We have a rich Bio-diversity campus where students can visit and get to know more about nature, says Director

Dr Aparna Tembulkar, Director of the IndSearch Institute of Management Studies and Research, speaks in-depth about the main distinguishing characteristics that set the institute apart from other institutions providing comparable programmes in an interview with Shiksha.com. He goes into great length when discussing the value of students having market readiness skills and how crucial a part the institute plays in developing these skills.

Dr Tembulkar obtained her PhD (Marketing Management), and Master of Management Science (Marketing) from the Savitribai Phule Pune University. She has also completed her Bachelor in Social Studies and Diploma in Electronics and Radio Engineering. Dr Aparna s teaching and research experience of 17 years and has earlier worked in the Industry for 13 years.

Read the complete interview below

Q: What are the three things that your institute is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from competition?

A: Besides many factors that help us differentiate from other institutes offering similar programmes, a few of them are:

• We are autonomous (Our curriculum is revised keeping industry trends and requirements in mind) and 49 years old Institute.
• We have an MoU with University of Wisconsin Parkside USA(UWP), that enables students who complete their MBA at IndSearch to go to UWP for further studies. They are not required to give the GMAT/GRE/TOEFL. Also, they get credit transfers for a few subjects.
• We have pioneered the UG Programme of Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS)in the Savitribai Phule Pune University. It is available with dual specialization. From last academic year we have also introduced BMS (Computer Applications and Business Analytics) and BMS (e-Commerce and Supply Chain Management)
• We do have a rich Bio-diversity campus where students can visit for sports activities, gym and get to know more about nature.

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

A: Industry readiness is a crucial factor among all students in today's time and has become equally important for institutes too incorporate the same in students. Few of the initiatives taken by us to help students become industry ready are:

• Industry interaction through guest sessions to understand the industry expectations from Freshers. We also conduct Industrial visits regularly
• Case studies as a pedagogy to develop analytical ability
• Mock Interviews, GD & PI by our alumni to guide the students
• I²IE cell of the institute helps students to develop entrepreneurial mindset

Q: What are the key attributes that a student should have in order to qualify for your institution and perform well?

A: To be a part of the institution, applicant must follow the norms suggested by DTE and SPPU.

And to perform well, one must attend all the academic activities regularly and participate in all extra and co-curricular activities

Q: Which programme/s would you say is/are your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this programme?

A: All our programmes, the Undergraduate, Postgraduate Masters and Post Graduate Diploma Programmes are very good and all degrees and diplomas are awarded by the Savitribai Phule Pune University

For the UG programme, the curriculum is very practical and job oriented.(Being autonomous our curriculum is designed by us and is being updated frequently

For the MBA Programme, our curriculum is unique catering to industry requirements along with use of innovative pedagogies like debating union

For the Post Graduate Diploma Programmes; these are specially for the working professionals to help them enhance their qualification and further career prospects.

Q: 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 college (observed over the past five)

A: For the Campus placements, we undertake the following initiatives

1. Training students in interview techniques, resume writing, participation in Group discussions. With the help of alumni we do conduct Mock interviews/ GDs
2. Grooming students with regards to etiquette, manners and dressing
3. Alumni connect activity as well as Alumni meets

The Jobs that routinely come to campus include:

1. Business Development Executive
2. Financial Analyst
3. Digital Marketing Trainee
4. Operations Executive
5. HR Recruiter
6. HR Executive
7. Software Developer
8. Business Analyst
9. Software Tester

The key recruitment trends over the past five years have been

1. Students get placed before their final trimester
2. Minimum packages and average packages have risen
3. Organizations are using innovative methods to recruit students