Collaboration Is Key To Student Success

Bhupendra Paintola Dec 25, 2023

At the BW B School Summit & Awards 2023, a panel of top educators tackled the burning question: how can universities prepare students for life's hurdles and the ever-evolving professional landscape?

Breaking Silos, Building Skills:

Dr Jaskiran Arora of BML Munjal University championed collaborative initiatives. “We need to ditch the silos and encourage teamwork,” she said while advocating for community projects and business solutions that develop real-world problem-solving skills.

Mind the Gap:

Dr Harish K S of Siva Sivani Institute of Management focused on bridging the gap between student aspirations and industry demands. “Early assessment of strengths and weaknesses helps guide students towards the right career paths,” he said.

The WHY, the HOW and the WHO:

Dr Shruti Sardeshmukh from Shiv Nadar University presented a three-pronged approach: understanding the “why” (purpose), “how” (application), and “whom” (collaboration) through internships, business projects and a core curriculum that fosters job readiness.

Mentorship Matters:

Dr Ashwini Awasthi from Nirma University highlighted the importance of mentorship, stressing the need for senior students to guide and ground new graduates in industry realities.

Industry-Ready, Not Industry-Demanding

Dr Shrirang Altekar of Symbiosis Institute of Business Management urged universities to prioritise student acclimatisation. “Collaboration with industry allows us to focus on specific needs and ensure consistent industry-readiness,” he said.

Addressing the New Normal

Dr Jones Mathew from the Great Lakes Institute of Management pointed to the challenges of short attention spans and post-pandemic adjustments. “We're actively addressing these by enhancing students' industry engagement readiness,” he assured.

The Takeaway

The panel's insights paint a clear picture: universities must integrate essential skills, align with industry expectations, and foster employability. This is the roadmap to holistic education and preparing students for the dynamic future of work.