Finishing school for grand career launch Premium

OsmU's 106-year history has seen many activities, but the recent establishment of the Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC) to improve students' soft skills and personality has created a buzz. Prof. K. Stevenson, Dean of Social Studies and Head of the Journalism & Communication Department, explains the initiative's objective: to make students ready for the industry, guide them towards better careers, and train them in research and exams. Sessions cover introducing oneself, interviews, bio-data, group discussions, internet use, research projects, and more. Students have responded positively, and the centre is looking to become an official testing centre for IELTS and other tests. Prof. Stevenson reflects on the successful transition of the Journalism Department to modern media.

Osmania University, in its 106 chequered history, has witnessed many academic, social and political activities. However, the setting up of a Human Capital Development Centre (HCDC) to improve students’ soft skills and personality development has created a refreshing buzz on the campus. In this exclusive interview, the Dean of Social Studies and Head of the Journalism & Communication Department of the University College of Arts & Social Sciences and, until recently, the HCDC Director, Prof. K. Stevenson, explains the novel initiative.

What is the objective of forming HCDC?

This was one area where academic intervention was necessary. Vice-Chancellor D. Ravinder’s idea was to have a finishing school for our students to sharpen their skills to make them ready for the industry, guide them towards better careers, help them get admissions into international universities, train them in research work and in taking exams like IELTS – International English Language Testing System and the likes.

In general, what are skills being taught?

It starts with how to introduce oneself, prepare for interviews, write bio-data, and participate in a group discussion through mock sessions. We have also had popular sessions on using the internet, ChatGPT, planning a research project, dissertation, methodology, making footnotes, copyright violations, plagiarism, etc. There was an overwhelming response to the session on cracking the NET (National Eligibility Test) for teacher recruitment. We have been taking the help of professionals and non-governmental organisations for the sessions

How have the students taken to the concept?

It has been heartening. A majority of students in the campus colleges are first-generation graduates, and naturally, their focus is on competitive exams for government jobs. But there is a significant number even among them who have been enthusiastic about our programmes. At times, we have had to hold extra classroom sessions and put in more chairs to accommodate them. A few classes were also held in Nizam College. Most students, though, are not aware of the industry requirements.