Dr. Jithin Benedict is the Dean of Training and Development and Nodal Center Officer of IEDC at St. Albert’s College (Autonomous). He holds an MBA in Marketing and Systems from the Rajagiri School of Business Studies and an MSc in Psychology. With over 12 years of experience in academics and industry, his main interests include marketing, branding, and digital marketing. He is an award-winning presenter and published author; his research interests include consumer behavior and gamification. He is a YouTuber and marketing trainer and leads 'Jeevitha Lahari' at St. Alberts College, focusing on anti-drug and anti-trafficking awareness for high school students.

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You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

The job is rewarding, and the holistic picture of how we are taking part in molding a generation keeps me motivated. Being the Head of Training and Development and IEDC Nodal Officer allows me to curate a generation of courage and confidence. This profession keeps me young, as we are always dealing with youth. It keeps me abreast of technology, as we need to be updated to talk to students in their language.

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

I prefer a participative and charismatic leadership style and always give chances for second-line leadership.

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Having good hostel facilities would be a security aspect for the parents who are from far away. Our college is equipped to embrace students from all walks of economic backgrounds and offers scholarships for minority students.

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students?

We are planning to host some industry visits to provide students with a better understanding of what to expect in the industrial sector. Additionally, we have also planned some gamified classroom sessions with simulations, which will help the students get the concepts quickly. There are also certified technological courses that equip students with knowledge of new trends in the industry.

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How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

The college fosters a family atmosphere while at the same time equipping students to be professionals. Being more rigid and policy-abiding at times can turn things around. With students, we need to take a parental approach, love them, and nurture them. Give them an ambiance to express themselves. 

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

I believe that over the next decade, the main focus for the college should be to improve its rating from a B to an A-grade institution. The college should also pay more attention to the intake’s quality and should focus on more mature, case-oriented, and simulation-based teaching. Furthermore, it should also put a strong emphasis on the quality of placements. 

How do you try to bring a practical approach to subjects and make them industry-oriented?

My way of bringing a more practical approach is to invite industry delegates for lectures and take students out for industry visits that help them connect more practically. Besides that, I also try to motivate the students to have high aspirations and achieve bigger goals in life. 

How do you strategize the curriculum, and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

Being an autonomous college, we update the curriculum every 3 years, and we have the liberty to include the latest in the industry. The curriculum is strategized to relate industry and academia with case studies, gamified classroom sessions, video lectures, etc.

Check St. Albert's College Placement

How does your college prepare students for placements?

The college follows a holistic approach to this. From the induction program onwards, the objectives of an MBA are ingrained in the students. Field trips, case studies, CEO-CXo talks and also having students participate and coordinate events that make them industry-ready are organized.

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

We organize field visits, outbound training sessions, workshops, and seminars with CEOs and CXOs. We also encourage students to participate in management fests, paper presentations, and attending research conferences.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education at your college?

One of the major challenges that we are facing is that students' orientation toward education has derailed due to online education. They are also not performing well due to language barriers. Furthermore, students' writing skills have also degraded, and they aren’t passionate and motivated about education. 

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to industry standards?

College is abreast of making the faculties their brand ambassadors, and for that, they provide us funds to attend conferences and opportunities to work in areas of interest of our choice and flourish in them. Besides that, the college offers the faculty members networking opportunities that help them improve their careers.

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths, and how can that be enhanced?

Our college's biggest advantage is its long history of 76 years in higher education. Also, it's located right in the center of the city, and 75% of our teachers have doctorate degrees.