CXOToday has engaged in an exclusive interview with Dr. Shuchi Gautam, Director, Thakur Global Business School (TGBS).
Q1. What new job profiles do you see developing in the management profession as a result of how technology integration has changed established work roles?
As technology evolves and continues to reshape industries and workplaces, the management profession is changing. Here at TGBS, we are witnessing new job profiles emerge that leverage advanced technological integration, reflecting the evolving nature of work and the growing use of digital tools and strategies for successful organisational outcomes. Here are a few of the professional job positions that have emerged through technological advancements in the management profession.
- The Digital Transformation Manager is a key position that encourages leading organisations to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness. With businesses increasingly adopting digital technologies, there’s a growing demand for professionals who can lead and monitor the process of digital transformation. These managers are responsible for promoting organisational culture change, coordinating technological projects with business objectives, and optimising digital technologies to improve customer satisfaction and operational effectiveness.
- Data Analytics Managers have also become essential. They focus on extracting valuable insights from large databases to support well-informed decision-making. These managers are skilled in data interpretation and utilise analytics tools to optimise processes and strategies.
- Cybersecurity managers, on the other hand, are crucial in defending organisational infrastructure and digital assets from changing threats and guaranteeing data integrity through strong cybersecurity procedures.
- AI and automation strategists use AI technologies to drive efficiency, optimise workflows, and include moral AI solutions.
- Remote Work Coordinators support companies in adopting flexible work schedules, enabling remote teamwork, and putting digital tools into place for productivity and increased efficiency.
These roles emphasise how technology is changing management and the need for specific knowledge to explore digital environments and support innovation and resilience inside organisations. Students are trained at TGBS for successful careers in these roles and more.
Q2. Why do you think a significant number of students are selecting PGDM programmes over conventional MBA pathways in the current educational landscape? Please go into further detail on the benefits of each job path.
At TGBS’s educational environment, we have witnessed many students opting for the postgraduate diploma in management (PGDM) programs over the traditional Master of Business Administration (MBA) courses for several reasons. One of the key factors is the adaptability and flexibility of the PGDM programs to industry trends and demands. Unlike MBA programs, which are usually given by universities and have strict curricula, PGDM programs are often provided by independent institutions or business schools like TGBS. Because of their independence, PGDM programs can quickly update their curricula to incorporate emerging business practices, technological advancements and industry-relevant skills. For this very reason, students view PGDM programs as more dynamic and in line with the demands of the market, which makes them appealing choices for anyone looking to gain current, useful information and skills.
Another important factor we have noticed that is contributing to the popularity of PGDM programs is the opportunity for specialisations and customisations. Many PGDM programs offer a wide range of specialisations, such as Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, Operations, and Information Technology Management. This enables students to customise their education to their interests and career goals, developing a thorough understanding of their selected subject matter. Such specialisation options are often limited in conventional MBA programs, which may have a more generalised curriculum structure.
Traditional MBA programs provide a broader, more generalised education in business administration. MBA programs may appeal to students seeking a thorough understanding of business principles without the need for immediate specialisation.
The preference for a PGDM course over an MBA reflects each student’s desire for flexibility, relevance to current industry demands, practical learning experiences, specialisation options, and strong industry connections. All of these elements work together to make PGDM programs more flexible, adaptable, career-focused, and sensitive to the changing demands of the modern business environment.
Q3. What particular resources and assistance are offered by management schools like TGBS to enable students to succeed as leaders or business owners?
Management schools offer a variety of tools and support for students who want to be successful leaders or business owners. Firstly, management institutions like TGBS provide comprehensive academic programs that include strategic thinking, basic management concepts, and in-depth finance, marketing, and human resources knowledge. Students who complete this foundational education will possess the necessary information and skills needed for successful leadership and entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, here at TGBS, we provide opportunities for experiential learning through internships, case competitions, and industry projects. These practical experiences allow students to apply theoretical concepts in real-world settings, improving their problem-solving, decision-making, and leadership skills. In addition to improving students’ practical abilities, these experiential learning opportunities help students become more confident and prepared for leadership roles in various organisational environments.
Overall, management schools like TGBS play an important role in developing future business leaders and entrepreneurs by offering a wide range of support and resources.
Q4. What concrete advantages do students receive from engaging with industry professionals, and how crucial is it for management schools to arrange these kinds of interactions?
Engaging with industry professionals offers students several advantages that significantly impact their educational and career opportunities. First of all, direct interaction with business professionals offers valuable insights into current industry practices and trends. This exposure closes the gap between academic learning and practical application by assisting students in understanding the real-world application of theoretical knowledge learned in classrooms. At TGBS we allow students to interact and learn more about the demands, difficulties, and dynamics of their chosen subject by seeing specialists at work. Furthermore, the networking opportunities that arise from these interactions are crucial in building connections that may lead to job placements, internships, and mentorships. We believe that professionals in the industry bring a lot of experience and insights, which they impart through guest lectures and mentorship programs. TGBS offers mentorship programs within our courses that can guide students on career paths, skill development, and personal growth, offering advice and insights not usually found in textbooks.
Interacting with professionals in the field offers several advantages, including improved learning chances, job insights, and employment opportunities. Enabling these exchanges is not only advantageous, but also crucial for the expert professors at TGBS to provide students with the contacts, expertise, and abilities they need to succeed in the workforce.
Q5. Based on your observations, do you perceive an increasing tendency among students to look for jobs or launch their own businesses? What elements are involved in this trend?
We have witnessed a notable shift among students who are starting to show a preference for starting their firms rather than sticking with established work prospects. This trend is influenced by several key elements shaping the current educational and economic landscape.
Firstly, there is a growing encouragement of entrepreneurship through a variety of channels, including media coverage of prosperous startups, the presence of entrepreneurial role models, and courses in educational institutions that specifically address entrepreneurship. This exposure develops a spirit of innovation and risk-taking among students, inspiring them to consider entrepreneurship a viable career path.
Furthermore, educational institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing entrepreneurial aspirations. TGBS offers programs, workshops, and incubation spaces that support students in developing entrepreneurial skills, refining business ideas, and launching startups. There are several variables shaping the trend towards entrepreneurship among students. Students need to learn these variables which include technological improvements, the employment market, and the need for autonomy. They also need increased exposure to entrepreneurial role models. TGBS encourages students towards entrepreneurship despite the many challenges they may face. With support and inspiration, these factors can lead to students’ increasing inclination to investigate and pursue entrepreneurial endeavours to achieve personal and professional fulfilment.
The post The Evolving Management Profession: New Job Profiles, Educational Trends, and Entrepreneurial Aspirations in the Age of Technology appeared first on CXOToday.com.