If your communication skills are strong, your career path will become easier, no matter what the subject is…

Dr. Suresh Lata– Head of Knowledge Resource Centre

QUICK INTRO

Birthplace: Andhra Pradesh.

Education: P.B.D. Pune University, MBA in Finance.

Profession: Educator, Corporate Trainer.

 

Dr. Suresh Lata is a powerful and inspiring name in the fields of education, leadership, and policymaking. With her vast and diverse experience, she has not only achieved excellence in academia but has also made significant contributions to administration, research, and institutional leadership. From representing India on national and international platforms to inspiring the younger generation, her work is commendable. She believes that learning should never stop, and this belief continues to fuel her to continue to inspire others.

When you were in school, what did you think you wanted to become? Was that how you saw your future at the time?

Since school, I’ve had a passion for teaching and training. During college, I cleared the prelims for competitive exams and was preparing for the mains. At the age of 23, I was pursuing my master’s degree. I started working part-time in the library at Durlabhji Hospital. It was there that I learned that library science is a technical subject. That’s when I became interested in it, and even after clearing the prelims, I chose this field.

Since then, I’ve been constantly learning. I’ve completed over 33 certification programs through iGOT Karmayogi (a digital learning platform of the Government of India that aims to provide government employees with training from ‘rule-based’ to ‘role-based’). I have a post-graduation degree in Sociology and Library Science, an MBA, and a PG Diploma in Cyber ​​Law and Advanced Computer Science from NALSAR University of Law. Since childhood, my only goal was to become self-dependent.

What subjects did you like during your student life and how did they help you in your career?

All of us parents always think that a child who is academically proficient should be allowed to pursue science or commerce. I chose arts for higher studies. Back then, these were the only three options, but I would say that after the NEP 2020, many more avenues have opened up for children. Our government is now working extensively on children’s skill development. Nowadays, not just formal school education, but practical learning is crucial.

It’s a misconception that a child who has studied arts has no future. However, since I studied library science, it requires knowledge of every subject. Since I started in the medical field, I still know which books are useful for which purpose, and why Park and Park are useful. Librarians are called “Masters of All” because they can read every book they want.

Be it science or management, he has knowledge of everything due to being surrounded by books.

Now, I’d say there’s no shortage of work. Regardless of your major, it’s crucial to have practical skills, which the NEP 2020 is now working to address. Skills never go to waste. I manage the IPCC Center, or Institutional Partnerships in Corporate Communication. Although it’s not my field, my skills have opened these doors for me.

My advice to students would be to learn anything, anywhere, and do so. No skill or education is ever wasted; it will surely be useful to you somewhere in the future.

What skills should students work on for a better future?

The most important skill is strong communication. Try to participate in debate competitions at the school or college level. If you can’t do this, try to discuss current events, news, and your studies with your classmates in class.

If the teacher asks questions in class, try to answer them in front of everyone. In today’s ever-evolving technological world, you can use AI tools to generate discussion topics, but learn how to put them into your own words. The more you communicate with each other, the more your ability to express yourself will improve.

The second is technical education. Everyone has basic computer knowledge now, but if you can obtain some advanced certifications, they will be very helpful.

You can achieve a lot through one-to-one relationship. School/college students often believe that whatever they are thinking and doing regarding their future is the right thing to do, but their teachers, parents, and mentors are quite experienced. If you still feel that they are unable to provide accurate answers to your future questions or are unable to explain what you want, you can seek the help of career counselors.

What was the most difficult moment while working in all these fields – education, administration, research and policy?

I believe that when you push yourself to learn new things, you don’t experience any difficulties. When you’re in learning mode, even if you’re a young person, you try to learn from them. That’s why I never experienced any difficulties. I have a PhD and a PhD guide. But I never faced any difficulties in my research.

I have many professionals I mentor. Many of them are older than me, but we respect each other and strive to learn from each other. Therefore, it’s important to be hungry for knowledge. Learn from everyone you can, and view it as an opportunity rather than a challenge.

How can students who are under pressure practice staying positive?

Along with studies, children should also participate in creative activities, whether it’s painting, dowsing, music, pottery, sports, or writing. It’s crucial for children to take some time for themselves outside of their studies. As an NLP practitioner, I teach children how to train their brains. I even have a book called “Tune Your Brain.”

CAREER TIPS

  • Formal school education is not enough, practical learning is more important now.
  • Be a part of college debates so that along with developing communication skills, critical thinking also develops.
  • If you get stuck anywhere, do not hesitate to go to a career counsellor.