Level Up Your Professional Support

The Centre for Academic and Professional Support (CAPS), in collaboration with the Centre for Placement and Career Guidance (CPCG), organized a Training of Trainers (TOT) session titled “Level Up Your Professional Game: From Learner to Leader” on the 22nd and 24th of September 2025. The sessions were conducted in the Smart Room, Central Block, from 4:30 PM to 5:45 PM. The event was facilitated by Mr. Akhil Paul, Coordinator – CPCG, who brought valuable expertise and practical insights to guide students through the critical areas of professional development. The session was designed exclusively for CAPS volunteers, with attendance being mandatory, given the program’s focus on preparing them to become peer trainers and leaders within the university.

The overarching aim of the event was to strengthen students’ employability skills and professional readiness, while also equipping them with the confidence to guide and train their peers in similar areas. Through the structured activities and interactive approach, the TOT workshop helped participants gain clarity on three crucial elements of career preparation: mock interviews, group discussions (GD), and resume writing. Each of these components was explored in depth, with an emphasis on both content and delivery, thereby allowing students to not only practice these skills but also learn how to mentor others effectively.

The sessions were highly interactive and experiential, incorporating engaging activities that encouraged active participation. For instance, during the group discussion activity, students were divided into smaller groups and provided with real-world topics to deliberate on. This exercise allowed them to understand how GDs are evaluated in placement settings, including aspects such as clarity of thought, confidence, communication skills, and teamwork. The facilitator provided constructive feedback, helping students identify their strengths and areas for improvement.

Similarly, the resume writing component focused on helping students create impactful resumes tailored to specific roles and industries. Participants were encouraged to bring their draft resumes, which were then reviewed and refined with personalized suggestions. The session highlighted important aspects such as clarity in structure, concise presentation of skills, and avoiding common mistakes. This hands-on activity enabled students to not only enhance their own resumes but also gain the confidence to guide peers in developing professional resumes.

The mock interview segment was another critical highlight of the training. Volunteers participated in simulated interviews where they practiced answering common and challenging questions. The activity aimed to reduce the anxiety often associated with interviews while building strategies for presenting oneself confidently and authentically. The facilitator emphasized the importance of body language, professional etiquette, and articulating responses effectively.

What set this event apart was its peer-training model. Instead of focusing only on individual growth, the TOT approach encouraged students to step into the role of trainers, ensuring that the skills and insights gained would have a ripple effect within the CAPS community and beyond. This aligns with CAPS’s vision of nurturing students into leaders who can contribute meaningfully to academic and professional environments.

Overall, the event succeeded in creating a comprehensive learning experience that combined knowledge-sharing, skill enhancement, and leadership development. By the end of the sessions, participants felt more prepared to face placement processes themselves and were equally motivated to assist their peers in doing the same. The sessions not only addressed employability requirements but also promoted confidence, collaboration, and a culture of shared growth.

This initiative was highly relevant to the university’s objectives of equipping students with the skills necessary for professional excellence. It also supported graduate attributes such as effective communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership. Furthermore, the event demonstrated the value of collaboration between CAPS and CPCG, showing how academic support and career guidance can come together to create impactful student development programs.

In summary, the TOT session “Level Up Your Professional Game” was a significant step in preparing CAPS volunteers to act as resource persons for their peers. By focusing on essential professional skills like group discussions, resume writing, and interview techniques, the event ensured that participants were not only beneficiaries of the training but also potential leaders capable of driving positive change within the student community.