Global Recession & Pune Graduates

Interview with Prof. Pitambare

After spending 34 years in industry I changed my path from corporate world to educational institute with the intention of sharing my experiences for the benefit of the students. And hence, I joined Sinhgad Institute in July'03.
        The world is looking at India as one of the prime countries and would like to do maximum off shoring. India has been considered a prime country on three parameters
(1) intellectual skill of Indians
(2) cost of labor
(3) communication
& hence the Indian Industries bagged the maximum job opportunities from all across the world.
        Knowing well that industry & institute are the two major partners for improving economic scenario of India it was felt essential to have a synergy between these partners.
In view of the above scenario in Dec'03 a seminar was organized by CII and AICTE bringing together industry & institute on equal platform. It was an excellent opportunity to interact with industry & institute representatives & to finalize the road map.
        The role of the Institutes is to develop students at academic level as per syllabi of the university whereas corporate's desire that students should be developed with current technology at institute level itself. To bridge this gap Institutes expect that industry expert should come forward and spend some good time to develop our students by imparting industry orientation training. Accordingly, we have taken a decision to work together to mould the new generation as per companies' orientation.

Prof. J. N. Pitambare,
Dean Placement,
S.T.E.S., Pune.

• From your knowledge of all colleges in Pune, how did the 2008 batch do in terms of percentage of employment from companies' graduate programs, comparing to 2007?
          2007 placement was between 80 to 85% with the present economic slowdown scenario entry level recruitment for 2008 was 60-65%. Institutes who are vigilant and are taking efforts in developing students as per industry requirements have definitely got the advantage over the others. Depending on the efforts of the institute some are above the 75% and some are below 50 %.
  
• From what you have heard, has there been a big number of companies that made offers which they had to revoke?
          Companies are maintaining the commitment; however there are instances where the joining dates are being deferred to a latter date.
  
• Based on the interest shown by companies so far, how do you feel 2009 will be like for new graduates?
          Students must be aware that in 2009 the recruitment quantum is going to reduce substantially to the tune of 50%. There are very limited companies going ahead with entry level recruitment with reduced numbers. Naturally, in this scenario, students having an edge over others will gain the opportunities.
  
• Which engineering branches do you think have been mostly affected by the slowdown? Which degrees do you think have been less affected?
          Core engineering discipline is doing better than IT related disciplines.
  
• What advice would you give students currently looking for a job? What can they do to beat competition?
          I would advise students to understand the basic concept of demand and supply. When demand is amazing and supply is limited, there are many opportunities but when situation is reversed as in the current scenario Companies are expecting allrounders & technically sound entrants. Students who understand above can compete and get the best opportunities.
          In the current scenario the companies are expecting entry level recruits to be productive. They are interested in recruiting students who are academically strong, have excellent communication, logical thinkers & innovators. They should be good team players & maintain interpersonal relationships.
          It is my observation that some students would like to go for higher education, some would like to join their family business, and the majority enroll for placement.
          Till today, I used to recommend students to gain at least 2 years of experience in the corporate world before pursuing their masters to get better insight about the various roles in the company. In the current scenario, my advice is “ utilize this lean period to acquire knowledge & gain proficiency through means of higher education”.
  
• What do you think Universities can do to help students be better prepared to join the workforce?
          Today the universities also wants to try to make our syllabi Industry oriented. We are working on a basic concept that industry and institutes must work together. Industry leads are invited by university in setting of the syllabus.

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Prof. J. N. Pitambare is
Dean Training & Placement (Engg) at Sinhgad Technical Education Society, Pune, India and is responsible for placement of all engineering colleges under the Sinhgad banner. He has worked in almost all fields of engineering including space science, nuclear & astrophysics. His contribution in placing undergraduates in the best corporate at entry level has crossed the figure of 2000+