How Interdisciplinary Education Hones Requisite Skills
How Interdisciplinary Education Hones Requisite Skills For Entrepreneurs
In their study ‘A Multidisciplinary Approach to Creating the Entrepreneurial Mindset Amongst Graduates’, Angela Hamouda and Colman Ledwith strongly recommend this modern “reform” in education. The Dundalk Institute of Technology scholars assert that while entrepreneurs recognise opportunities, skills from interdisciplinary learning allow them to conceive, design and build ideas. Both types of skills complement each other.
It is now well established that entrepreneurship is the backbone of growing economies. It’s particularly true of India, which is seen as a land of opportunities all over the world. For our economy to flourish, we need more entrepreneurs, who give rise to successful and sustainable businesses. But for that to happen, future entrepreneurs will need to call upon skills that they can gain only through interdisciplinary education.
What do experts say?
A European Commission report read, “Traditional educational methods do not correlate well with the development of entrepreneurial traits and attributes and that interdisciplinary collaboration is an essential element of building enterprising abilities.” That belief has been supported and propagated not only by leading academic and researchers all over the world but industry practitioners and entrepreneurs too.
According to noted historian and academic Dr Patrick French, students with interdisciplinary education including Liberal Arts are more adept to problem-solving. Other experts assert that it promotes lateral and innovative ways of thinking, which are crucial for professionals and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. There are examples galore of Tech companies hiring professionals with some Liberal Arts backgrounds. Others have followed suit.
Building vital skills for entrepreneurs
In an interdisciplinary setup, students are exposed to varied perspectives and schools of thought. That enables them to approach a business issue from different angles as they look for solutions. It thus organically enhances their problem-solving skills, which is a vital ability for future entrepreneurs. It’s also important to realise that entrepreneurs are captains of their ships and have to take decisions, where they benefit immensely through this approach.
One of the most underrated entrepreneurial skills is creativity. While being a visionary and the appetite for risks are skills that are often touted, you can’t lose sight of creative skills, which will come into play a lot more in the fast-evolving and versatile world of entrepreneurship. But arguably the most important lesson of the interdisciplinary approach comes through the understanding of and interacting with minds from diverse backgrounds.
Entrepreneurs at the helm of matters might not necessarily have to lead teams directly, but they realize the benefits of getting the best from their personnel for business. The interdisciplinary approach encourages students to transcend boundaries of discipline and engage with peers from different backgrounds. That along with the other crucial skills can make for successful entrepreneurs of tomorrow.
- Published in Blog, Management
Next Tech Lab : A Mangrove Of Ideas
When as a student, you get an opportunity to listen to a world leader like the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, Kofi Annan, you listen. You take notes and hope the learning pays off at some point in your career. But two students from SRM University took things a step further, and it has resulted in the innovative, buzzing, Next Tech Lab.
As Anshuman Pandey and Aditthya Ramakrishnan did their internship at the MIT Media Lab, US, the multidisciplinary nature of research stood out. The inspiration came from a conversation with Kofi Annan about research brain-drain. The concept note that followed sowed the seeds for first of its kind, student-led lab that has won accolades for itself and its members.
Wide scope and growth of the student-led lab
Next Tech Lab came into being at SRM University (now SRM IST), Kattankulathur and has made its strong presence on the sprawling Amaravati campus too. What makes it unique that it is a complete student-led activity with no faculty in charge. However, the multidisciplinary lab has a board of advisors, including industry bigwigs and academics.
Where ideas create winners
Since its inception, Next Tech Lab has been a success story for student-led innovation. It has been behind prototyping of ideas that have been well received. Some of the work that has emanated from the lab has been published in renowned journals across the world. The work has made top intellectual minds sit up and take notice, offer guidance and mentorship.
The results have also been astounding for individual members and teams of students involved with Next Tech Lab. In the past four years, they have won prizes at around 20 top events, including highly followed hackathons. Earlier this year, Aakanksha Chouhan, 2nd Year CSE student and member of Minsky group at Next Tech Lab gave an invited talk at PyCon X Italia in Florence, Italy. She was the youngest invited and funded speaker at the International Conference on Python programming and its applications.
