Upskilling Programmes

The School of Management Studies (SMS), CUSAT, along with the Indian Society for Training & Development (ISTD), organized the Indian Leadership Summit 2025 (ILS 2025) to bridge academic research with industry applications through collaboration, funding, and policy support. The summit brought together academia, industry, and start-ups to explore emerging trends in innovation, skilling, and technology adoption. The chief guest, Shri. Harish Bhat (Brand custodian- TATA Sons) highlighted Tata’s values of ethics, resilience, and leadership, while other experts triggered debates on AI-driven skilling and neuroplasticity, and its role in automation and cybersecurity.

Students (Fathima Asraf, Sreethu Mukundan, Sivaprasad M Nihma Hanoon, Vyshak Das and Aromal P) from School of Management Studies conducted mock interview and group discussion training session for students of final year BSc Computer Applications [Triple Main] and B.Voc Software Development of St. Teresa's College (Autonomous). The organisers of the event lauded the team for their expertise, patience and insightful and practical approach in enhancing the professional acumen of the participants.

The Career Guidance and Placement Cell hosted a "Campus to Corporate" soft skill training session featuring Seema Sunil (Principal Consultant & Corporate Trainer). The event provided students with valuable insights and practical guidance for their transition into the corporate world, covering success strategies, career planning techniques, and effective goal setting across various life domains.

The 7-day induction program for the 2024-26 FT and 2024-27 PT batch was inaugurated by Shri Prasanth N IAS, followed by a keynote addressed by Shri John Mathew, CEO of Riafy Technologies. Renowned personalities like Priyesh Gopalakrishnan, Rajeev PK, and Renjith Ravi Keshav delivered engaging training sessions about personality development, corporate etiquette and profile building. Alumni Sunny Mathew and Sanoob Siddiq also joined in and shared their valuable experience. The event was a valuable learning experience for the new batch.

The CEO Forum at School of Management Studies, CUSAT, was inaugurated with great pomp and enthusiasm in the presence of Shri. Kishor Rungta, Chairman & Managing Director of The Fertilisers and Chemicals Travancore Ltd. His profound insights and leadership were truly inspiring for the audience. The event, graced by Prof. (Dr.) P. G. Sankaran, Hon'ble Vice-Chancellor of CUSAT, witnessed engaging discussions and valuable interactions.

 

MoU Exchange Ceremony & Analyst Competency Framework Introduction

The MoU Exchange Ceremony & Introduction of Analyst Competency Framework, organized by ISDC and the School of Management Studies, featured Dr. Clare Walsh Floa, Director of Education at IOA Institute of Analytics. Held on January 29, 2024, at the Seminar Complex, CUSAT, the event underscored the evolving landscape of analytics and the pivotal role of IOA's competency framework in nurturing future leaders. Attendees gained firsthand insights into the transformative potential of analytics and its relevance in charting career trajectories.

 

How to bounce back from difficult life events? How to withstand adversity? Many of these pertinent questions were addressed by Fr. Dr. Rajeev Michael, Clinical Psychologist, St. Joseph’s Hospital, Manjummel in his insightful session organised for the students of SMS. The workshop incorporated a lot of stress-relieving exercises, while also communicating the benefits of practicing ‘Mindfulness.’ The session imparted tried-and-tested tools to enable resilience in the face of stress and emotional turmoil.

The Project Management Institute of Kerala (PMIK) Academic Forum Orientation session was held on 20th September 2023 at the School of Management Studies, CUSAT. The session was addressed by PMIK President Harikuttan and PMIK Vice President- Branch Operations Priyesh. This event not only inspired attendees but also fostered an engaging and interactive atmosphere. The session was mainly about the importance of the Project Management Institute and the vast number of opportunities being open to the students as part of the same.

The School of Management recently hosted a week-long induction training program for the 2023-2025 batch, setting the stage for an exciting academic journey ahead. The programmes encapsulated blending of learning and fun for participants as they familiarized themselves with the SMS campus and resources.

KMA SMS students chapter was formally inaugurated on Dec 1 2022 in the presence of dignitaries such as our Hon. Vice chancellor Sri K N Madhusoodhanan , Honourable chief guest SMT Nirmala Lilly, president of KMA who is a renowned professional and has took up so many leadership roles in various organizations. The occasion was also graced by the presence of Mr. Naveen Philip CEO of Popular Mega Motors. The programme was an incredible opportunity for the students to witness and hear the words of wisdom of the dignitaries regarding the importance of KMA for all the aspiring management students as well as how it is going to be a milestone for School of Management studies CUSAT.

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Kerala chapter launched its academic forum at the School of Management Studies.The event commenced with a cordial welcome address from Mr. Harikuttan K, the President of PMI Kerala, followed by a Presidential Address from Dr. Jagathy Raj V. P., the Director of the School. The Honorable Vice-Chancellor of CUSAT, Dr. K.N Madhusoodanan, delivered the Inaugural Address, followed by the recognition of office bearers and membership distribution. The event was followed by a networking lunch, providing an excellent opportunity for participants to build relationships. The collaboration between PMI and CUSAT promises a platform for young and talented minds to advance their careers in project management.

MBA Full-time and Part-time students of School of Management Studies, CUSAT embarked on a two-day expedition to Bangalore, where they had the incredible opportunity to explore the bustling metropolis and gain invaluable insights from industry leaders. Among their most memorable stops was a visit to IKEA, a titan in the world of furniture retail. The group also had the pleasure of indulging in some luxurious retail therapy at the UB City Mall, before venturing to Freshot, a pioneering startup that has developed a truly innovative product - the world's first Idily bot, which promises to revolutionize the food industry.

The School of Management Studies CUSAT organized an annual industrial visit for second-year MBA students to Delhi and Manali. The trip provided practical applications of classroom concepts in the tourism industry and exposure to industries adapting to different cultures and ecologies. The journey lasted 66 hours and offered valuable insights and interactions with various industries and corporates. The trip was a success, with students returning with practical knowledge and unforgettable memories.

 

SMS organized a 14 days Induction Training Program (ITP) for the newly joined MBA students in the month of August 2022. The program was inaugurated by Shri. Anoop P Ambika (Chief Executive Officer, Kerala Start-up Mission) and Shri. Kamal Krishnan P S [Assistant Vice President (Response), Times of India] was the Guest of Honor. With a view towards upskilling and orienting freshers towards the rigour of the MBA programme and our institution in specific, innovative programs like hands-on Simulation Training, Outbound Training, Theatre based Training and professional excellence training were incorporated in the Induction Training exercise.