Nitte Institute of Communication organized a three-day Value-added Course on Soft skills and Resume Writing, by Mr. Nandagopal S, Convener, Center for Integrated Learning, Mangalore. This event was not just about honing soft skills but about imparting essential life skills, as was emphasized throughout the sessions.

"I wouldn't call it Soft Skills, rather Life Skills" he said, underscoring the importance of these teachings as lifelong learnings. The workshop aimed to encourage participants to think outside the box, moving away from the conventional teachings that mould us to follow set norms, from an early age.

One of the key aspects of the workshop was its emphasis on basic yet innovative thinking. The activities revealed that many participants struggled with simple tasks due to the rigid educational frameworks they've been conditioned to follow. This highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in how we approach problem-solving and creativity.

The workshop included a variety of interactive activities, such as mock interviews and DIY projects, which were designed to develop communication skills. These activities required participants to interact with other members of the group, fostering a deeper understanding of each other and improving their ability to communicate effectively.

Resume Writing was the central component of the workshop, taught in a fun and engaging manner through a process of unlearning and relearning. Participants were guided through four major categories essential for landing their dream jobs: Resume Writing, Team Skills, Language & Presentation and Interview.

In the resume segment, attendees learned how to craft a detailed yet crisp resume that gives essential information about themselves. Mr. Nandagopal explained the differences between a resume, CV and biodata, and provided tips on writing a fine-tuned resume and cover letter.

Team skills were addressed by exploring the dynamics of group interaction. The concept of transitioning from "I" to "We" was emphasized, teaching participants how to engage in discussions, listen, understand, suggest and reach conclusions as a group. Simple crisis management activities were used to illustrate these principles.

The language component focused on self-improvement through reading, enrolling in online courses, and continually challenging oneself. Mr. Nandagopal encouraged participants to take proactive steps to enhance their language skills.

In the presentation and interview segment, participants were divided into groups and assigned roles of interviewer and interviewee. This practical approach allowed them to tackle questions, manage body posture, improve presentation skills and learn how to back up their answers when they didn't know something.

A unique aspect of the workshop was the grading scale employed by the resource person. Unlike the traditional 0-10 scale, his scale ranged from 1-9, reinforcing the belief that no one is a zero, as everyone possesses some skills and that perfection, is unattainable.

The workshop concluded with a self-assessment test, allowing participants to evaluate their progress from the beginning of the workshop to the end. Mr. Nandagopal encouraged them to revisit this self-assessment at different phases of their lives and continually gauge their growth.

Overall, the workshop provided a truly enriching experience, equipping participants with valuable life skills and a new perspective on personal and professional development.