Mumbai campus buzz: For job placements, alumni networks emerge for help

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“We bring in seniors to talk to the batch eligible for placements. They help us prepare for the written tests, on how to behave in an interview. They tell us how to tweak resumes to attract specific industries,” said Rudraksh Sharma, a fourth-year student and the Training and Placement Coordinator of VJTI. Students scout for previous year question papers to practice for the written exam.

To stand out from others, students also pursue specific short-term certificate courses. “For example, if we want a job in data analysis, we do a certificate course in the system that helps our case,” said Sharma.

Students at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) rely on a strong student network for their preparations, apart from an alumni base. “We have clubs dedicated to topics such as finance and current affairs,” said Karan Ghai, president of student placement council of NMIMS.

“We also have peer-to-peer reviews wherein students assess each other on their written tests and interview skills,” said Ghai. The colleges, too, help students with training aimed at improving their speed at written tests. Students are made to go through a rigorous training programme.

“We start with the basics, which is resume writing. We tell students to project their achievements well,” said Nitin Ghulane, the faculty in charge of pre-placement training at VJTI.

The students are then taught to leverage their projects in their time at the institute. “Most recruiters are looking for managers and not just people who are technically strong,” said Ghulane.

At IIT, too, students go through formal pre-placement training. An external agency is roped in to guide students on improving their soft skills. “We also go through mock group discussion sessions,” said an IIT student who refused to be named.