Just as a mother bird nudges her chicks out of the nest so they may take flight, we too must encourage our students to take bold steps into the future. Let’s implement some of these in our institutions right away, if not done as yet:-
Enabler 1 Opportunities Ahead” – A Student-led Innovative Event
At the culmination of first semester itself, each School of a university should host a student-driven event, perhaps titled “Opportunities Ahead” or any engaging name of choice. Encourage every student to explore and articulate their individual interests, passions, and aspirations. They should research emerging career opportunities, higher education options, or entrepreneurial ideas and present them in a forum (akin to Shark Tank).
This reflection will help students clarify their goals early and begin aligning their learning journey accordingly. Some may take another semester to refine their vision but the key is to start the conversation now, not during final placements.
Enabler 2 Build and Showcase Student Profiles Online
Guide each student in developing a strong professional profile, supported and reviewed by alumni or experienced HR professionals.
Create a dedicated webpage on the institution’s site called “Student-Industry Interface” and promote the page actively on social media. This visibility allows potential employers to engage with your students directly. This approach is effectively used by institutions like NUS in Singapore.
Enabler 3 Motivate Participation in Hackathons
Encourage students to participate in national and international hackathons where they can develop tech-driven solutions to real-world problems.
Help them identify upcoming events and assign mentors for guidance. Winning or even participating in such events builds confidence and skill.
Enabler 4 Join Professional Societies and Clubs
Encourage every student to join at least one national or international professional society or student club.
These memberships can enhance communication skills, self-confidence, and professional awareness.
Student Affairs should lead the establishment of local chapters on campus and support participation through institutional subscriptions.
Enabler 5 Industry Internships Matter
Whether you have industry-supported labs or not, make internships a serious priority. Follow the example of BITS Pilani, whose leadership actively secures internships across India, including in prestigious organizations like DRDO.
Such industry engagement deeply empowers students with hands-on experience and networks.
Enabler 6 Host MSME Engagement Events
Collaborate with MSMEs and large companies to organize on-campus events focused on innovation and process improvement.
For example, Maruti regularly hosts events for over 200 vendors to showcase quality innovation, often at university campuses.
Students benefit by offering tech solutions and project ideas relevant to real businesses. A few manage to get pre-placement offers then and there.
Enabler 7 Industry-Led Certificate Courses in Emerging Areas
Introduce short-term certificate programs led by industry professionals in areas like AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, or Sustainable Tech. Establish a dedicated unit under the Student Development Centre, led by a Professor of Practice as Director for Skills and Micro-Credentials.
Enabler 8 Encourage Global Exposure
Promote relevant student exchange programs, foreign immersions, dual degrees, and study-abroad opportunities. Collaborate with the 15+ international universities already approved to set up campuses in India for mutually beneficial programs.
Enabler 9 Nation-Building & Social Engagement
Encourage participation in nation-building activities—NCC, NSS, AIU Games, and social outreach clubs.
Even short-term internships with NGOs can cultivate empathy, leadership, and civic responsibility.
These initiatives go beyond routine academics to shape confident, capable, and forward-looking graduates. Let us commit to turning these enablers into everyday practices on our campuses.
– Prof JR Sharma
