Know Your Faculty: ‘Building an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering students is key’

With over 28 years of experience in academia, Dr. Kulwant Kaur,  Dean of School of Information Technology at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar, has a remarkable background encompassing teaching, research, and administrative roles in Computer Science/Applications education. Holding a B Sc (Non-Medical) degree; an MCA from M.B.M. Engineering College, Jai Narain Vyas University, Jodhpur; and a PhD (Computer Science and Engineering) from Guru Nanak Dev University, she specialises in Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineering. She’s contributed over 25 papers to journals and chapters to edited books of national and international repute including SCIE (Symbiosis Centre for International Education), Scopus and UGC Care Listed journals, to name a few. The Associate Professor with Apeejay is also a Life Member of Computer Society of India and Soft Computing Research Society. Dr. Kaur’s journey in academia started from M.B.M. Engineering College and thereafter there was no looking back. 

Read edited excerpts of the interview as Dr Kaur explains why building an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering students is important and more:  

What led you to pursue a career in academia and particularly computer engineering and new-age courses?

I have pursued a career in academia as it offers a platform for continuous learning/ exploration and have a genuine interest and passion for exploring new technology, solving complex problems, and creating innovative solutions.

New-age courses/ programmes related to Computer engineering/ Information Technology have a significant impact on society. Students can be motivated to contribute to the development of cutting-edge technologies that improve people’s lives and address real-world challenges.

With the growing reliance on technology in various sectors, there is a high demand for skilled computer engineers. Pursuing a career in this field provides promising job opportunities and career growth, and as an academician, I can guide students towards the right career path.

Tell us about your experience of teaching at Apeejay.

Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus, Jalandhar was established in 1997. I am grateful to have been associated with this institute since 1998 and have witnessed the institute’s growth with the addition of engineering programmes. Now the institute offers AICTE approved programmes like MBA, MCA, BTech Computer Science & Engineering; B.Tech. Computer Science & Engineering (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning); and B.Tech. CSE (IoT & Cyber Security including Blockchain Technology) and other programmes include BCA, BBA and BCom(H). I have been teaching Computer related courses to students of MCA, MBA, BCA, B.Tech. Computer Science & Engineering (Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning); and B.Tech. CSE (IoT & Cyber Security including Blockchain Technology).

Read This: Know Your Faculty: ‘I thrive on intellectual challenges’

For effective learning of students, I prefer an appropriate learning model, based on course content; work on strategy that what they already know, motivates the student to learn and use course content in real world; use case study or project-based learning; help students develop well-organised forms of knowledge; and also use formative assessment. As Member Board of Studies (Computer Applications) at I K Gujral Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar since 2017, I  am also involved in recommending and designing updated curriculum for various  programmes of Computer Applications.

How do you engage your students in learning the programme and make the process enjoyable? 

In order to engage students in learning programmes of Information Technology and Computer Science & Engineering, a blended or experiential learning environment is preferred i.e. the educational practice which combines digital learning tools with more traditional classroom process of face-to-face teaching. Always keep assigned course content up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the programming world. Students’ interest and engagement should be taken care of to learn relevant and current skills. 

Some of the approaches used to make learning interesting are: 

Interactive and hands-on activities: These promote deeper understanding and make learning more enjoyable for students. Learning process, such as quizzes, competitions and club/cell activities can increase motivation among students.

Develop a safe and supportive environment: The idea is to create a space where students feel comfortable asking questions and participating in class discussions. Active participation can foster a sense of belonging and enhance the learning experience.

 Emphasise the practical applications and real-world relevance: As a teacher, one has to explain why the topics being taught are relevant for the real world. Students acquire knowledge and skills that can be useful in their lives or future careers. This would increase their interest and engagement.

Do you think building an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering students is key? Why so; share reasons?

Yes, building an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering or IT students is key. At AIMETC, we organise Entrepreneurial Awareness Camps on a regular basis on topics like design thinking, business canvas, intellectual property rights, etc., while encouraging students to participate at state, national and international level competitions.

Fostering an entrepreneurial mindset among engineering and Information Technology students not only benefits their personal and professional growth, but also contributes to the development of a more innovative, dynamic, and prosperous society in the world. Moreover, when students are pursuing under/post-graduation, they have the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary knowledge and develop a broader skill set at institute level.

Your achievements at Apeejay so far?

Apeejay Education is supportive and employees received full technical, financial, and emotional support during that pandemic. Apart from teaching at institute, I have got several opportunities to serve in various roles like Dean, School of Information Technology; IQAC Coordinator; Member of Academic Planning & Institutional Development; Member of Teaching & Learning Resources – Implementation; Member of Research, Development and Consultancy Cell; Member of Entrepreneurship Development Cell; Supervision and Management of activities at the department level like Employability Enhancement Programme, Student Mentorship Programme, in house function sand competitions, Technical Workshop, inter college participations, etc. I have also got an opportunity to fetch grant for AICTE seminar in year 2006 and 2008 and organised AICTE & IKG PTU sponsored Faculty Development Programme in 2019.

In addition, I am appointed as Internal Advisor and Faculty Educator, Pradhan Mantri Yuva Yojna (PMYY), Government of India, and have coordinated for the empanelment of Institute as Project institute under PMYY, launched by National Institute for Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development (NIESBUD), on behalf of the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Government of India. I along with the Entrepreneurship Development Cell team mentored teams for national & international pitching competitions (like TiE, Chandigarh and TiE, USA)  and assisted in Bootcamp in association with the Startup Punjab. I am thankful to everyone at Apeejay Education for the support and encouragement in all my endeavours.

Why must engineering students learn both technical and new-age skills?

By combining technical expertise with new-age skills like problem-solving, analytical, and so on,  engineering/IT students can position themselves for success in a rapidly evolving technological landscape and become well-rounded professionals capable of driving positive change in the world.