“Empowering Education: Dr. Archana on Skilling, Innovation, and the New Normal”
Dr. Archana, Director, CMT Business School, Visakhapatnam expressed “New Normal” refers to the need for students to adapt to new specializations and courses offered by institutions.” Q: Any special initiatives in skilling that are helping employability and entrepreneurship? A: We are a pioneering institution in South India offering specialized courses in FinTech and Retail Management. These programs are unique in the region, providing students with opportunities that were previously only available in the North. This helps equip students with relevant skills for the future. Q: Have you implemented any new digital transformation or technologies in your institution? A: Yes, we continually upgrade our curriculum to stay relevant. For example, we recently incorporated Artificial Intelligence into our BBA program, something we didn’t have two years ago. This keeps our offerings updated and aligned with industry needs. Q: How is your alumni network? A: Our alumni network is strong, with over 2,000 alumni since the institution’s establishment. Every year, we invite them to share their experiences, which benefits both current students and graduates. Q: Do you organize programs for your alumni? A: Yes, we organize an annual Alumni Network event, where alumni share their career experiences, helping to inspire and guide our current students. Q: What does “New Normal” mean to you in the context of education? A: “New Normal” refers to the need for students to adapt to new specializations and courses offered by institutions. While opportunities in fields like FinTech and Retail Management are vast, students need to be more open-minded and willing to opt for these modern courses rather than sticking to traditional ones. Q: How does a forum with policymakers, government officials, academics, and tech players help the community? A: Such forums provide great networking opportunities for heads of institutions like myself. They allow us to exchange ideas and learn from different perspectives, which we can then pass on to our students. This collaboration helps us enhance the opportunities and resources available to our students. Q: What is the outcome and learning from such forums? A: Forums like these allow for networking and idea exchange, helping institutions like ours adapt and grow. They provide insights that we can use to better prepare our students for the challenges and opportunities in the job market. Q: How did you feel being part of this event? A: It was a pleasure to be part of this important event. I look forward to future opportunities to engage and contribute to such discussions.
