Experts underline importance of blending technical and managerial skills in jobs

It is important for students to blend technical expertise with managerial skills to meet the growing demands of modern industries, said T. Dharma Theja, a professor in the Paari School of Business, SRM University-A.P.

Addressing students during a seminar on ‘Careers in Management, Technology and Sciences’, organised by The Hindu FIC and SRM University, in collaboration with the SRK Institute of Technology, Enikepadu, Vijayawada, on Thursday, Mr. Dharma Theja highlighted how fields such as banking, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and healthcare increasingly rely on the professionals who can combine engineering knowledge with strategic decision-making.

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He pointed out that career opportunities extend beyond core engineering to roles such as product managers, project managers, business consultants, and entrepreneurs.

While engineering graduates secure initial placements with average salaries of ₹3 lakh to ₹6 lakh per annum, long-term success requires continuous upskilling, management education, and entrepreneurial thinking, Mr. Dharma Theja said.

Using real-world examples such as BookMyShow and Hoora, he illustrated how problem-solving and innovation can create opportunities. He urged students to broaden their outlook beyond textbooks by understanding issues such as gold price fluctuations, GST reforms, and rupee depreciation, linking them to larger economic trends.

The seminar, conducted to sensitise students about their career options after graduation, addressed the value of management skills in supply chain operations, business analytics, finance, and data-driven decision-making. Students were advised to first gain work experience, pursue specialised postgraduate programmes like an MBA, and then explore entrepreneurial ventures.

V.V.S. Pradeep, another professor from SRM A.P., said strong CGPA scores open doors to top companies like Microsoft, while knowledge and skills are equally essential. He said the formula for success is to have good skills, strong knowledge, and the right attitude.

The session was formally conducted by M. Ekambaram Naidu, principal, SRK Institute of Technology Vijayawada.