The formal program commenced with a prayer song, seeking divine blessings for the success of the orientation. Distinguished guests and speakers present during the event included Sr Dr Venissa A.C., Principal, Sr Carmel Rita A.C., Administrator, Sr Clara A.C., Vice Principal, Sr Dr M. Vinora A.C., PG Coordinator, Prof. Gerard Dsouza, Soft Skill Trainer and Mentor, Department of MBA, and Ms Bharathi Shevgoor, Writer and Human Resource Trainer.
The Principal, Sr Dr M. Venissa A.C., addressed the students, emphasizing the importance of professional skills gained through internships and their crucial role in shaping a successful career. She highlighted the significance of being gentle yet firm in decision-making and focusing on the three attributes of excellence: academic, personal, and interpersonal or social attributes. The Principal stressed the value of academic excellence, which provides extensive knowledge, domain expertise, self-learning, problem-solving, research skills, and analytical skills. Personal attributes, including a positive attitude towards adversities and challenges, self-esteem, and social attributes such as social sensitivity, were also emphasized. The message conveyed was that by embracing these attributes, students can achieve greater heights in their professional careers.
Prof. Gerard Dsouza, the resource speaker for first day of orientation, engaged with MBA students on the topic “Re-invent Yourself.” He provided a real-life perspective on work life, stressing the importance of self-awareness and the need for students to give their best during their academic years. Prof Dsouza introduced principles such as the Ten Finger Principle and the 90-10 principle, offering valuable insights for improving patience and decision-making. He also addressed workplace “viruses” to avoid, including negativity, inferiority complex, superiority complex, jealousy, fear, and anxiety, and guilt and worry. Prof. Gerard organized group activities, such as Card Arrangement, Letter “T” Puzzle, Tangram Puzzle, and Nail Balancing Activity, to reinforce learning through teamwork and problem-solving skills.
Ms Bharathi Shevgoor, the resource speaker for the second day, focused on placement training for the new generation. She highlighted the importance of thinking outside the box in academic and professional domains, emphasizing the significance of time management. She conducted activities on time management, including daily activity allocation, quadrant allocation for three months, and an out-of-the-box thinking exercise. The post-break session covered interview preparation, discussing do’s and don’ts related to prior preparation, personality, sociability, opinions, grooming, filing, policies, the interview itself, and attitudes. The post-lunch session included a placement group discussion with two rounds: unguided topics and inner and outer circle discussion, evaluating students’ communication and critical thinking skills. Ms Shevgoor concluded the day with a discussion on the characteristics of individuals in a group, exploring various personas such as the dictator, multi-headed animal, middle-of-the-road buffalo, speed breaker, Mona Lisa, sleeping beauty, lawyer, donkey, and communicator.
The orientation programme received positive feedback from the second-year MBA students, who appreciated the speakers’ valuable insights and the sessions’ interactive nature.
