employment opportunities for students.

Dr Manoj Goel is currently serving as Joint Director-KIET Group of Institutions, Ghaziabad. Dr Goel holds his PhD (Knowledge Management) from Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, Agra. Dr Goel is a seasoned professional with more than 25 years.

Q1. KIET Group of Institutions is celebrating its 25^th year of excellence this year. What is the institute looking forward to in the coming 25 years?

Ever since its establishment in 1998, KIET has emerged as a pioneer in almost every arena of quality education. Be it awards, accolades, lucrative placement packages, internship programmes, career guidance or industry exposure, the institute has always outperformed its own previous records with flying colours.

As of now, we have a number of programmes, initiatives, and events in the pipeline. Broadly speaking, we are looking forward to take KIET on a global level. Our team is working on the same, and soon the results will speak for themselves. We have been offering a global exposure to our students through international internships and short-term programmes. Now, the international quotient shall be rising, bit-by-bit, slowly and steadily.

Q2. What Steps Has KIET Taken to Ensure the Employability of Its Graduates in a Competitive Job Market?

KIET has taken several steps to ensure the employability of its graduates in a competitive job market. For example, we have partnered with leading industries and organizations to help students get exposure to industry practices, internships, and practical training opportunities. We have even set up different verticals that make our students industry-ready. These include Internship & Industry Partnership Cell (IIPC), Skill Development & Finishing School, and Industrial Research & Consultancy Development cell.

We have a dedicated placement cell that works closely with the industry to identify employment opportunities for students. The cell organizes campus recruitment drives, job fairs, and placement events, inviting renowned companies to hire students from various disciplines. It also provides career counselling, resume building, and interview preparation support to students.

Additionally, we provide support for aspiring entrepreneurs through incubation centres, mentorship programs, and entrepreneurial training. Students are encouraged to develop innovative ideas, start their own ventures, and become job creators rather than job seekers.

Q3. How Does KIET Promote Research and Innovation Among Its Faculty and Students?

KIET Group of Institutions employ various strategies to promote research and innovation among its faculty and students.

We have established well-equipped laboratories that focus on specific domains or interdisciplinary areas. These facilities provide faculty and students with the necessary infrastructure and resources to carry out research activities.

We encourage collaboration and networking among faculty, students, and researchers from different disciplines or institutions. This can be facilitated through seminars, research symposiums, and interdisciplinary projects, fostering a culture of knowledge exchange and innovation.

We also offer incentives and recognition to faculty and students who excel in research and innovation. This includes CV Raman awards, scholarships, research fellowships, and opportunities for publication or patenting of their work.

The institution integrates research-based components into the curriculum to encourage students' active involvement in research projects. This includes research-oriented courses, capstone projects, thesis/dissertation work, and organizing research workshops, training programs, and seminars to enhance the research skills of both faculty members and students.

The institution also supports faculty and students in publishing their research findings in reputable journals, conferences, and other scholarly platforms.

Q4. What support does KIET offer to students interested in entrepreneurship or starting their own ventures?

The Technology Business Incubator at campus provides incubation space where aspiring entrepreneurs work on their business ideas and projects. This space includes workstations, meeting rooms, and other facilities necessary for startup development. This incubator has a network of experienced mentors, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals who provide guidance and support on market research, product development, branding, and scaling strategies. These mentors offer valuable insights, share their expertise, and help students navigate the challenges of starting and running a business.

Further, the incubator organizes training programs, workshops, and seminars to equip students with the necessary entrepreneurial skills. These sessions may cover topics such as business planning, market research, financial management, marketing strategies, and pitching. In addition to this, it helps in accessing funding opportunities for startups that include guidance on preparing business plans, connecting with investors, and partners.

Q5. In What Ways Does KIET Contributes to the Local Community or Society as a Whole?

KIET organizes and participates in community outreach programs that aim to address local challenges and improve the well-being of the community. These programs include initiatives such as health camps, blood donation drives, literacy campaigns, and skill development workshops. The institution fosters collaboration with local industries, startups, businesses, and organizations to promote internships, industry visits, guest lectures, and joint research projects, benefiting both students and the local economy. The institution organizes cultural events, festivals, and competitions for contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the community. In addition to this, KIET has its own social welfare club “Uddeshya” that aims at contributing towards the betterment of society and making a positive impact through various initiatives like working for Underprivileged Children, Empowering Women, Sanitary Awareness, Blood Donation Drives, Volunteering Services for Emergencies - providing support to affected communities, Disaster Reliefs and so on.