BUILDING SKILLS FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD THE SKILLS THAT MATTER Dr. P. Padmanabhan Professor & Head Dept. of Mechanical Engg VV College of Engineering
Overview of the presentation INTRODUCTION WHY SKILL DEVELOPMENT TYPES OF SKILLS CORE ACADEMIC SKILLS TECHNICAL SKILLS COMPUTER LITERACY COMMUNICATION SKILLS TEAMWORK & COLLABORATION ANALYTICAL & PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS PRACTICAL EXPOSURE EXTRACURRICULAR DEVELOPMENT CAREER AWARENESS USE OF ONLINE PLATFORMS ACTION PLAN FOR 1ST YEAR CONCLUSION 2 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Introduction Skill development is the process of acquiring, refining, and applying abilities that enable you to perform tasks effectively and adapt to changing environments. It encompasses both technical proficiencies and interpersonal strengths, empowering individuals to stay competitive, confident, and fulfilled throughout their personal and professional journeys. • Drivers behind skill development • Rapid technological advances and automation • Shifts in job markets and the rise of the gig economy • Globalization and cross-cultural collaboration 3 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Why Skill Development? Enhances employability and career progression Boosts confidence, creativity, and problem-solving ability Fosters adaptability in unpredictable environments industry challenges 4 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Types of Skills Hard Skills Technical proficiencies (coding, data analysis, machinery operation) Measurable through certifications or tests Soft Skills Communication, teamwork, leadership, emotional intelligence Crucial for collaboration and workplace culture 5 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Core Academic Skills Strong foundation in Mathematics & Science Problem-solving and logical reasoning Effective note-taking & exam strategies 6 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Technical Skills Basics of Engineering Drawing Introduction to Programming (C, Python, MATLAB) Understanding CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) 7 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Computer Literacy MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) I nternet research & digital communication File management & online collaboration tools 8 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Communication Skills Effective written communication Public speaking & presentation skills Group discussion & teamwork 9 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Teamwork & Collaboration Working in project teams Respecting diversity Conflict resolution strategies 10 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills Applying engineering principles Brainstorming innovative ideas Using data for decision making 11 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Practical Exposure Laboratory skills Mini-projects and workshops Industry visits & internships (later years) 12 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Extracurricular Development Participation in clubs & technical societies Volunteering and leadership roles Sports and cultural activities 13 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Career Awareness Introduction to different engineering domains Awareness of future career paths Understanding industry expectations 14 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Use of Online Platforms NPTEL, Coursera, edX for skill development Consider building a personal learning portfolio (blog, GitHub, design mock-ups) Explore micro-credentials and digital badges for niche skills Join professional communities (Slack groups, LinkedIn forums) for ongoing support 15 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Action Plan for 1st Year Set academic and personal goals Develop a balanced daily routine Engage in continuous self-assessment 16 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead
Conclusion S First year is the foundation Start small, grow steadily Skill development = Future success THE EXPERT IN ANYTHING WAS ONE A BEGINNER - HELEN HAYES 17 8/7/2025 Buiding Skills for the Journey Ahead