Women leaders in entrepreneurial education are pivotal figures driving innovation and change within educational institutions and programs. They focus on empowering students with the essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in the domain. Characterized by resilience and creativity, these leaders are committed to facilitating inclusive learning environments that support diverse student populations.
These leaders offer a unique perspective shaped by their varied experiences and backgrounds. They recognize the barriers faced by women and underrepresented groups in both entrepreneurship and education, actively working to dismantle these obstacles. Their insights contribute to a culture of equity and inclusivity, ensuring that all voices are acknowledged and valued in the educational discourse.
Shri Vidya M—the Business Unit Head at iTech Analytic Solutions (iTAS)—is dedicated to enhancing the entrepreneurial educational experience for students. She prioritizes the development of mentorship programs that connect students with industry professionals, advocates for the integration of real-world projects into the curriculum and collaborates with local businesses to provide hands-on learning opportunities.
She utilizes data-driven decision-making to tailor curriculum development, implement flexible learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and invest in continuous professional development for her and the staff. By envisioning a future where entrepreneurial education is accessible to all, she is shaping a robust and inclusive environment that prepares the next generation of innovators to resolve global challenges effectively.
Empowering Professionals through Data Education
Shri Vidya’s journey in the field of entrepreneurial education has been both challenging and rewarding. She began her career with iTAS nine years ago as an Excel and VBA Macros Trainer. Her passion for data analytics and education naturally led her to take on additional responsibilities including Project Management and corporate training in advanced topics such as Dashboard Designing, Reporting and Automation and SQL.
Throughout her career, Shri Vidya has worked closely with diverse industries including Marketing Research, Pharmaceutical Research, Building & Construction, Automobile, Textile, and Finance. This broad exposure has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique needs of various sectors and how data analytics can be leveraged to drive business outcomes.
In 2018, Shri Vidya was promoted to Business Unit Head, a role that has enabled her to strategically manage and optimize the resources at iTAS. Her inspiration to pursue a leadership role in entrepreneurial education stems from her desire to empower professionals with the skills necessary to excel in a data-driven world.
She believes that education, particularly in analytics and technology, is a powerful tool for driving innovation and business success. This conviction has fueled her commitment to making iTAS the leading Data Analytics Training Center globally.
The Impact of Innovation on Student Success
Developing a culture of innovation and creativity is central to Shri Vidya’s mission at iTAS. She encourages both students and staff to think critically and explore new ways of solving problems, beginning with the creation of a learning environment that values curiosity and experimentation.
For students, she incorporates project-based learning and real-world case studies into the curriculum, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges. For the staff, she promotes continuous professional development through regular training sessions, workshops and exposure to the latest industry trends. She also encourages collaboration across different teams and departments, which often leads to the cross-pollination of ideas and innovative solutions.
The recent initiative of becoming a Certiport Testing Center and offering Microsoft Certification Exams on Office Applications and Power BI stands as a testament to her commitment to innovation. This initiative not only adds value to the student’s learning experience but also enhances their professional credentials.
Enhancing Career Readiness with iTAS Programs
One of the key initiatives that Shri Vidya has implemented at iTAS is the introduction of virtual internships through new corporate collaborations. This program allows students to gain hands-on experience by working with 6 to 8 Multi-national Companies (MNCs), thereby bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. These internships provide invaluable insights into industry practices and help students build a professional network even before they graduate.
Shri Vidya ensures that regular webinars and workshops are conducted, led by subject matter experts. These sessions focus on career-building programs and are designed to equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market. The curriculum at iTAS is constantly updated to include the latest tools and technologies, ensuring that students are well-prepared to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Building a Supportive Learning Community
Inclusivity and diversity are core values at iTAS, as emphasized by Shri Vidya. She recognizes that students come from various backgrounds, industries and levels of expertise and she strives to create a learning environment that is accessible to all. To address the diverse needs of students, she offers flexible learning options, including online and in-person classes as well as self-paced learning modules.
She also provides personalized learning paths tailored to individual career goals and industry requirements. The courses are designed to accommodate different learning styles, featuring a mix of theoretical instruction, practical exercises and interactive sessions. Shri Vidya ensures that support services such as mentorship programs and career counselling are available, guaranteeing that every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Shaping Curriculum with Industry Insights and Trends
Engaging with the business community is vital to Shri Vidya’s educational model at iTAS. She has forged partnerships with leading companies, providing students with real-world experiences through internships, live projects and guest lectures. By involving industry professionals in course development, she ensures students learn from current experts, enhancing their competitiveness in the job market.
