Source: TNN
In a collaborative effort, the varsity and the IT company have established a Centre of Excellence on the varsity campus, the aim of which is to markedly enhance the prospects of its students in landing jobs.
In an age when ‘Overskilling’ and ‘Upgrading of Skills’ have become more than just catchy phrases, and are turning into decisive factors in shaping the trajectory of the careers of professionals across domains, Mangalore University (MU) appears to have identified the need to equip its students with the necessary skills to navigate the constantly changing economic landscape.
The varsity will, with the assistance of the IT giant IBM, impart training to students in some of the most sought-after areas: Data analytics, Internet of Things (IoT) and cyber security. In a collaborative effort, the varsity and the IT company have established a Centre of Excellence on the varsity campus, the aim of which is to markedly enhance the prospects of its students in landing jobs.
Inaugurated recently at the varsity’s Mangalagothri Campus in Konaje, besides the students, teachers will be imparted training by experts at IBM.
IBM India’s chief digital officer Ajay Mittal, in a video conference with TOI, said that interested students from other colleges in the city too could register for the courses. “We will have programmes in data analytics, IoT and cyber security. This partnership between IBM and MU aims at giving students the best-of-class technology to the students, equip them with skills, which will, in turn, keep them in good stead when they start to work,” said Mittal.
On the modalities of the courses that will be offered at the varsity, Mittal said that the students could either opt for certificate programmes or diplomas, both of which will be tailored to meet the standards of the industry, besides being offered for short periods. Emphasizing on the value of the skills in today’s digital age, he added, “Data management has become the most important aspect in modern industry. With a near exponential rise in the volume of data has grown the threat from hackers, which has made those with a sound knowledge of cyber security invaluable. Consequently, the demand for those skilled in data analytics and cyber security, and there is a crippling shortage of such professionals. In collaboration with Mangalore University, we will try to meet the rising demand.”
MU vice-chancellor PS Yadapadithaya pointed to the glaring discrepancy in qualification of the students, and their aptitude. “This collaboration with IBM will help bridge this gap, and ensure that students, once they leave the campus, are equipped to handle the challenges of the industry,” said the VC.
Taking it forward, Yadapadithaya said that the varsity management was keen on offering postgraduate courses in data analytics and cyber security. “We also want to look towards increasing opportunities for our students to enjoy a stint as interns to gain some hands-on experience,” he added.
On the challenges that training teachers and senior faculty would entail, the VC sought to classify people in the field based on their attitude towards the digital revolution. “Firstly, there are the digital aliens, who are very negative about the technological advancements, and are stubbornly refusing to adapt to the changing times. The second class comprises people I call digital immigrants, who are resentful of digitisation but, if nudged in the right direction, will take steps to learn the skills required to stay relevant in this age. The last section of people are those born after the 1980s and are well versed with technology, and they are more knowledgeable than their teachers. We must upgrade ourselves, and learning these skills has now become a prerequisite,” said Yadapadithaya.
