Global Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), Director: Dr. Pooja Arora Interview

Dr. Pooja Arora is currently serving as the Director at Global Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), Yamuna Nagar. Having several publications of national and international repute into her credit, she has more than 19 years of teaching experience. She is an active member of various professional bodies like APTI, IPGA, PRISAL, SPER, Society of Pharmacognosy and FHER. Also, she has been honored with prestigious awards like Best Teacher Award, Rising Star Award in the field of Pharmacy, awarded by the Haryana State Pharmacy Council, etc. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

“Interaction, communication and motivation”

Leaders are an essential part of an institute's success. Great leaders enable teams to achieve goals through clear direction and support. As a Director of GRIP, I meet regularly with my staff and students to ensure our timeline is still realistic and make adjustments to weekly objectives if any tasks had to take priority. With this SMART goal system, my staff is able to complete the given tasks on time. This method also helps me meet my team’s needs for clear instruction and motivation. I always remain open to both feedback and criticism, and communicate with my students on a regular basis. 

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

“Quality inputs and international recognition”

GRIP is an institution offering both diploma as well as degree programs in Pharmacy. It has instituted global standards in education with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the latest teaching methodologies. The campus provides a multicultural environment with the presence of students from across India who share diversity of regions, ethnicities, flavors and cuisines giving the campus a global outlook. We have well educated and experienced faculty always ready to give a solid foundation for learning. The library at GRIP is more like an integrated Knowledge Resource Centre, stocked with reference books of Indian and foreign authors, national and international journals, e-journals, magazines and research material. Also, a central level placement cell is established in the institution which provides maximum job opportunities to students of the entire Global Research Group of Institutions pursuing Technical programs. Our Institute is registered and approved by various foreign universities including Royal University of Bhutan. 

How does the curriculum of GRIP ensure the best practice of industry?

“Practical and industry- oriented teaching”

With industry- integrated curricula, the institute trains future leaders by blending modernity with tradition in each of its students. Hi Tech labs act as ideal training grounds for budding professionals that allow students to experiment and bring to practice what they have learnt in theory. Students are always motivated to attend seminars, conferences, guest lecturers and personality grooming programmes arranged by the institute and for industrial exposure, industrial visits are arranged from time to time. We are committed to teaching excellence and focus on research, tailored courses that make our education relevant to changing career dynamics and formidable industry partnerships.

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How does GRIP enhance the skills of the faculty to meet the industry standards?

“Training and development in industrial aspects”

We believe that along with emphasis on syllabus coverage, faculty needs to improve the skills in industrial sectors as well. We conduct several programmes and activities for faculty with the same objective including industrial visits, expert talk by industrial professionals, short term training programmes, etc. Also, memorandum of understanding and human resources development programmes are aligned on a regular basis to train faculty in research and management. 

What are your views upon the placements of the students from your institute?

“Refining skills and placement opportunities go hand in hand”

Employability is hugely important in the current climate of higher education. So those of us who work with in higher education must prepare and support students to develop

the skills and behavior. They need it in order to succeed throughout their careers. GRIP has a well organized placement cell at the central level. Through it, students register themselves for industrial placements, assistance, counseling for employment and entrepreneurship. The pre-placement sessions are specially arranged where the students are given sessions for grooming, soft skill development and communication which adds to the flair, facilitating the recruitment process.

Do you have any extracurricular activities to enhance the skills of students?

“Teamwork and club collaborations to energize students”

When it comes to adding extracurricular activities for our students, we never leave blank space or compromise as these activities are necessary to enhance the diverse skills of students. We offer different types of extracurricular activities that are essential in the campus like Academic teams and clubs, cultural clubs, volunteer work and community service, Guest lectures by academicians and industrialists, Athletics, Annual fests, Industrial trips and much more. 

How do you help your students to cope up with the high competition?

“Offering varied engaging and goal-oriented activities”

Competition among the students is getting more and more these days either in education or in getting jobs. If the student is not able to sustain, one will be placed at the end even though the student has capability. I always try to keep them focused and goal oriented with my day-to-day interactions and also try to keep them busy with creative ideas and activities. I implement different strategies to motivate my students and help them achieve their goals like positive competition, creating a good classroom environment, teamwork and time management. 

Click Global Research Institute of Pharmacy Placement

What valuable advice would you like to give to the students?

“Educate to grow professionally and personally”

Education is a never ending process. It does not stop after earning a degree and starting a career. Through continuing education, career minded individuals can constantly improve their skills and become more proficient at their jobs. Seek internship opportunities, consider taking part in work- study programmes, grow your skills and knowledge. Keep your skills up to date, stay focused, find a balance with your personal life, pursue your passion, strive for excellence and stay positive always.