Media Release
Mangaluru, Mar 27: The department of MBA, Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce, and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be University), in association with the Student Placement Cell, organized 'Inauguration of MBA Student placement cell and pre-placement sessions' on March 25 at the YMK Auditorium, Yenepoya Kulur Campus, Mangaluru. The initiative was aimed at equipping MBA students with the essential skills, knowledge, and industry insights required to prepare them for successful transitions from academic life to professional careers. The sessions were tailored to help students identify their career interests, understand industry expectations, and develop critical skills to enhance employability.
The event began with a formal inaugural ceremony, beginning with a solemn prayer led by Ansar Ali, a first-year MBA (DBM) student, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries present on the dais. The event was graced by the presence of Prof Rashmi Bhandary, dean – training, placement and career guidance cell, Sahyadri College of engineering and management, who served as the chief guest. Diana Bangera, HR business partner at Novigo Solutions, Mangaluru, was the guest of honour. The session was presided over by Prof Shareena P, vice principal and dean - faculty of commerce and management, and was attended by other distinguished personalities including Prof Jeevan Raj, vice principal, YIASCM; Dr Niyaz Panakaje, associate professor and coordinator of YEN-REFINED and the MBA programme at YIASCM; and Sajan M, placement coordinator for the department of commerce and management. The welcome address was delivered by Mariyam Shaiba Nazli, a first-year MBA (DMF) student, who introduced the guests and extended a warm welcome to all attendees.
In her address, Prof Rashmi Bhandary highlighted the transformative role of employment in an individual’s life, emphasizing that securing a job is not merely about financial sustenance, but also about achieving personal growth, societal contribution, and long-term life goals. She explained that a well-chosen career path provides a platform for individuals to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, thereby gaining professional experience and refining essential skills. She further stressed that preparation through structured pre-placement training is the key to thriving in today’s competitive job market.
Sajan M, the placement coordinator of the department of commerce and management, YIASCM, began the event by providing an overview of the placement cell's activities, setting the stage for the day's proceedings. His address highlighted the importance of placements in shaping the career trajectories of students, offering a warm welcome to the attendees.
Dr Niyaz Panakaje, the coordinator of YEN-REFINED & MBA, delivered a significant talk focusing on the importance of pre-placement preparation. He emphasized that students must approach their career journey with diligence and confidence. A key theme of Dr Panakaje's speech was bridging the gap between academia and industry, stressing the necessity for students to adapt and adopt relevant skills that align with current industry demands. He discussed how skill development is critical for students to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market. His message encouraged students to be proactive, build their competencies, and cultivate a mindset geared toward continuous learning.
Prof Shareena P, in her presidential address, captivated the audience with a speech on career preparedness. She highlighted emerging industry trends and the evolving expectations from graduates. Prof. Shareena emphasized the importance of a proactive approach to placements, urging students to be well-prepared and adaptable. Her address left a lasting impression, motivating the students to take charge of their career paths and align their skills with industry needs.
Adding further significance to the event, Prof Jeevan Raj, vice principal of YIASCM, marked his presence and supported the initiatives, contributing to the overall success of the event.
The inaugural session also witnessed the official distribution of badges to the newly appointed student placement coordinators, symbolizing the formal initiation of the MBA Student Placement Cell. The event concluded with a formal group photograph capturing the memorable moment. Deepa Dileep, a first-year MBA (DMF) student, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all the dignitaries and participants for making the event successful.
Following the inauguration, the first pre-placement session titled 'Crack the code: a step-by-step guide to campus recruitment' was conducted by Prof Rashmi Bhandary. The session focused on helping students understand and prepare for various aspects of campus recruitment. She discussed the importance of being job-ready and how students can bridge the gap between academia and industry expectations. The session covered various topics including the importance of academic performance in securing internships and job opportunities, the role of personal grooming and professional etiquette, and the development of communication and soft skills. Prof Bhandary highlighted that while technical expertise is important, a well-rounded personality with effective interpersonal skills plays a vital role in determining career success. The session was interactive, allowing students to engage in discussions and reflect on their preparedness for professional life.
The second session, titled “Campus to corporate journey”, was facilitated by Diana Bangera, HRBP at Novigo Solutions, Mangaluru. She addressed the challenges faced by students as they transition from campus life to the corporate world. Emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication skills, and professionalism, Bangera outlined how academic knowledge must be complemented by practical abilities, teamwork, and a growth-oriented mindset. She discussed the importance of understanding corporate values such as integrity, accountability, innovation, and customer orientation, and how aligning with these values can help new employees adjust to professional environments with ease.
Bangera spoke about the significance of maintaining professional attire and etiquette as first impressions are vital in the workplace. She elaborated on the role of oral communication in meetings and professional interactions, focusing on clarity, confidence, and active listening. Her session included an interactive role-play activity that provided students with hands-on experience in dealing with real-world corporate scenarios. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A round where students clarified doubts regarding workplace culture, employer expectations, and professional behaviour.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from 117 MBA students, who actively engaged in all the sessions. The event was coordinated by Dr Niyaz Panakaje, associate professor and coordinator of YEN-REFINED and the MBA programme, along with Sajan M, placement coordinator for commerce and management. Their efforts were supported by the organizing team comprising faculty and student volunteers, who ensured the smooth execution of the event.
This event marked an important milestone for the MBA department in enhancing student career readiness and formalizing placement support through the newly inaugurated student placement cell. The sessions provided invaluable knowledge and practical strategies to help students approach their careers with clarity, confidence, and competence, reinforcing YIASCM’s commitment to producing industry-ready graduates.