Koraput, August 18: The Department of Business Management, Central University of Odisha (CUO), in association with the Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), Department of Higher Education, Union Ministry of Education, organised a career guidance programme for undergraduate students at the university campus on Tuesday.

Prof. (Dr) Ajit Kumar Shasany, Vice-Chancellor, Central University of Odisha, Sushmita Ghosh, Assistant Director and Assistant Central Apprenticeship Advisor, Board of Practical Training (Eastern Region), addressed the programme.

The programme was coordinated by Dr Minati Sahoo, Head, Department of Business Management. Faculty members and students from the Departments of Business Management, Forestry, Agriculture, Mathematics and Dairy Science, along with officials from the Ministry of Education, attended the programme.

Sharing his personal experiences and the challenges he encountered during his career, Prof. (Dr) Ajit Kumar Shasany emphasised the importance of continuous learning, innovation and skill development among students.

“Students are the pillars of the nation, and they need to have an open mind towards innovation. This is the right time for them to upskill themselves along with their formal education. A strong understanding of their academic subjects will make them academically sound in their respective fields, but additional skills will make them industry-ready and open up numerous opportunities,” he said.

Urging students to develop new skills and entrepreneurial thinking, Prof. Shasany said that students should be willing to take calculated risks and think beyond conventional employment opportunities.

“Students should develop the ability to take risks and think beyond jobs. Our students should aspire to become entrepreneurs and job providers rather than merely job seekers. As contributors to the nation, they should think about what they can contribute to the development of the country,” he said.

Speaking about the benefits of the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), Sushmita Ghosh highlighted the importance of practical and industry-oriented training in improving students’ employability.

“NATS provides students with an opportunity to undergo practical and skill-based training in their respective fields and gain exposure to professional and industrial environments. It can also improve their employment prospects in their chosen sectors. There is a gap between academic education and the evolving requirements of industry, and NATS can play an important role in bridging this gap,” she said.

She further observed that additional skills and practical experience gained through apprenticeship programmes can provide students with better career opportunities. She added that industries and corporate organisations increasingly look for a combination of skills, knowledge, confidence and practical experience while recruiting young professionals.

Dr Minati Sahoo, Head, Department of Business Management, shared her views on the importance of career guidance and industry exposure for undergraduate students.

She emphasised the need to equip students with relevant skills and practical knowledge to successfully navigate the changing employment landscape. Dr Subhas Patnaik, Assistant Professor, Department of Business Management, proposed the vote of thanks.

The programme provided students with valuable insights into career opportunities, skill development, apprenticeship programmes and the changing expectations of employers, thereby encouraging them to prepare themselves for the evolving world of work.