“Explore the expertise of Mrs. Sangeeta Sharma, Placement Officer at IIIT Bhagalpur, in creating opportunities for young individuals and fostering a competent workforce. Discover the importance of integrating mental health policies in higher education and gain valuable insights from Mrs. Sharma’s extensive industry experience, including working with renowned companies such as Mphasis, Cisco, Altisourse Business Solution, and Ocwen.”
Mrs. Sangeeta Sharma is a highly accomplished professional with a remarkable journey. With degrees in Engineering and Management, she has excelled in roles at renowned companies such as Mphasis, Cisco, Altisource Business Solutions, and Ocwen. Currently, she plays a pivotal role in the Placements and Jobs department at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Bhagalpur, where she shapes the careers of young individuals and fosters a competent workforce. Sangeeta’s exceptional achievements, dedication, and compassionate nature make her an invaluable asset in any professional setting, serving as an inspiration for others.
Enhance your understanding of promoting mental well-being within the higher education community.
Nimish Gupta
How do you think the current recession and placement trends are affecting students and professor’s mental health?
Sangeeta Sharma
These are the main factors causing stress among students and professors.
Another point that I will add is that a few companies and MNCs they are starting new trends as in few companies are offering internships to students in the pre-final year for around six months which is a good opportunity for students and the students are not aware of this change.
Talking about professors at this time of recession they are not getting proper projects and proper funding for the research programs and we as TPOs are really connected to students and seeing the students struggling that is also creating stress in our minds.
This is affecting both students as well as professors. Firstly as the opportunities are limited, that is the main reason for stress among students.
They have to compromise on low salaries and limited options. Also, sometimes the students are not sure about their career paths and in which direction to go after graduation.
Students also go through financial stress as their parents invest a lot in their education, so they want to make them proud.
Therefore, they are not able to grab this opportunity. In our university, we are also facing this challenge as we have to get approval from the government and then only we can make the changes.
Nimish Gupta
How can training and placement officers provide resources and support for students mental health building a mutually beneficial relationship?
Sangeeta Sharma
In my opinion, there are a lot of ways, and we are already making these changes. First and the foremost point is communication. Professors should be available for students, and students should not be afraid to come to you to share something. Being their mentor is very important. Secondly, we can organise different seminars and workshops that help students to manage stress, these initiatives will definitely help students if they attend them. Very importantly there is a program that we can start in the universities that is ‘‘Alumni mentorship program’’ where they can interact with their alumni, they can share insights of the industry to be updated with the current scenario this can definitely help students in the future.
Nimish Gupta
Currently due to recession there are offers being revoked, people are not getting their expected salary, So what is your take on the mental health policies that universities should integrate for students?
Sangeeta Sharma
Students should be open to opportunities, in the current scenario staying updated is the only option.In the universities different activities are conducted like if we talk about some building construction our civil engineers can be part of that project. In house projects can be assigned to students to get internships and to gain work experience.
I was working with ITM University previously and we initiated an in house internship program there and architecture students were part of building design and everything, and management students were part of the canteen management team.
We as the placement officers, should be updated, we should share regular updates with the students,if we are updated then only we can share the information with students.
Nimish Gupta
What can institutes/universities do to motivate students if the student is going through a recession and financial issues?
Sangeeta Sharma
We can appoint a teacher mentor according to their skills if somebody is good at stress management, communication,mentorship we can faculty for this. Counselling has to be there at the university. We as the placement officers, should be updated, we should share regular updates with the students,if we are updated then only we can share the information with students.
“Students should be open to opportunities, in the current scenario staying updated is the only option.In the universities different activities are conducted like if we talk about some building construction our civil engineers can be part of that project. In house projects can be assigned to students to get internships and to gain work experience.”
I was working with ITM University previously and we initiated an in house internship program there and architecture students were part of building design and everything, and management students were part of the canteen management team.
Nimish Gupta
What tips would you give the other placement officers to ensure the well-being of the students and professors?
Sangeeta Sharma
Networking can be done which will help and you have to be honest, we can also inculcate alumni mentorship programs in the universities, even we continuously organise events and interactive sessions. We must be consistent with these initiatives throughout the year. We must be available to each other. For example if a company is coming to my campus and if the requirements are not fulfilled here, we can give a referral to other universities.
“Communication is the main key. We should get regular feedback from the students that is very important. We should get feedback from both the assessment company as well the students. We should continuously check if the student is comfortable. Continuous feedback is important as it will help them to prepare. As a mentor you have to help the students. They should not hesitate to come to you”.
During our enlightening conversation on Importance of integrating mental health policies in higher education with Mrs. Sangeeta Sharma, she graciously shared her profound wisdom and offered valuable insights. To gain further valuable knowledge, you can explore the Eduvoice Chronicles
