Though Abhijit Sinha completed his MBA from Pune University in 2003, it was not until 2017 that his “bring up-to-date” journey began.
When his IIT-Kharagpur alumnus brother made Abhijit understand the need and importance of upskilling and updating, it made him thinking. The first step was an Executive Development Programme in Human Resources Management from XLRI, Jamshedpur. This made the HR expert go down the online learning path, from which he has not looked back. And, NPTEL has played a huge role in egging him on in this path.
Today, as Deputy General Manager in Emami Cement Limited, Kolkata, Abhijit has done a Certification in Strategic Performance Management in May 2018, and another Certification on Enhancing Soft Skills and Personality in May 2018, through NPTEL. And, this is just the beginning. He is keen to try more courses.
Though there are some who prefer to do the course and not take the examination, Abhijit is keen on writing it, because “If I have diligently done the course, why not take the exams. Since they are scheduled on the second or fourth Saturdays or Sundays, it is not difficult to prepare and attend”.
Appreciative about the course ware and knowledge of the professors, Abhijit believes there is scope for improvement in the delivery. Videos of shorter duration with more user-engagement would enable better comprehension of the content and would also not require too much attention span for professionals who do not have too much time to spare, he adds.
The nominal examination fee and the ease to access the course ware at one’s leisure are added advantages. He is also excited about the wide variety of courses and is keen to try out those other domains not related to HR too.
Terming NPTEL a wonderful initiative, Abhijit believes that doing these courses “differentiates one from the others”. He is a shining example of the same and says that it gives him that competitive edge.
“One has to make learning a constant habit. In addition to my brother, my earlier boss too was a keen learner. He has done several certification courses from different online platforms. He was a mentor who encouraged me to pursue my online learning journey.”
Abhijit is happy that this updating has paid rich dividends in his current organisation. Recognition is evident, and is a motivation for others to follow suit.
However, Abhijit is disappointed about those dropping out from the courses midway. As the courses are free, he feels those doing the course are not serious about it. His advice to those taking up the courses is that they should not drop out, but be regular and committed to completing the course in one go. Such opportunities should not be taken lightly. It is important to manage one’s time and utilise it to the optimum, he adds.