Industry visits have become an essential part of students pursuing a professional degree or course. The Indian education system has witnessed immense transformation over the last few years, with more importance being given to hands-on training. The approach for delivering quality education has changed with time for the Indian universities, and Industry Visits have become a part of the course curriculum for many courses.

A number of institutions now give grades and attendance on Industry visits to students. The reason behind the popularity of industry visits is due to the fact that it exposes students to gain the practical knowledge on their subject which even their textbooks can’t provide. There are several other advantages attached to such visits.

These visits give students an insight regarding the internal working of companies. Just having a theoretical knowledge about a subject is not enough for making a good professional career. With an aim to go beyond academics, the visits provide students with a practical perspective on the internal working in a company. The students are provided with the opportunities to gain an in-depth knowledge of the procedures and techniques followed throughout in the company. The students attain an understanding of the work culture of the industry they have been taken to, followed with an opportunity to analyse the management essentials.

Benefits

• The detailed information on the functioning of industries can only be experienced after visiting one. The visits are extremely helpful for students to embed hands-on understanding of the effective functioning of an organisation.
• The industry visits offer an opportunity to students to engage in a conversation with the professionals. This, in turn, helps students improve their communication and interpersonal skills. Also, the students get a chance to establish a connection with experts, which could be helpful in placements.
• There are certain myths which have been prevalent for years, in terms of management and other aspects based on the entire functionality of the industries. Industry visits provide an opportunity for students to gain insight into actual practices in a work-place. The students get an enhanced outlook on the practices followed by the companies to ensure effective operations and how they manage their workforces.
• The industry visits are not limited to the attainment of practical knowledge, but, it also plays an essential role in identifying an interest area for the students. During the visit, they go through different departments and thus, they get an idea about different roles and what they entail. Students can get clarity of what exactly what job functions are required with respect to the kind of job profile

Industry visits are becoming mandatory in leading institutes. Students actively participate in industry visits. The industry visits and the chance to interact with industry leaders can help students gain knowledge and also help them choose the right career path!

The writer is Dr Kulneet Suri, Senior Director at Institute of Management Studies, Noida