Getting a decent job in competitive world is not so easy and that too for students with rural and tribal background. Lack of communication skills and proficiency in English are said to be the main hindrances in proving themselves in interviews conducted by corporate companies. However, it may be a thing of the past for many youngsters of backward areas of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts, thanks to their doing add-on courses along with their regular graduation.
Indira Gandhi National Open University’s short term certification courses are helping them to enhance their skills. Many students are opting for certificate programmes in information technology, communication and IT skills, functional English and business skills. Although IGNOU courses are available for everyone, students with village and tribal background are ahead of others in doing the courses to make their resume attractive and face interviews confidently.
The students are allowed to do certificate programmes along with their regular B.A., B.Com. and B.Sc. courses. The flexibility is enabling them to do the certification programmes with the support of IGNOU regular study centres located in Rajam, Etcherla, Srikakulam and Vizianagaram. “Recently, the IGNOU authorities waived fee which ranges between ₹1,200 to ₹1,500 for students of scheduled caste and tribes. It has become an added advantage for them. Some of them are doing more than two courses even before completion of degree. It enhances their confidence to face job market,” said S.Raja Rao, IGNOU Regional Director of Visakhapatnam.
Diploma in Aquaculture
IGNOU has recently introduced Diploma in Aquaculture in study centre located in Sri GCSR College of Rajam. “Aqua sector offers hundreds of jobs to youngsters. The students of the Godavari districts have also joined the course. We are enabling them to have field experience in Madduvalasa reservoir,” said college Principal K.V.A. Naidu and IGNOU Coordinator M. Purushottm Rao. “We are trying to invite reputed companies for campus interviews to benefit all the students including youngsters who would complete Aquaculture diploma,” they added.
The students who attended induction programme in Rajam said that add-on courses made them to adjust time effectively.
