Cut off from mainstream? Head for CVS

NEW DELHI: For all those who can't get through the high cut-off academic courses, ample opportunities are available in the vocational study programmes. From being considered as non-mainstream options, these courses have evolved as full-fledged job-oriented programmes.
In DU, the College of Vocational Studies (CVS) at Sheikh Sarai offers a bachelor's degree in vocational studies.Structured keeping in mind industry demands, these courses are available in five categories — tourism, human resource management, marketing & retail business, materials management, medium & small-scale enterprises, insurance & office administration as well as secretarial practices.
With cut-off ranging anywhere between 70%-80%, these programmes are popular among those looking for a job straight out of college. Says Dr Inder Jeet, principal, CVS: "Often people associate vocational studies with offbeat courses like carpentry, but these are full-time degree courses in subjects that have a high industry demand.
The students are trained in such a manner that they are readily absorbed by the industry." Also, a relaxation of 1.25% in the cut-off percentage is given to students who have studied these subjects in Class XII.
With about 50 seats available in each course, the courses are good mix of classroom studies and hands-on training. Special emphasis is given to business communication skills and language prowess.
Apart from these full-time courses, the college also offers short-term add-on courses in accounting, communication and foreign languages.
Students coming from these courses have the option of either joining the industry directly or pursuing further studies in business management, finance or even starting their own enterprise.
"Instead of recruiting students from an academic course, industries always prefer trained professionals. Moreover, we also make sure that during the graduation, our students get enough exposure to the industry via internship or training," adds Dr Jeet.
CVS also invites experts from various industries as faculties and operates a placement cell. Explains Dr Jeet: "Campus placement for our last batch was very successful, with major companies from the respective fields recruiting students.
Although we have a placement cell here, from this year, we are planning to get a regular placement officer who will co-ordinate between the industry and the students."