Innovation is the future of all industries, economies and thereby, the Nations and the world. Next Tech Lab, the only Indian organisation to win the QS Reimagine Education 2018 award, is paving the way for it with student-led innovations, one exciting idea and experiment at a time.
- Published in Blog, Innovation
ECE department of SRMAP’s work around high
“application factor” of batteries
Dr Sujith Kalluri
“Research: The distance between an idea and its realisation,” said the powerhouse of 20th-century mass media, David Sarnoff. The present might be filled with ideas, but it’s only quality research that will take them to their logical conclusion in the future. At SRM University AP the focus on research is manifold. The University is forging stronger relationships with the industry to promote research that is high on application in the real world. It also strives to inculcate research bent of mind amongst students through their active involvement in projects.
Dr Sujith Kalluri, Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at the University, is part of one such project. The Venus International Foundation – Young Scientist Award winner 2017 is part of six-faculty team that is working on interdisciplinary research on Battery Technology, from the science to project development. The project has already attracted industry interest and offers brilliant exposure to students involved. The passionate researcher talks about his project and other initiatives at the University.
Charged about the project
Dr Kalluri’s research interest lies in Rechargeable Batteries, and Electronic Testing and advanced diagnostics of Lithium-Ion Batteries. He is grateful for the support of the leadership at the university, which has resulted in SRM-Amaraja Center for Energy Storage devices. “Our key objectives include fast charging technology in Lithium-Ion Batteries which enables fast charging of Electric vehicles. We also aim at implementing the additive manufacturing technology in the large scale production of battery electrodes,” he says looking ahead.
Research with high “application factor.”
Dr Kalluri reveals that the project being conducted at the University hopes to inspire manufacturing of large production of battery electrodes so that the industry can easily meet the demand for the Lithium-Ion batteries. “The goal would be to reduce the charging times for our Smart Phones and Electric Vehicles. So the research has tangible implications for these industries. Another aspect is the concern about Lithium resource around the globe. So we have to look at alternatives that are competitive with Lithium-Ion batteries,” he says.
The merits of interdisciplinary research
One of the highlights of the research project at SRM University AP is its multidisciplinary nature. It involves six faculty members from different engineering backgrounds, Physics and Chemistry. Dr Kalluri asserts that the expertise they bring to the table creates an enriching environment for research. “The faculty pool and resources give us perspective and direction. India has set a goal of at least 20% electric vehicles by 2030, so that gave us the motivation. Amaraja Batteries Limited have visited us several times and offered positive response,” he speaks of the impact.
Student involvement in research
Dr Kalluri states that they are currently in the process of recruiting PhD scholars, researchers and technicians for the centre. They also have a plan to recruit undergraduate and postgraduate students for the project. “They will be involved in R&D while researchers and faculty members focus on product development. Thus they will get first-hand insights into how research is done as well as how a product is developed. We also have an Undergraduate Research Program where students complete projects under the guidance of faculty mentors,” he explains.
Research-driven University
The prototype of Electric Vehicle, Bio-Medical analysis of MRI scans, Centre of Excellence in VLSI Design; the list of research projects at the University is endless. Dr Kalluri reminds us that their mission is to conduct research that addresses societal problems locally and globally. “Amaravati is planned to be a Smart City. All smart cities have a Smart Pole, which is completely Wi-Fi enabled. Our EC department is involved in developing the project, and the prototype has already been shown to APCRDA Department,” he says enthusiastically.
It’s this zest for research, to meet the demands of the evolving world around us, and the strong backing from the university that is nurturing future researchers. Strong Active Learning program, weekend labs to offer students ample time and exposure, and guidance of faculty members like Dr Kalluri helps students imbibe research skills and drive that can shape the future.
7 CAREER OPTIONS AFTER A BACHELORS IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
If you’ve been dreaming of auditioning your next big business idea on Shark tank since the age of 10 or can’t wait to dive into the world of management and entrepreneurship, a Bachelors in Business Administration (BBA) is the right course for you. Launched less than 30 years ago in India, a BBA was one of the first professional Bachelor’s degrees on the block, excepting the fields of engineering and medicine. Since then, the course has only grown in popularity, allowing you a chance to get a good job right after college. Before we explore what kind of jobs are available after a BBA, it is helpful to know what you’ll be studying in a well-designed BBA course.
