Industry Spotlight Session - From Campus to Corporate

The School of Sciences and the School of Commerce, Finance, and Accountancy jointly organized an insightful guest lecture on industry readiness and career transition for students. The event, held on campus, welcomed Ms. Shubha Kumar, Head of Facilities and Chief Risk and Sustainability Officer at Zensar Technologies, as the resource person. Her session focused on guiding students through the crucial transition from academic life to the professional world, emphasizing skills, preparation strategies, and personal development.

Ms. Kumar, a seasoned industry leader with extensive experience in risk management, sustainability, and operational leadership, began the session by addressing the expectations industries have from fresh graduates. She highlighted the importance of adaptability, communication skills, problem-solving ability, and continuous learning. Stressing that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient, she encouraged students to focus equally on soft skills and emotional intelligence.

Drawing from her own journey, Ms. Kumar shared how she navigated through the early years of her career, the challenges she faced, and how she steadily moved up the corporate ladder. Her personal anecdotes made a deep impact on the students, offering a real-world perspective to theoretical knowledge. She candidly spoke about her initial apprehensions, the value of mentorship, and how she built confidence through consistent effort and openness to feedback.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the emphasis on industry readiness. Ms. Kumar advised students to stay curious, keep track of current industry trends, and be proactive in seeking internships or projects that enhance their professional experience. She also discussed the growing impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various sectors, particularly how it is reshaping job roles and expectations in both science and commerce domains. She encouraged students to embrace technological changes and be prepared to work in multidisciplinary teams.

The interactive nature of the session added to its effectiveness. Students actively participated by posing thoughtful questions to Ms. Kumar. One student asked about her role at Zensar Technologies, to which she elaborated on how risk and sustainability are increasingly becoming strategic components of corporate governance. She explained how her team works to assess and mitigate risks while promoting sustainable practices across the organization.

Another student inquired about the specific challenges women face in senior leadership positions. Ms. Kumar responded with honesty and optimism. She acknowledged that while challenges exist, the corporate world is gradually evolving to become more inclusive. She stressed the importance of self-belief, assertiveness, and building a strong professional network. Her words served as a motivation, especially to the young women in the audience, many of whom later shared how inspired they felt.

There was also a lively discussion on the role of AI in transforming industries. Ms. Kumar explained how emerging technologies are creating both opportunities and disruptions. She advised students to continuously upskill and be open to reskilling when necessary. Her insights encouraged the audience to think critically about their career trajectories and the need for lifelong learning.