Corporate Readiness Program

On 4th September 2024, the Department of Data Science of CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune, Lavasa Campus hosted a ‘Corporate Readiness Program’, an insightful and highly informative workshop session on interview skills for the students of M.Sc. Data Science Semester IV. The workshop was led by Ms. Neha Ratnakar, an experienced corporate trainer. The workshop was designed to enhance the students' interview preparedness and equip them with essential techniques to succeed in job interviews. It was particularly valuable for students looking to make a lasting impression in competitive job markets.

Ms. Ratnakar, began the session by highlighting the importance of a well-structured resume, emphasizing that it is the first step in creating a positive and professional impression on potential employers. She guided the students through the essential elements of a resume, explaining the crucial components that should be included and tailored for every job application.

Key points discussed regarding resume building included:

Ms. Ratnakar detailed the following critical elements that form the foundation of an effective resume:

• Personal Information: She advised students to begin their resumes by providing clear and accurate personal information, including their full name, contact details, and a professional email address.
• Objective Statement: Ms. Ratnakar highlighted the importance of a brief and tailored objective statement that aligns with the job role. An objective statement acts as a brief introduction. She advised students to write a short, clear, and specific statement that matches the job they are applying for. This personalization shows the candidate's interest in the role and helps them stand out from generic applications.
• Education: She advised listing educational qualifications in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent degree or certification. This helps recruiters quickly identify the candidate's most relevant educational experiences. She also suggested adding relevant coursework or academic achievements that show a candidate’s strengths in their field of study.
• Work Experience and Projects: For those with work experience, it is crucial to highlight achievements and the impact of their contributions. Students were also encouraged to list relevant academic projects, showcasing the skills they developed through these experiences. Highlighting main responsibilities and results can help students stand out by showing their problem-solving skills and initiative.
• Skills and Certifications: Ms. Ratnakar advised students to be selective, listing only skills and certifications that align with the desired job role. This section allows candidates to present their proficiency in specific areas and their commitment to continuous professional development.
• Hobbies and Interests: Ms. Ratnakar stressed that including hobbies that reflect the candidate's personality can make a resume more engaging, reflecting their personality and align with their career goals.

Following the resume discussion, Ms. Ratnakar shifted the focus on the dos and don'ts of interview etiquette. She explained that an interview is more than just answering questions—it’s a chance to present oneself as a confident, capable, and positive individual. She provided practical tips on interview etiquette, helping students understand the nuances of body language, communication, and personal presentation. To make this part of the session more engaging, she incorporated interactive activities where students practiced proper posture, handshakes, and mock introductions.

The Key takeaways included:

• Posture: Ms. Ratnakar stressed the importance of maintaining an upright posture during the interview and that sitting in right posture conveys confidence and attentiveness. She highlighted that slouching or leaning back might give the impression of disinterest, while a good posture signals professionalism and eagerness for the role.
• Smile: She explained that a smile not only demonstrates friendliness and positivity but also signals enthusiasm for the position. She advised on smiling naturally when greeting the interviewer and throughout the conversation.
• Attire: She emphasized the importance of dressing appropriately for the interview, keeping in mind the company culture. She suggested that students research the organization beforehand to understand its dress code, ensuring that they dress in a manner that reflects the company’s values and professionalism.
• Body Language: Ms. Ratnakar highlighted the significance of non-verbal communication. She advised students to avoid fidgeting or crossing arms, as these actions may indicate nervousness or discomfort. Maintaining good eye contact shows confidence and attentiveness and advised students to mirror the body language of the interviewer to build rapport.
• Communication: importance of clear and assertive communication during an interview was also discussed by Ms. Ratnakar. She advised on how the tone of voice should be clear and assertive, and candidates should speak at a moderate pace. 

The session concluded with a comprehensive recap of the key takeaways regarding interview skills and resume building. Ms. Ratnakar’s dynamic and engaging presentation style, enriched by real-world examples, ensured that students gained practical and actionable insights. The students left the session with a clearer understanding of how to approach the interview process, from preparing a tailored resume to mastering the nuances of body language and communication. Ms. Neha Ratnakar’s dynamic and engaging presentation style, coupled with her real-world examples, made the session both informative and memorable.