Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 22: The department of MBA at the Yenepoya Institute of Arts, Science, Commerce and Management (YIASCM), Yenepoya (Deemed to be) University, organized a high-impact expert talk titled “Future-ready graduates: Integrating academic excellence with industry expectations.” on April 21. The guest speaker for the session was Prof Muneza Kagzi, associate professor and area chair – Strategy & general management at TA Pai Management Institute (TAPMI), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE). Prof Kagzi, an alumna of IIM Rohtak, brought with her a unique blend of academic depth and corporate perspective that proved immensely beneficial to the student participants.
The event was conducted as part of YIASCM’s continuous commitment to fostering academic-industry interface and preparing students to meet the evolving expectations of the professional world. The program witnessed enthusiastic participation from MBA students across various specializations including marketing & finance, business and data analytics, hospital administration & medical tourism and logistics & supply chain management.
The session began with a formal inaugural ceremony, marked by a solemn prayer and traditional lamp lighting, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment. The inaugural function was gracefully compered by Mariyam, a first-year MBA student from the marketing and finance specialization, who served as the master of ceremony. Her poise and professionalism set the tone for a meaningful and well-structured event.
Following the invocation, Dr Ashwini Kundar, assistant professor and programme coordinator, gave an introductory briefing on the session's objectives. She highlighted the importance of equipping students not only with academic excellence but also with industry-relevant skills to meet the expectations of the ever-evolving job market.
The programme was graced by the presence of Prof Arun A Bhagwath, principal and dean, faculty of science, YIASCM. In his address, Prof Bhagwath spoke about the shifting paradigms in employability and how technological advances, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning, are transforming the nature of jobs across sectors. He urged students to stay relevant by cultivating adaptive skills, keeping up with emerging tools, and developing a passion for lifelong learning. His address served as both a reality check and a motivational push for students to take ownership of their career trajectories.
In addition, the event received guidance and support from senior academic leadership including Prof Shareena P, vice principal and dean, faculty of commerce and management, as well as vice principals Prof Jeevan Raj and Narayan Sukumar A. Their presence and encouragement provided a strong institutional foundation for organizing such knowledge-driven events.
The keynote speaker, Prof Muneza Kagzi, delivered an engaging and insightful talk that captivated the audience from the outset. She focused on what it means to be a “future-ready” graduate in an increasingly competitive and volatile job environment. Prof Kagzi emphasized that academic excellence must be matched with real-world competencies such as problem-solving, communication, collaboration, adaptability, digital literacy, and personal branding. She also explained how the industry today is looking for graduates who are not only skilled but also emotionally intelligent and capable of working in diverse, cross-functional teams.
Drawing on her extensive experience in management education and consulting, Prof Kagzi highlighted the impact of emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, blockchain, and automation on various business functions. She urged students to stay updated with market trends, be proactive in acquiring new skills, and build a strong online presence. Her talk offered students actionable insights into self-improvement, professional networking, and the importance of internships, certifications, and industry interactions.
The session included a vibrant Q&A interaction, where students posed thoughtful questions on career growth, upskilling opportunities, the importance of multidisciplinary knowledge, and how to handle career uncertainty in a changing world. Prof Kagzi responded with clarity and encouragement, providing both strategy and motivation to young minds preparing to enter the workforce.
The success of the event was also attributed to the visionary leadership of Dr Niyaz Panakaje, associate professor and coordinator of YEN-REFINED and the MBA programme at YIASCM. As a key academic mentor, Dr Panakaje has consistently focused on integrating research, innovation, and industry relevance into the postgraduate curriculum. His initiative in bringing reputed speakers and thought leaders to the campus reflects YIASCM’s mission of nurturing globally competent graduates. In his address, Dr Niyaz emphasized the vital importance of student preparation and mental health in enhancing employability in the corporate world, highlighting that today’s workplace challenges demand not only technical skills but also emotional resilience and adaptability.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks and a group photograph session involving the guest speaker, faculty members, student volunteers, and all attendees. The session was a valuable opportunity for students to interact closely with industry leaders and gain inspiration to actively shape their academic and professional futures.
This expert-talk reaffirmed YIASCM’s commitment to holistic education, where academic rigor is effectively blended with industry engagement, student mentoring, and career readiness. Events like this stand as testimony to the institution’s proactive approach in empowering its students to face the future with confidence and competence.