Malobika Sengupta, CEO, WlCI, speaks with SANGEETA YADAV about the recently launched scholarship tests and the need to generate industry-ready people
Tell us about Wigan and leigh College, India (WlCI)IJ
We usually focus on competency building of the student instead of just academics. We aim at creating abled professionals and overall development of the students by channeling the right focus and energy to that direction and make them industry ready. In our management programme, there are specialisation in Marketing, HR, finance and thus, we provide them traineeships through which students can work and study at the same time.
What is the USP of WlCIIJ
We have traineeship programmes where students study in the classroom from 8am to 11am where fundamental concepts are taught. From 12-6 pm, they have to work in an organisation especially in the department where they want to specialise in. They get breaks and leaves as well in between for their studies. Through this procedure, students learn how to implement the academic studies at the work field. By the time they complete their Bachelor’s programme or post graduation programme, they are qualified to get a job at a good position in an organisation.
Have you collaborated with any other instituteIJ
We have a Talent Activation Team which looks after the opportunities for the students in various organisations. We have tied up with around 400 MNCs where these students work as a team and earn a stipend which varies from Rs 8,000 to Rs 20,000 per month. They are not working as an intern but as a part of the team where a day to day responsibility is given to them. These students add value in these organisations because they are not just learning the work but producing outcome in return. The mentoring council gives us the feedback on various intervals about the performance of the students. If a student wants to switch from one organisation to another, even after the final placement is done, we help our alumni on a long term basis.
Tell us about the recently launched scholarship programmesIJ
We have launched merit-based scholarships this year for the UG and PG programmes like business management, fashion technology, advertising and graphic design. There are two procedures — online assessment test of 30 minutes and personal interview with WlCI faculty at one of our campuses. The basic fee of the programmes is between Rs 1, 80,000 to Rs 2, 50,000, depending upon the programme. Around 25 to 75 per cent scholarship is also offered to two students from each level of programme.
Tell us about your facultyIJ
Our faculty members are trained industry people who have helped us in conceptualising the courses which are relevant to today’s industry scenario and helped us to bring out the innovative approach of teaching and training. The department heads of the organisation helped us in working out the curriculum.
What are the changes you would like to see in the field of higher educationIJ
I would like to change the way people look at education. There teachers and students should not much focus on academics but on the professional training as well. Though many institutes are making a shift from academics learning to professional training, but a lot needs to be done yet. While fundamental concepts should be taught at the academics level but how to apply this at the work front is more important. At the work place, the employers have to have an edge over the other. It should be application oriented training along with academics.
What changes would you like to see in the studentsIJ
Students are looking for a short cut in everything. But there are certain things where short cuts don't work and may also have disadvantage.