On 4th October 2024, the Department of Computer Science in association with Career Training Internship Placement (CTIP) Cell and Institution’s Innovative Council (IIC) Cell of VVM’s Shree Damodar College of Commerce & Economics organized an insightful session titled “My Story: Academic Foundations to Corporate Heights: Bridging the Gap from Class to Boardroom” aimed to provide students with practical insights into the journey from academia to the corporate world. The session was held in Hall 1 between 12:30 to 2:00 pm. The speaker for the event was Mr. Mangirish Salelkar, CEO of Umang Group, Chairman of Assocham Goa, and a key figure in the formation of the Goa Technology Association (GTA).
Mr. Salelkar shared his inspiring journey, transitioning from a self-proclaimed “lazy last-bench engineering student” to becoming a successful CEO. His story illustrated how persistence, the right mindset, and continuous self-improvement can lead to corporate heights, regardless of early academic struggles.
He emphasized three key pillars essential for success in the IT industry:
- Attitude: A positive mindset, willingness to learn, and adaptability are crucial.
- Deliverables: Consistently meeting expectations and delivering quality work are essential in any professional field.
- Skills:Constant upskilling and staying updated with the latest technology trends can make one indispensable in the ever-evolving IT landscape.
An interactive Q&A session followed, where students posed questions related to Goa’s IT ecosystem, exploring its challenges, opportunities, and potential for growth. Mr. Salelkar, with his deep involvement in the Tech scene in Goa, provided valuable perspectives and encouraged students to be part in strengthening Goa’s IT sector.
Ankita Mishra hosted the session, which was attended by 107 (58 male, 49 female) students and 5 faculty members. Feedback from students was overwhelmingly positive.
Expected Outcome of the Activity:
The expected outcomes of this activity are designed to inspire, educate, and empower students for successful careers in the IT industry. First, it aims to instill inspiration and motivation by showcasing Mangirish Salelkar’s journey of overcoming challenges to achieve success. His story is intended to inspire confidence among students, encouraging them to believe that success is achievable regardless of academic performance if they adopt a positive attitude, determination, and commitment to self-improvement. Additionally, the session will emphasize the importance of three key pillars for success: Attitude, Deliverables, and Skills. By understanding these pillars, students will appreciate the significance of a positive mindset, adaptability, consistency in work, and continuous skill development to stay relevant in the industry.
The activity also aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and corporate expectations, providing students with insights into the practical applications of their education, the critical role of soft skills, and strategies for professional success. Furthermore, through an interactive Q&A session, students will gain exposure to Goa’s IT ecosystem, which will deepen their awareness of the opportunities and challenges within the local industry. This could spark interest in contributing to Goa’s tech sector, whether through entrepreneurial endeavours or professional roles.
Another important outcome of the session is to facilitate networking and career guidance, offering students the opportunity to connect with an influential industry leader like Mr. Salelkar. This interaction is expected to provide valuable insights into the skills needed to thrive in the corporate world, helping students to gain clarity on their career paths. Finally, Mr. Salelkar’s experience as CEO of Umang Group and his role in founding the Goa Technology Association is anticipated to foster an entrepreneurial spirit among students. His story may encourage some students to explore entrepreneurial ventures or leadership roles within the tech industry. Overall, these outcomes align with the goal of empowering students to bridge their academic foundations with corporate success and inspire them to contribute actively to Goa’s growing technology ecosystem.
