Mystory@Prof Indrajit Goswami: Students need appropriate guidance & counselling

I had initially decided to pursue medicine, so I had taken Physics, Chemistry and Biology in 10+2. I could not crack the Joint Entrance Exam. Then I thought of pursuing Fisheries' Science and got enrolled in Zoology (Hons.). Unfortunately I could not score 60% and missed my chance in Fisheries too. I never got an appropriate career counselling or advice and lost hope for further education.

Then I decided to get into a job and got the opportunity of working as a medical representative. The job was good but I was not happy. I used to dream for higher education. I came to know about Master of Social Work course and found it interesting. I appeared for the entrance test at Visva Bharati University and succeeded. I passed MSW as the University topper and started my career in an NGO in Kolkata.

Simultaneously, I was associated with VSSW as part time faculty. I discovered a passionate teacher in me and started preparing for UGC (NET). Qualified NET in 1997 and took up regular teaching assignments at VSSW. Next, I joined PGDHRM at Indian Institute of Social Welfare and Business Management and completed the same in 1998. After the completion of my course, I joined IISM, Ranchi as Lecturer. Later, I got an opportunity to join an aided institution (USSW, Udaipur) and served there for eight years. I obtained my PhD in 2007. My supervisor and mentor, late Professor Rajeshwar Prasad, always inspired me to work for quality improvement of higher education. That inspires me even today and I sincerely want to fulfill his wishes through my contribution to the higher education, research and publication.

Recently, I was appointed as a Pro-VC by a University in Dacca, but unfortunately I could not join there. I believe in continuous learning and so far I have obtained more than 35 certificates through Coursera, Edx and Lynda.com. My dream is to excel in research studies and projects and to nurture and develop an institution where learners truly enjoy learning.

Yes, I made a few mistakes but those were due to lack of information and inadequate guidance / counselling. Now, IT has changed everything and students know what's happening in the world of education. They have plenty of options and avenues. Sometimes, I regret, if I could go to abroad for higher studies. I would suggest, if someone has a dream for education / career, he/she must take appropriate guidance and explore options. Career choice should never be made in peer/parent pressure or by just looking at what others are choosing.

We must understand our own ability and potential in a particular field/subject. It’s all about what one loves and wants to live. One more important thing is to select an appropriate institution to pursue your dream course. The students should never forget that learning is a 'self-responsibility' and they have to find and select appropriate space, content, faculty to fulfill their learning needs.

My academic experience spreads across the subjects/fields of Business research, Business Strategy and Legal Aspects of Business, Organizational Development, Human Resource Management, Organizational Behaviour and Professional Ethics & Human Values. Endeavoured my journey of continuous learning from Northwestern University (Kellogg School of Business), Copenhagen Business School, Harvard University, University of Michigan, University of Yale and from renowned professionals on Lynda.Com.

About the Author:

I am a professional having more than 20 years of academic experience. Also have proficiency in Operations Management, Business Development, General Management and Liaison & Coordination. Currently engaged as Director – MBA with Info Institute of Engineering, Coimbatore. Have been honoured with Best Faculty Award in 2015. Published a couple of books and contributed more than 30 research papers/articles in international/national peer reviewed journals.