Lifelong Learning Is Now Crucial

"Education is of paramount importance given the world is evolving so fast today," says Vishal Khurma, CEO of Woxsen University, Hyderabad, in an interview with Education Post's Prabhav Anand. Khurma talks about the importance of dynamic learning environments, interdisciplinary approaches, and industry collaboration to enhance students' employability.

Q. From your extensive experience across various sectors, how do you perceive the role of education in shaping the future workforce, especially considering the rapid changes in technology and industry requirements?

Education is of paramount importance given the world is evolving so fast today. Educational institutions will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future talent force amid this rapidly changing industry landscape across the world. The students need a very dynamic learning environment that emphasizes on growth mindset, resilience and, tenacity, preparing the students for continuous skill development. Promoting interdisciplinary learning and offering a diverse range of experiences like internships & industry projects through collaborative partnerships with industry are essential to enhance their employability. Non-replicable skills like critical thinking, communication, negotiation, problemsolving skills & decision-making skills should be embedded in the curriculum to make the students well rounded to set them for success in their professional careers.

Moreover, cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset can empower graduates to navigate their way through the sea of business complexities and contribute actively to innovation. Institutions, should embrace technology in education, and integrate tools, and platforms which can redefine the pedagogy that reflects current industry practices. There is a need to establish a regular feedback mechanism involving employers, alumni and industry bodies to provide insights into emerging demands & improvise on curriculum relevance.

Q. Woxsen University’s emphasis on shaping talents that “fit the bill” aligns with industry needs. How do you stay attuned to the evolving requirements of industries to ensure that the university’s offerings remain in sync?

Woxsen University has a playbook of multiple strategic routes to stay abreast with the evolving industry landscape. Establishing robust partnerships with corporates from different sectors and inviting industry leaders as part of our advisory boards like the Academic Council & Board of Studies facilitates ongoing dialogue about skills needed & current market trends. We believe in maintaining a flexible and interdisciplinary curriculum that allows us to be responsive & relevant at the same time.

Faculty collaboration with industry leaders through sabbaticals, joint research, faculty internship programs, and engaging industry SMEs as Professors of Practice fosters a strong collaboration with industry. We regularly invite Industry professionals for the Woxsen Leadership series, conferences & symposiums at the campus to facilitate the much-needed interaction of our faculty & students with the top leaders from the industry. We offer various practical, immersive learning experiences to our students such as internships, industry projects, case reviews, simulations, assignments, industry-sponsored certifications in line with their career pathways and many more.

Moreover, we also use the data insights as we track the alumni’s success in the job market which provides us with various indicators of program effectiveness and areas of improvement. In essence, Woxsen University has a proactive, collaborative & data-driven approach to stay responsive to the evolving industry needs and prepare the future workforce with our disruptive education practices.

Q. Lastly, considering the fast-paced nature of change, how do you anticipate the future of education unfolding, and what advice would you give to current and future students navigating this evolving landscape?

The future of education is likely to witness a continued shift towards flexibility, personalized learning, skill ability, and technology integration. Lifelong learning will be crucial as the pace of change accelerates, requiring individuals to continuously upgrade their skills.

In the contemporary, rapidly evolving, and interconnected world, students need a diverse set of skills and attributes to succeed. Adaptability becomes of paramount importance, given the pace of technological advancements and shifting industry landscapes. Digital literacy & prowess is essential, as technology underpins nearly every aspect of modernday work or life. Effective communication & collaboration skills are crucial in a globalized environment, facilitating teamwork across diverse cultures.

Critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills are indispensable for navigating complex challenges. Among the most critical leadership skills, Emotional intelligence, empathy and interpersonal skills will only help build robust professional networks and relationships. Additionally, resilience and the ability to manage ambiguity and change have become increasingly important. As students prepare for a future where job roles are dynamic, a holistic skill set that combines technical proficiency with adaptive capabilities will empower them to thrive in the multifaceted and ever-evolving landscape of the 21st century.