A platform To Grow – The author of this blog is an assistant professor at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and also the current Head of Admissions at SGT University
Introduction
“The past three years have brought me peace for the next 30.” While nothing I can say here will truly encapsulate my journey with SGT University, the above line is the most apt summary I can think of. I entered here as someone who was still a little wet behind the ears in academia, and the culture that I have absorbed here has made me an assured veteran of the field, who is now confident in his abilities to guide young futures and give them a platform to grow. The lack of surety I had about my career path is gone. I know now where I want to grow and settle for the rest of my professional life. Let me share with you the experience of these few short years at the best private universities in Delhi NCR, Gurgaon, and Haryana.
Entering during COVID
I joined SGT at a time that was turbulent, to say the least. The world was still reeling from the initial hit of the pandemic and trying to get back on its feet. The educational landscape had transformed overnight, presenting both students and educators with a new set of challenges and opportunities. My entire hiring and onboarding process was on video, where I had my first opportunity to interact with the university leaders and try to get a sense of their expectations.
They were in search of someone with specialized knowledge in AI & ML technologies for their Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FEAT). The interviews were rigorous and technical, with a special focus on my classroom management skills. Once I cleared, I was welcomed by my dean, who informed me that they were planning to start online classes by next month.
While I was shocked at the quick turnaround, I was equally surprised at the efficiency of it all. The university gave everyone instructions on using and downloading “Microsoft Teams” and gave even more resources to faculties, like laptops and separate webcams for higher-quality video output. Students were sent digitized versions of their study material and even given tests through the SGT website, which was set up by the IT team for all faculties to upload their questions. I myself have prepared 24 E-lectures which are now available on YouTube.
By the time we came on campus, everything started right where we left off, ensuring no lag in student progress.
My Opinion on the Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FEAT)
Once we exited the gloom and breathed fresh air again, I finally got the opportunity to take in all of the campus, specifically FEAT. I must say, the expansiveness of it all really got to me. The university had recently set up a Centre of Excellence in AI with Samatrix, which gave me an appropriate medium to research and teach in the subject that I love best. Apart from that, the high-speed computers, the on-campus workshops, and the research support for students assured me that I was in a place ready for the 21st, and even the 22nd century.
But my favorite moment till now has been mentoring and preparing students for SYNERGY 2022 and 2023, two grand techno-fests where engineering students get to show the best of what they have learned. My favorite project that I have guided till now was “YOGA POSTURE DETECTION USING ML,” which gave an ancient practice modern convenience.
In addition to all this, I was also part of the Synergy Core team, organized the “Day and Night 24-Hour Hackathon” in April 2022, and have been an advisor to the university “Code Club.”
The Transition to Admissions
A couple of months ago, the honorable chairman of SGT called me up and told me that he was recommending my name for the position of “Head of Admissions.” While I never envisioned myself in a general administrative role, his insistence meant that I am now expanding my horizons every day. As part of my current designation, I am coordinating with multiple teams to customize our admissions strategy, manage student orientations, and oversee admission processes. This entails me putting on new hats every day, delving into marketing, budgeting, human resource management, and a lot more. While the initial step up has been challenging, I am enjoying the dynamism that comes with the position.
Of course, a lot of this has been made way easier with the backing of the management, who have assured me that they want to see me prosper. I have always been a mentor, and now in this position, I want to mentor students with a different perspective.
A Platform To Grow
How many universities would make the decision to promote someone with a specialist engineering background to oversee admissions? Not many, but when you are in a place that only looks at pure potential, nothing is impossible. My journey very much represents the ethos of this institution, to be a place where talent is the only passport. This is applied to every student as well, as they are given plenty of opportunities to maximize their potential in the direction they see fit. SGT is not a place to merely build your future, but a platform to grow and build for your whole life ahead.
