We are in talks with foreign universities to offer dual-degrees: SCMS Pune Director

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr. Adya Sharma, Director of SCMS Pune shared important tips for CAT repeaters, management fields still open without CAT scores, changes in the SCMS admission process and more.

Symbiosis Centre for Management Studies (SCMS), Pune is a constituent institute of Symbiosis International University (Deemed to Be). Established in 2004, SCMS Pune is a popular institute for Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) course in India.

In an exclusive conversation with Shiksha.com, Dr. Adya Sharma, Director of SCMS Pune shared the secret mantra behind enthralling placement records. Sharma further shared important tips for CAT repeaters, management fields still open without CAT scores, changes in SCMS admission process and more. Checkout some important excerpts from the interview below:

Q: What characteristics are companies looking for in management graduates in the post-pandemic era?

A: Companies will be looking for management graduates who have strong problem-solving skills, are adaptable to change, have experience with remote work and virtual communication, and have knowledge of digital technologies and trends. Additionally, they will also be looking for graduates who have a strong understanding of the economic and business impacts of the pandemic and who can help the company navigate this new environment. Strong leadership skills and the ability to work in a team and collaborate with others will play a pivotal role.

Q: What are some major preparations a management student should do while sitting for campus placement?

A: It is vital for students who are sitting for campus placements to brush up on their knowledge of the company as well as the industry it operates in. Apart from preparing with the help of aptitude tests and common interview questions, all students should have a clear understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses to explain how they can contribute to the company’s growth and success. 

Q: Tips for students who could not clear CAT 2022

A: For those who have not been able to clear CAT 2022, it is important they take a break to reassess their approach. Further, this does not call for students to get disheartened and stay positive for future attempts. I would urge students to focus on their weak areas and seek professional help where required. Lastly, don’t give up hope and try again next time with more preparation, focus and determination.

Q: Options in the management field without CAT score

A: If a student wants to pursue MBA only then many Institutes have their own exams including Symbiosis. Students from SCMS also go abroad for higher education. Many students opt to join the corporate world after BBA. We also have a strong environment that encourages entrepreneurship.

Q: Is the institute planning collaborations with other institutes to offer joint BBA, and MBA programmes? If yes, please share details

A: Yes, we are in talks with some foreign universities to offer dual-degree opportunities but it's still in the preliminary/ discussion stage. This is in addition to the pathways that already exist for students to learn from international universities through a global immersion program - COIL, guest lectures by foreign faculty, master classes by foreign faculty, etc.

Q: What are some major changes in the SCMS admission process that students can expect while applying?

A: The admission process will be the same i.e. SET as a first step, then based on the SET score the student is called for the next process if PI WAT. The major change that is happening is our transition to 4-year program with multiple entry-exit options as per NEP2020.

Q: SCMS made some enthralling placement records in the past years, what is the mantra behind making students placement ready?

A: The mantra behind making students placement ready at SCMS Pune is a combination of a multitude of factors. Starting from our industry-aligned curriculum, it equips our students with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the corporate world. Further, with deep-rooted industry connect, our faculty and placement cell support is unmatched to bring unrivalled opportunities for our students. Through a multi-disciplinary approach to not just academics but also extracurricular activities, SCMS Pune has been consistently able to achieve great placement records in the past years.

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