In my recent meeting with faculty and staff of REVA University, as I deliberated on the roadmap for REVA’s growth, and the initiatives that we had to adapt to stay ahead of the curve, I stressed the need for REVA to nurture more entrepreneurs than employees.
During the elaborative discussion, I focussed on the sectors that have a need and vast opportunities for fresh talent, and why many organisations were looking to hire graduates who can take on bigger challenges and responsible roles at a young age, and how firms were not looking to hire mere manager candidates. Every dynamic business environment is in the pursuit of candidates with an entrepreneurial spirit, and especially those who can take ownership and drive growth, enjoy a fast-paced career.
While REVA University is the training ground that has been moulding corporate-ready candidates, my vision is to nurture more entrepreneurs who can generate employment, and not look for employment opportunities alone.
As a higher education institution, the onus is on us to upskill and develop a student community that will thrive under challenges and contributes towards building a stronger nation.
To achieve this, I believe we must lay the right foundation and implement proactive initiatives that will help us reach our goals sooner. This may include:
Introducing case studies, real-life challenges
Students learn when they involve and engage. Case studies and exposure to real-life challenges are great methodologies to instil critical thinking, strategizing, and problem-solving skills in students. As learners, they will observe and adopt key takeaways that will further ease their journey as entrepreneurs.
Curricula based on industry needs, demands
A curriculum that is designed based on the demands of the industries and is industry-resilient will ensure students are industry-ready. With sound knowledge of the demands of industries, students as entrepreneurs will be able to deliver and excel.
Networking sessions with industry veterans, leaders
There is no substitute for a hands-on learning experience and one-on-one interactions with industry veterans. Early guidance and mentorship help students grasp and learn from the life experiences of the industry leaders.
On-campus incubation
Nurturing students on campus and offering the right platform to venture into entrepreneurship will boost the confidence of students while helping them acquire leadership skills and improve their decision-making abilities. In a smaller business environment, students will be able to cope with challenges confidently. I am happy to observe REVA Nest, our flagship incubation programme has been doing some significant work in this direction.
Fostering exchange programmes with accomplished foreign universities
International exposure and conversing with faculty members, entrepreneurs in foreign countries will offer extensive knowledge and experience to students. Understanding the role of international exposure, REVA University has associated with more than 30+ international universities to send students on twin exchange programmes. I have often noticed students come back with more confidence and zeal to pursue their passion when they visit other international universities and interact with their foreign peers.
REVA University was started with the philosophy ‘Knowledge is Power’, and I am happy when more and more REVAites become empowered through innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills.
I am certain the sky is the limit for students and our mission is to make our students believe in this too, and aspire to achieve bigger goals.
A Happy Deepavali to all my readers
On a final note, with the onset of the festival season, I wish a very prosperous and happy Deepavali to you all.
This Deepavali, let us see new hopes, set new goals, and wish to reach bigger milestones in the forthcoming days. Especially to my beloved student community, I would like to assure that with proper preparedness and early planning, they will be ready to take on any challenge life throws at them. For many outgoing students in the past, the road ahead may have seemed difficult with the pandemic affecting new recruitments and foreign universities temporarily stalling the entry of international students.
However, every dark cloud has a silver lining, and these times are now becoming a thing of the past.
Let us all wish and pray for bright times in our journey ahead.
Once again, a very happy Deepavali to all my readers. God Bless.
