KOCHI: With the Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) constituted under the Department of Food Science and Technology proving to be successful in guiding students to better career options, the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos) has decided to constitute similar bodies under all of its schools, for the benefit of students.
“The Industrial Advisory Boards will have representatives from all major companies, industrial bodies and agencies that offer jobs in the fisheries and marine sectors. Students will be given intensive practical training on the skills required for doing job in industries such as fish processing, food processing, quality assurance, value addition, aquaculture, geoscience, marine drug formulation, microbiology, biological oceanography, remote sensing, management, energy management, fisheries engineering, coastal/harbour engineering, biotechnology and marine chemistry. The university-industry linkage will be strengthened by effective operation of the IAB,” said varsity authorities. “Since the existing IAB comes under the Department of Food Science and Technology, it has not been beneficial to students under other departments as they study different subjects. Activities of the existing IAB have proved to be effective, with all students who successfully completed MSc in Food Science under the Department of Food Science and Technology getting placement in leading companies,” said a varsity spokesperson.
“The placement cell will organise job fairs, with the support of the IAB, to ensure participation of major companies and industrial bodies. Students will be given special training on specialised jobs, according to their skills and aptitude. In addition, general training on language, communication, interview and personality development will be provided to students,” he said.
The decision to constitute IAB under all schools was taken at a meeting of directors of the schools, at which the subject of career guidance was discussed. Registrar V M Victor George said the university would ensure that students get adequate training on both the academic and industrial aspects.