Eduscope: Helping students take an informed decision

Last weekend witnessed a visible transformation among Mumbai’s student community. Those who attended the DNA Eduscope 2012 education and career fair, held on May 5-6, 2012 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Goregaon, held their heads a bit higher and had the glow of awareness reflected in their eyes as they left the venue. Their smiles were no longer forced and the nervousness that was evident while registering at the counter was replaced by a quiet confidence that they at least knew the path forward, if not the destination itself.

So what was the magic mantra that made this metamorphosis possible? Students and their parents were unanimous that the formula was immensely successful because it combined leading education policy shapers and academic mentors from different fields of specialisation, thereby ensuring a holistic overview of what lay ahead.

Rajesh Tope, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra, shared the initiatives undertaken by his department and the government in the field of education and how these would benefit students.

 “Maharashtra has a target of training lakhs of students every year. Under the Modular Employable Scheme (MES), a Government of India initiative, even an industry or service sector can become a Vocational Training Provider (VTP). A student with a minimum qualification of fifth pass can get admission in the VTP. According to his aptitude, he can be skilled and trained in a modular way. On completing the course, he will receive a NCVT certificate that is National Council for Vocational Training, which is not only recognized in our country but also acknowledged globally. Our department has, till now, doubled the capacity of all the vocational centers. My point is that all should not rush to engineering and medical but there are different sectors available in which you can develop your career. For example, 35 lakh employment opportunities will be generated in the retail industry. The vision of our department is that education should be relevant. The curriculum should be student-centric, futuristic and globally competitive. In higher education, there has to be expansion. The gross enrollment ratio in India has to go high,” he emphasised.

Professor RSS Mani, vice president, Institutional Development, ITM Group of Institutions, explained why parents need to involve students in the career planning process. “I strongly believe, based on all my experience, that even today, most of the decisions pertaining to a student’s career are rightfully taken by the parents. But I would also like to add one little line, please do it in consultation with the children. This is a family decision. It is the best way to plan a student’s career.”

“College is the beginning of a journey. The journey in college is a minimum of seven years going up to ten years. After completing ten years of schooling, you go in your 11th and 12th post which you will get the HSC degree. Then you will do your 3 to 5 years of graduation studies. In today’s world, a master’s degree is recommended post graduation which is of two years, summing up to a minimum of seven years. On entering the stage of college education, you will have to choose from a science, arts or commerce stream. At this age one is either influenced by family members or decides on account of ‘peer pressure’ which is not good. In case a student has not made up his mind, I suggest one to take up science for a period of two years. During this time, collect information, talk to people and then select the course you desire after 12th. In case you want to decide now, take an aptitude test,” he advised.

Fashion designer Neeta Lulla, pointed out that “To get into any career, the most important aspect of your foundation is knowing about that particular field and studying it. You have to learn for whatever you aspire to do. The groundwork is important. No matter what you do, without the basic foundation of education in that particular field it’s not possible.”

“Today, the sensibilities of ‘why fashion?’ is completely wrong. Students think that it’s ‘Claim to Fame’. They need to understand that even fashion is a very serious business. There are many careers in the fashion industry like fashion designing, choreography, merchandising etc. Very few people understand the seriousness of this business. Fashion is not just about glamour or being on the page 3 but there is a lot more to it. This is simply a shell covering the real aspect of the fashion industry. When choosing an institute, ensure it should have teachers who teach you the ground reality of the fashion world and the right techniques that have to be applied. But the most important thing is your dedication, your hard work and your seriousness,” she added.

Prof (Dr) Suresh Ghai, director general, KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, illuminated the path to a management course. “Management is not just about a fat salary and fame but also about lots of hard work. Management is one profession which does not ask you about your background. Anyone can apply for a management degree. It is a profession which is changing very fast. It is one of the top ten professions not only in India but also internationally. There are a lot of specializations in management that have come into existence in the recent years. The major or most opted ones are that in marketing, human resources, finance and IT. Management is a profession which encompasses all fields. It cannot be bound by any boundaries.”

Abir Aich, director-Academics, Maya Academy of Advanced Cinematics, transported the entire audience into the magical world of animation. Explaining them about the industry and the process that they work upon, his presentation included a number of slides and videos on the ‘behind the scenes’ industry that creates the things we enjoy onscreen.

According to him, “Animation is the illusion of life. Animation has been derived from the Latin word ‘Anima’ which means putting soul into dead characters. It is one of the fastest growing industries. Animation industry was reported to be of 5 billion in 2009 and is estimated to grow to 54 billion by 2014. India is a great attraction for animation industries abroad.  Not only is it used in films and commercials but also in the medical sector, by engineering and designing students and employees. The process of animation can be divided into three categories: pre-production process, production process and the post-production process. Every person working in the animation industry is equally important.”

Professor Ivan David, professor-Hospitality, Kohinoor-IMI School of Hospitality Management, Khandala, shared key aspects of hotel management. He said, “Hospitality is all about the relationship between the guest and the host. When you present yourself to the host, it is not just yourself that you present but also the hotel which you work for. Hospitality is about getting the soft skills right, understanding the guest, his needs. As a career, hospitality industry gives you a lot of options. You can work with travel agencies, cruise ships, clubs and resorts etc. A lot of tourism is involved in Hospitality. On completing his course in hotel management or in hospitality, the student has learnt how to survive and how to help others survive. The standards expected here are different.”

The insightful guidance on opportunities to seize and pitfalls to avoid also ensured that the knowledge gained was practical and hands-on. It was clear that DNA Eduscope 2012 had fulfilled its objective of helping students take an informed decision and guiding aspirants on how to make the right academic choices keeping career goals in mind.

Inputs compiled by Aarti Seksaria.

See the next issue of DNA Academy for more insights and glimpses of Eduscope 2012