A Guide for Educational Leaders
Shri Vidya views the teaching staff as the backbone of iTAS, placing great emphasis on their professional development and well-being. To motivate and support her staff, she offers continuous learning opportunities including advanced training programs, certifications and access to industry conferences. She also encourages staff to pursue their own entrepreneurial projects, which not only helps them stay engaged but also brings fresh perspectives to the classroom.
She fosters a collaborative and supportive work environment where ideas are freely exchanged and innovation is celebrated. Regular brainstorming sessions and workshops are held, allowing staff to share their experiences and learn from one another. By creating an environment that values creativity and collaboration, she empowers her staff to inspire the same entrepreneurial mindset in students.
Empowering Students through Technology and Certifications
At iTAS, Shri Vidya leverages technology extensively to enhance the learning experience and improve educational outcomes. The use of data analytics tools, virtual classrooms and learning management systems allows her to deliver personalized and interactive learning experiences to students.
She also incorporates the latest software and technologies into the curriculum, ensuring that students are proficient in the tools that are most relevant in the industry.
Furthermore, Shri Vidya’s recent authorization as a Certiport Testing Center for Microsoft Certification Exams represents a significant step towards integrating technology into the educational model. This initiative enables students to gain globally recognized certifications in Office Applications and Power BI, further enhancing their employability.
Additionally, the virtual internship program, facilitated by corporate collaborations, provides students with the opportunity to work remotely with multinational companies (MNCs), giving them practical experience in a technology-driven work environment.
Building a Better Learning Environment
Student feedback is invaluable to Shri Vidya at iTAS and plays a crucial role in shaping policies and programs. She actively seeks feedback from students through surveys, focus groups and one-on-one discussions. This input helps her understand the strengths and weaknesses of the courses and identify areas for improvement.
Shri Vidya utilizes this information to make data-driven decisions regarding curriculum updates, teaching methods and resource allocation. For instance, based on student feedback, she has introduced more hands-on projects and industry-specific case studies into the courses, which have been well-received. She employs feedback to enhance support services, ensuring that the diverse needs of the student body are effectively met.
Implementing Live Projects in Academic Curricula
Balancing academic rigor with practical experience is at the heart of Shri Vidya’s educational approach at iTAS. She believes that a strong theoretical foundation is essential for understanding complex concepts, but it is equally important to provide students with opportunities to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.
To achieve this balance, Shri Vidya designs courses that include both rigorous academic content and practical, hands-on projects. Students work on live projects, case studies and internships that require them to solve real business problems using the skills they have learned. This approach not only reinforces their learning but also helps them build a portfolio of work that they can showcase to potential employers.
Inspiring Creativity in Learning Environments
Throughout her career, Shri Vidya has learned key lessons that shape her approach to leading in entrepreneurial education. She emphasizes the value of adaptability, recognizing that the fields of data analytics and education are constantly evolving, necessitating ongoing updates to curriculum and teaching methods.
Collaboration is also vital; she believes that strong partnerships with industry leaders, educators and students are essential for a dynamic learning environment. Moreover, she understands that true leadership involves inspiring others to reach their full potential by promoting a culture of curiosity, creativity and continuous learning.
A New Era for Educational Institutions
Shri Vidya envisions expanding iTech Analytic Solutions’ (iTAS) impact on entrepreneurial education by introducing advanced courses in artificial intelligence, machine learning and big data analytics. She plans to enhance iTAS’s global presence through partnerships with international institutions and an expanded virtual internship program.
Additionally, Shri Vidya aims to improve student support services, including career counselling and job placement assistance, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for success. Her goal is to position iTAS at the forefront of data analytics education.
The Power of Community for Aspiring Women Leaders
Shri Vidya advises aspiring women leaders in entrepreneurial education to believe in themselves and their vision. She acknowledges that the leadership journey is not without its challenges but emphasizes that perseverance and a strong sense of purpose will guide them through. She encourages women to surround themselves with mentors and peers who support their growth and to never hesitate to seek out opportunities for learning and development.
Shri Vidya also highlights the importance of staying adaptable and open to new ideas. The world of education is constantly evolving and those who are willing to embrace change and innovate will be the ones who lead the way.
Lastly, she reminds aspiring leaders of the significant impact they can have. By empowering others, they not only help them succeed but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and innovative future.
