Mysuru, September 16, 2026: In today’s rapidly changing world, a degree serves as an academic qualification and opens the door to employment opportunities. However, it is skills that enable an individual to enter that door, perform effectively, grow professionally and adapt to changing circumstances. A degree is only a step towards the next stage, while skills serve as a passport to a world of opportunities, observed Prof. B. V. Sambashivaiah.
He was speaking after inaugurating the three-day Phase II Skill Development and Mock Interview Programme organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of JSS College of Arts, Commerce and Science, Ooty Road, Mysuru, in collaboration with Naandi Foundation, Hyderabad, under the Titan LeAP Project initiative.
College Principal Prof. B. V. Sambashivaiah said that in the present-day employment landscape, the importance of creativity, self-confidence, adaptability, leadership and technical knowledge is increasing significantly. At the same time, millions of new employment opportunities are being created across various sectors. Students should therefore identify their inherent abilities, strengthen their skills and cultivate an attitude of continuous learning and improvement.
He observed that rapid technological advancements, Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation are transforming the nature of jobs and the skills expected from young professionals. Students should equip themselves with analytical thinking, creativity, resilience, adaptability, leadership qualities, digital literacy and technological competence. At the same time, they should learn to effectively combine technology with human intelligence, communication skills, creativity and ethical values.
Prof. Sambashivaiah emphasised that academic knowledge alone is not sufficient to build a successful career. Students should develop the confidence and professional attitude required to face the competitive employment environment. They should constantly upgrade their knowledge and skills in accordance with changing industry requirements and prepare themselves to take advantage of emerging career opportunities.
The programme has been designed to strengthen career readiness and employability among students by bridging the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. It focuses on practical skill development, personality development, workplace communication, aptitude enhancement, résumé preparation, teamwork, confidence-building and exposure to mock interviews.
Such training programmes provide students with an opportunity to understand the expectations of employers, assess their strengths, improve areas that require attention and face recruitment processes with greater confidence. The initiative also aims to prepare students not merely to obtain a degree, but to emerge as competent, confident, responsible and future-ready professionals.