What is a BBA?
Typically, a three-year long course, a BBA includes core modules in business studies, economics, marketing, and computer science. Since it a professional course, the BBA emphasises project work & practical, hands-on training in management, leadership skills, teamwork, and communication abilities. This is carried out through case studies, visits to work sites, and internships. The end goal of a BBA is to leave you career-ready for management, in case you don’t want immediately to pursue higher studies. Another question you may have is how to get a job after your BBA. Most good institutes offer campus placements, primarily if you have scored well in your course, so doing well in academics always helps. Even if your institute doesn’t offer placements, many Indian and multinational companies (MNCs) hold recruitment drives for entry-level managers, analysts, and researchers.
- Published in Blog, Management
20 Bachelor degree after Class 12th!
Wondering what your career options are after Class XII? Today, graduate and post-graduate universities in India offer many specialized, cutting-edge courses customized to your unique interests, which can help you kickstart a new career in tomorrow’s competitive job market. Here are the best courses to study at university, according to your stream!
Courses after 12th with Arts
A career in the Arts is often underplayed, but the truth is a grounding in liberal arts is extremely important in the development of emotional intelligence as well as social awareness, factors which distinguish leaders from managers in the long-term. Not only that, the arts also actually offer many degrees that open the doors to great career choices! (more…)
- Published in Blog, other blogs
WHAT ARE THE BEST GD TOPICS FOR ENGINEERING PLACEMENTS?
As your final BE semester rolls around, Indian and multinational corporations start visiting your campus for recruitments. Or you may be in the middle of admissions to a business school. In either case, you are likely to face a group discussion or a GD round as part of the selection process.
So, what exactly happens in GD rounds and why are they so important?
In a typical GD round, candidates are divided into groups of 8 to 10 members. Each group of candidates is assigned a topic or a situation, allotted time to brainstorm, and then asked to discuss the topic among themselves for 15-45 minutes. A panel of judges tests each group. Every individual’s ability is evaluated by how they articulate their point of view and communicate it effectively with group members. So, what can your performance in a GD tell an evaluator about you? Quite a bit actually. Organizations rely on GDs as a screening tool because working and communicating seamlessly in a team is one of the biggest markers of your success as a manager. Not only that, but GD rounds also evaluate candidates for awareness, the ability to lead and listen, and the ability to conceptualize. While all this may seem a bit daunting, remember there is no reason to get intimidated by a GD. Preparing yourself in advance for a GD round is half the battle won.
7 Best Jobs in Civil Engineering
Gone are the days when you thought civil engineering offered just one kind of job; today, you can have many exciting career paths after civil engineering! From traditional roles in construction to opportunities in nuclear plants, civil engineering jobs in India are more varied than ever before. Apart from going for higher studies, here are the top 7 jobs you can take up right after a civil engineering bachelor’s degree:
- PSU Jobs for Civil Engineer
Civil engineers are always high in demand in public-sector undertakings, such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and NPCIL (Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited). To apply for a PSU job, you need to take the competitive Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). If you score well, then you will be termed eligible in any of the PSUs. Apart from job security, you also get an attractive starting salary of Rs. 24,900 – Rs. 50,500 - Government Jobs for Civil Engineer
Ever since the 6th and 7th Pay Commission revisions have rolled in, civil engineering salaries in India, especially, the government sector pay better than ever. Through the GATE, you can apply for a civil engineering job at government bodies, such as Railways and Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). Starting salaries for assistant engineers range from Rs 20,00 to Rs 50,000, depending on your GATE score. - Nuclear Plant Engineer
It may surprise you, but government-run nuclear energy plants also hire civil engineers to design and maintain power station, reactors and more. Since the safe use of nuclear energy is such an emerging field, a career as a nuclear plant engineer with bodies such as Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is a great alternative career for civil engineers. GATE required. Salary range: Rs 20,000 to Rs 50,000
- Published in Blog, Engineering