As per clear indication given by University Grants Commission in its XI plan (2007-12), a separate cell in the name of Career Advancement Services in Chitkara University was established in the year 2011 to address the diverse socio-economic handicaps and geographic backgrounds of the heterogeneous population of students coming to the Universities vis-à-vis equity of access and placement opportunities through the availability of appropriate institutional support information.
Linguistic differences and cultural gaps among students also call for the setting up of such a dispensation for suitable guidance and support in this age of globalisation and competitive placements. Availability of relevant and accessible information coupled with professional guidance to utilise the same can result in better career achievements outsides the classrooms and help in the healthy progression of our students.
Curricular inputs are important. Relevant information on courses and combinations on offer with freedom of choice is generally available and counselling is informally given as a support service. The conventional information system comprises a copy of a brochure that contains a listing of courses and combinations, entry rules, fee structure, examination schedule, etc. in a routine repetitive manner year after year.
But now with the change in scenario, not only the academic content and its rules have become oriented towards the market needs but have also to address social disparities and career opportunities that education has to offer. This is now to be supplemented with active guidance and information technology that is fast replacing the print media with a system that can quickly retrieve information details for the benefit of all concerned.
We have institutionalised this support to enhance the reach and scope of available opportunities for the students and prepare them for future challenges. To implement the above, Career Advancement Services at Chitkara University were formed to enable the students to get over their social institutions and exclusivity, which are attributed to their socio-economic and cultural diversities and linguistic barriers.
All students are presented with a wide variety of opportunities to select a minimum of two career Counselling and competitive guidance activities though they can attend more as per the need. The career and counselling support that we offer to our students makes them confident to perform better. Counselling thus addresses both academic and career concerns and opportunities. The inculcation of a positive attitude is a value-added service that an institution has to provide. The spirit of offering guidance on sharing resources, availability of opportunities and facilities, information and guidance about market patterns and employability help us in building a base for the students.
Vocational guidance and campus-based interviews have become a common practice. Career Advancement Services Cell is taking care of it through the active liaison with the recruiting agencies and HR personnel of reputed firms. Experts undertake an affordable training program, counselling sessions, pre-placement talks, career workshops, and language and aptitude training to acquaint the students with the high-demand market areas and invoke industry-institution linkages.
The CAS Cell is built to provide all necessary assistance to the student community in selecting the right career avenues. It has become imperative to advice and motivate them to set clear goals to allow students to realise their primary ambitions. The cell offers advice and instruction during the time of admission by a briefing on different avenues.