We Encourage Students to Engage in Research Activities, says Dean of KIIT School of Electrical Engineering

In conversation with Shiksha.com, Byamakesh Nayak, Dean of the School of Electrical Engineering, at KIIT University says that faculties place a strong emphasis on enhancing students' creative knowledge, research innovation, and capacity for problem-solving by offering a variety of soft skills and vocational training in areas like industrial IoT, automation, and PLCs. Byamakesh Nayak received his master's degree from the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University, Banaras, India and PhD degree from KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India in Electrical Engineering.

Byamakesh Nayak has more than 25 years of teaching experience in academics. Currently, he is working as a Professor and dean in the School of Electrical Engineering, KIIT University. His main research areas are power electronics and electrical drives, hybrid vehicles, renewable energy systems, soft computing and power quality

1. What are the three things that B.Tech In (specialization) KIIT University is doing that will enable it to differentiate itself from competition?

• Industry-Academia Collaboration: The Electrical Engineering programme at KIIT University has been working hard to improve its partnerships with reputable academicians and industry partners to provide hands-on experience and exposure to the newest technologies and processes to meet the demands of sustainable goals. This has been done by hosting guest lectures, workshops, and symposiums. By bridging the gap between academics and industry, students are better able to develop abilities that employers highly appreciate.
• Research and Innovation: Apart from the regular delivery of course curriculum, all faculties place a strong emphasis on enhancing students' creative knowledge, research innovation, and capacity for problem-solving by offering a variety of soft skills and vocational training in areas like industrial IoT, automation, and PLCs as well as various software and hardware expertise. This entails carrying out innovative research in fields including renewable energy, power systems, robotics, and control systems as well as giving students the chance to take part in research projects and submit articles to reputed publications.
• Entrepreneurship and Leadership Development: By providing classes, seminars, and mentoring programmes that educate students on how to create and market novel goods and services as well as how to effectively manage teams and projects. The programme encourages students to file patents, which supports the development of an entrepreneurial and leadership mindset. This might help students become future industry leaders and change agents.

2. What are the top three initiatives undertaken by you that are helping your students become more industry ready?

To close the knowledge gap between academia and industry and provide our students the tools they need to thrive in the workforce, we have launched a number of programmes. Three of our major initiatives are listed below:

• Industry Partnerships and Internships: We are able to provide our students with internships and practical training opportunities because of the solid relationships we have built with top industry leaders in the field of Electrical Engineering. As a result, our students are exposed to the most recent technology, tools, and industry practices and may obtain real-world that focus on areas such as soft skills, communication, project management, and entrepreneurship. This ensures that our students not only have technical knowledge but also possess the soft skills required to succeed in a professional setting.
• Research and Innovation: We encourage and support our students to engage in research and innovation activities. We have set up research labs and centers that provide opportunities for students to work on cutting-edge projects and collaborate with industry partners. This helps our students develop problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and a deeper understanding of the industry's challenges and opportunities.

These initiatives, we are confident, will help our students succeed in their careers and get them ready for the workforce. Our faculty members are committed to ongoing innovation and improvement in our teaching and training methodologies and have increased their expertise by working on research projects concurrently in order to provide our students with the best education and training possible.

3. Which course/s would you say is/are your best? What is it that helps your institution differentiate itself for this course?

School of Electrical Engineering is considered one of the best programs in KIIT University:

• Faculty Expertise: The faculty of the School of Electrical Engineering is made up of a group of professionals in their specialties with extensive training and experience. Their knowledge and teaching abilities assist students in building a solid foundation in electrical engineering and equip them for difficulties they may face in the real world.
• Research and Innovation: Research and innovation are highly valued in the School of Electrical Engineering, and this culture encourages both professors and students to experiment with cutting-edge tools and methods. This supports the school's efforts to provide original responses to societal and industrial problems.
• Industry Partnerships and Placements: Strong industry connections through training placement department of the School of Electrical Engineering make it easier for students to work on projects that are relevant to their future careers. They could become more marketable and have a better chance of landing jobs at prestigious organisations as a result.
• Curriculum and Skill Development: The curriculum at the School of Electrical Engineering is up to date, well-designed, and in line with current industry norms and trends. Moreover, it provides courses and programmes for skill development that concentrate on entrepreneurship, project management, soft skills, and communication. This aids students in acquiring a broad range of talents that companies greatly desire.
• Infrastructure and Facilities: Modern infrastructure and facilities at the School of Electrical Engineering give students access to the most recent hardware, software, and tools. Students benefit from getting hands-on experience and exposure to cutting-edge technology, which better prepares them to meet industry difficulties.

4. What are you doing to improve/drive better campus placements for your current students and alumni? What kind of jobs routinely come to campus? What would you say are the key recruitment trends for your university/college (observed over the past five years at KIIT University (your campus))?

Job fairs, networking events, and corporate presentations are frequently part of on-campus recruiting activities at Universities. Some of the most frequent employer types to participate in campus recruitment are large corporations (Software/Hardware), governmental organizations (Hardware industries), non-profit organizations, and startups.

There has been a recent trend towards growing interest in technology-related domains such as electric vehicles, various utility grids, and various mills (paper, steel, textiles, etc.), healthcare, and sustainability businesses. The above areas have been particularly active in recruiting in our University. Additionally, many previously recruited companies have been stepping up their diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, which have resulted in more hiring in the near future.