Dr. Gautam Agrawal is the Assistant Professor of Fostiima Business School, New Delhi. He had a distinguished academic career and a PhD degree holder. After completing his Master’s from University of Delhi, he has done some commendable tasks in association with reputed retail, real estate and management consultancy firms for 15 years. Later, he shifted to academics and joined FOSTIIMA Business School. 

Fostiima Business School

Can you tell me about your educational background?

“Completed Master’s in Delhi and did PhD during my educational period”

I am a PhD degree holder. After completing my Master’s from University of Delhi, I worked with reputed retail, real estate and management consultancy firms for 15 years. Later, I shifted to academics and joined Fostiima Business School.

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Growth chances for self-growth, learning and development at personal and societal level connects me with the education sector”

I believe education as a domain or a discipline has not been explored to its potential. Our sector has endless possibilities and offers so many opportunities for self-growth, learning and development at personal and societal level. Today, the focus of many institutes is teaching, not the growth of students. Personally, I have seen the vast gap in skills between the academia and industry requirements. Most companies are spending money and efforts to reskill the newly joined employees. Because the employees lack the requisite skills. That’s why I think, someone with professional industry experience should be part of academia so as to bridge the industry-academia gap.

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practice of industry?

“Workshops, training, industry visits, webinars and more are provided to pupils”

Our campus follows a dynamic and flexible curriculum which is revised on a regular basis. Majority of the faculty has extensive industry experience across multiple domains. Thus, we understand the specific industry requirements. Accordingly, we revise the curriculum on a regular basis so as to keep up with the industry demands. Besides, there are guest lectures by eminent professionals, workshops, and students are encouraged to participate in inter-college competitions, symposiums, case studies, etc. We give them training in soft skills, presentations and other different sources. If something new comes up within the academic year like ONDC, 5G technology etc. which will have a profound effect on the business ecosystem. We ensure that enough reading material is provided to the students to keep them abreast of latest happenings. Furthermore, we arrange both industry-driven and students-driven conclaves, webinars etc. wherein the speakers discuss the implications of recent events, adoption of technology in their organization, evolving HR issues and other such relevant topics.

What do you think should be the University’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“To provide best management education for students as per industrial standards is our top priority”

Our campus always prided itself for being ahead of the curve in being visionary in providing the best management education for all. The next decade is crucial for the entire Indian education industry. NEP 2020 has brought about a paradigm shift in education at all levels.

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What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

“Provide customized training, improve communication skills, and develop students' talents on campus”

Generally, prospective students and their parents focus only on placements. Fostiima already has a great record in placements with the best companies across sectors. People realize the efforts gone in grooming and developing the students. Majority of the students joining us are fresher, joining directly after graduation. They are clueless about the demands, and the pressures of a corporate career. Hence, we have modules which identify the weakness of each student individually, assess their communication skills and provide them with customized training schedules.

What are some of the major changes that Covid-19 has bought in the education sector according to you?

“Depending on online sources, courses and group studies occur in the education sector”

The Covid pandemic has actually changed the total outlook towards education. Students have realized that they can get knowledge through online sources and may not necessarily need to come to college in physical form. Accordingly, they have enrolled in a number of online courses simultaneously. There is a realization that 1-to1 interaction is always preferable especially in management education. Learning happens by group studies, and knowledge is shared through case studies and group assignments.

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Are there any placement opportunities for the students?

“Summer internships, projects and placements are given to students from the campus”

The Corporate Relationship Cell of our college is very active around each year. It’s a student-driven activity with the support of faculty and staff. We ensure that students get industry experience in the form of live projects, summer internships, and final placements. We have been regularly getting expression of interest from organizations in diverse fields like banking, management consultancy, insurance, retail and hospitality indifferent domains for hiring from our campus. CRC has been assisting the students to get placed in the domains of their interest and preference. Besides, there has been interest from international companies also for recruiting our students. We can proudly say we are achieving 100%+ placement levels. Our students are getting multiple opportunities in different companies.

How is your relationship with the students of your college?

“Mutual respect, guidance, sharing of knowledge, and clarity of roles follows in our campus”

Faculty and students in our campus enjoy a very healthy and cordial relationship. It is based on mutual respect, guidance, sharing of knowledge, clarity of roles and being part of a value-based ecosystem.Personally, I share a friendly relationship with students. Since many students have come from other parts of India, it is their first time they have been outside their comfort zone. I don’t treat them just as students but as budding/aspiring management professionals. Therefore, my efforts are towards making them confident, developing their skills and making them industry ready. This cannot be done within classrooms or confined to specific lectures. Therefore, I prefer to spend time with them outside classrooms, discuss the academic, non-academic corporate happenings, news, events, etc. We encourage them to interpret and analyze the news from their own perspective.