Dr. Shikta Singh is an Associate Professor and Head of the Finance and Economics Area at KIIT School of Management, KIIT University. She has an extensive educational background from IIM Calcutta in Applied Finance, Utkal University, Ravenshaw University, and Pune University. She holds a Ph.D. in Applied & Analytical Economics. She is an accomplished educator with over 14 years of teaching experience and several research interests, including Behavioral Finance, International Financial Management, and Development Economics. Dr. Singh has contributed significantly to academia with numerous publications in national and international journals and authored various book chapters in Emerald & Springer and books. She has also presented papers at various international conferences of high repute. She is also a sought-after corporate trainer and keynote speaker in prestigious institutions, advocating for resourceful solutions to economic and social challenges. She is well-versed in blended learning techniques and online teaching having conducted multiple national-level webinars, ATAL FDPs, MDPs, online research workshops & international conferences with participation from thousands of individuals in India and abroad. Her expertise and commitment to education and societal progress have earned her numerous accolades, including being a gold medalist in her career and the APJ Abdul Kalam Teacher’s Excellence Award by AICTE, GOI in 2021.

KIIT School of Management

Being the Head of the Finance Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the head of the finance and economics department, my primary focus is to ensure the academic and professional success of our students. This pivotal role encompasses a diverse set of responsibilities that directly impact the quality of education and the overall student experience within the department. One of the foremost responsibilities is curriculum development and oversight. This involves working closely with faculty members to design and update courses that align with industry standards and address the evolving landscape of finance and economics. Regularly reviewing and refining the curriculum ensures that students receive a robust education that prepares them for the challenges of the real-world workforce. In addition to shaping academic content, I am responsible for recruiting, supporting, and evaluating faculty members. Cultivating a team of experienced and dedicated educators is essential to providing students with high-quality instruction. Regular faculty evaluations and professional development opportunities contribute to maintaining a standard of excellence in teaching within the department. Managing department budgets is another crucial aspect of my role. Allocating resources efficiently ensures that the department can offer cutting-edge resources, technology, and facilities that enhance the learning environment. This financial stewardship involves strategic planning to prioritize investments that will most benefit the students and contribute to their academic success.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

As the Finance Area Head, my primary focus is to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the field of finance. To instil a practical approach towards subjects, I implement various strategies that align academic content with industry requirements.

Firstly, we emphasize real-world case studies in our curriculum. By dissecting actual financial scenarios, students gain insights into the complexities and nuances of decision-making in the business world. This not only enhances their problem-solving skills but also provides a tangible link between classroom concepts and industry practices. Additionally, we actively engage professionals from the finance industry as guest lecturers. These experts bring first-hand experience and current market perspectives into the classroom, offering valuable insights that textbooks often lack. This exposure helps students understand the dynamic nature of finance and adapt to industry changes seamlessly. Internship programs are another crucial component of our approach. We collaborate with leading financial institutions like RBI, JP Morgan, ICICI, UNDP, etc. to provide students with hands-on experience. This not only allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings but also helps them build professional networks, making their transition into the workforce more seamless.

Do you have any extracurricular activities clubs/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

Yes, we do have our Finance Club which is known as the Exchequer Club and Investment Club where students participate very actively. A few of the events conducted are the Finance conclave where experts from industry visit campus and conduct workshops, pre-conclave competitions, Fin ovate, Grid games, Finquest, Trading, etc. We also have an Arthashatsra-Investment club, where the students are encouraged to get an investment opportunity. I regularly conduct pre-budget programs, taking the student panelist to investigate the expectations from the upcoming budget. I encourage students to participate in various GOI Programs like Hackathons, ATAL Innovation, AICTE Programs, etc.

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When you came to KIIT School of Management, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

When I joined KIIT School of Management (KSOM) as a faculty my vision was to create a business school of its kind that grooms young minds to become responsible and ethical business leaders capable of making a significant impact in society. KSOM had already established itself as a reputed business school not only in India but in the entire world, but I aimed to take it to the next level by introducing innovative pedagogies, strengthening industry linkages, and promoting research and consulting activities. To achieve this vision, I have been working on several fronts: Curriculum Reforms: We revamped our curriculum to make it more contemporary and industry relevant. We introduced new courses and electives that focus on emerging areas such as financial modelling using R, sustainability, and behavioral finance. Our goal is to equip students with the necessary skill sets to excel in a rapidly changing business landscape. Experiential Learning: We believe that learning by doing is the most effective way to acquire skills and knowledge. Therefore, we introduced various experiential learning methods such as case studies, simulations, hackathons, and gamification. These methodologies enable students to apply theory to practice and develop problem-solving abilities. Industry Connect: We recognize the importance of industry connectivity to prepare our students for the corporate world. Hence, we have established partnerships with numerous national and international companies, allowing our students to engage in internships, live projects, and other collaborative ventures. Such interactions facilitate knowledge transfer between academia and industry, exposing our students to real-life challenges and enabling them to contribute positively to organizational decision-making. Digital Transformation: We leveraged technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative processes. For instance, we adopted digital platforms for course delivery, assessments, and student engagements. Moreover, we integrated data analytics and MOOCs into our systems to support data-driven decision-making and predictive modelling. Research and Consulting: We encourage our faculty and students to engage in research and consulting projects that address pressing business and societal challenges. These endeavours promote intellectual capital creation, enhance the institute’s reputation, and foster ties with the broader community.

What do you see as the Finance department of KIIT School of Management’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

The Finance department at KIIT School of Management boasts several strengths, including a strong faculty profile with diverse backgrounds and expertise, a research focus with active engagement in funded projects, and established partnerships with leading financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry associations. The department also offers innovative courses that cater to emerging trends in finance and collaborates closely with other departments to foster an interdisciplinary learning environment. To further enhance these strengths, the department could consider attracting more renowned academics and practitioners to join the faculty, expanding student participation in experiential learning opportunities, developing study abroad programs, and becoming a thought leader in finance education and research. Additionally, providing personalized mentoring and career guidance services for students can significantly boost their job prospects and professional growth. Emphasizing continuous improvement through regular assessment and accreditation processes can ensure that the department remains responsive to evolving academic and industry requirements, solidifying its position as a preeminent finance institution.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students so they to have a prosperous career ahead in Finance?

To achieve a successful career in finance, it is important to build a strong foundation in numerical skills, accounting, fintech, and financial modelling. Additionally, staying updated on current events and emerging trends in the field is essential. Practical experience through internships or part-time jobs can also help you develop useful skills and build a network of contacts. Specializing in a particular area of finance, such as corporate finance or asset management, fintech can increase your earning potential. It’s also important to communicate complex ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing. Technical skills in software such as Excel, Python, and SQL are also valuable. Active participation in industry events hosted by the institution can steer the role. Pursuing further higher education can deepen your knowledge and increase your earning potential. Finally, adapting to change, seeking feedback, demonstrating enthusiasm and passion, cultivating a global mindset, and leading by example are all important attributes for success in the finance industry. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling and prosperous career in finance.