An Interview with Dr. Radha Thevannoor (Director, SCMS Cochin)

SCMS Cochin School of Business was established 1992 as a private institution in Cochin, Kerala. SCMS Cochin School of Business is a part of SCMS Cochin Group of Institutions. SCMS Cochin School of Business course includes PGDM course which is offered for 2 years and FPM for 4 years. SCMS Cochin School of Business admissions will be considered if the candidate has a valid score in XAT/CAT/KMAT.

Careers360 brings you an interview with SCMS Cochin Director, Dr. Radha Thevannoor where she mentions SCMS Cochin School of Business, its admission process, internships, placement statistics, and the infrastructure. To learn more about SCMS Cochin School of Business, go through the questionnaire below.

Careers360: Tell us something about the institute; when it was set up, vision and mission

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: SCMS, or the School of Communication and Management Studies, was established in 1976 by the esteemed educator and visionary, Dr. G.P.C. Nayar. The institution's primary aim is to equip students with the skills necessary to emerge as proficient managers and leaders in the ever-evolving business landscape. With a commitment to excellence, SCMS Cochin School of Business aspires to be a frontrunner in delivering value-driven education, perfectly aligned with the dynamic global shifts. Its mission is centered around cultivating globally competent and socially responsible business leaders through a progressive and innovative educational framework. The comprehensive training at SCMS is both challenging and transformative, ensuring that students seamlessly transition from academia to the professional world, ready to tackle career challenges with confidence and success.

Careers360: Tell us something about the admission process.

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: Aspiring candidates must submit their online application through the SCMS website via the link https://admissions.scms.edu.in/pgdm-application. Once applications are reviewed, shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in a Group Discussion and Personal Interview at the SCMS campus. Selection is based on a variety of criteria, including entrance test scores, academic performance, participation in the GD & PI, achievements in sports and extracurricular activities, as well as work experience. Additionally, merit-based scholarships are available for deserving students. Those with more than two years of relevant work experience at a reputed company can apply for a scholarship covering up to 40% of the tuition fee.

Careers360: What kind of infrastructure can students expect at the institute? Please elaborate.

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: SCMS offers its students state-of-the-art facilities designed to enhance their learning and overall experience. The campus boasts air-conditioned classrooms, modern seminar halls, a well-equipped library, and a fully functional gym. The expansive library spans 6,732 sq. ft., housing over 40,000 books, journals, and online resources, making it a comprehensive hub for academic exploration. The campus is Wi-Fi enabled, ensuring students have access to high-speed internet connectivity throughout. Classrooms are equipped with advanced presentation technology and gadgets to facilitate interactive learning. The hostel accommodations, separate for men and women, can house over 300 students each, providing a comfortable living environment. The SCMS cafeteria is renowned for serving hygienic, tasty, and nutritious meals. Additionally, the campus offers excellent sports facilities, both indoor and outdoor, and regularly hosts intra- and inter-institutional matches, as well as an annual sports meet, promoting physical fitness and team spirit.

Also See: SCMS Cochin School of Business Placements

Careers360: There is a lot of stress that is being made concerning interaction with the industry as well as companies that recruit. What are the steps being taken by the institute in this direction?

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: At SCMS Cochin School of Business, the Institute-Industry Interface (III) sessions are held regularly, bringing in experienced managers and experts from diverse fields to engage with students. Distinguished industry leaders and government officials frequently visit the campus, offering valuable insights and sharing their wealth of knowledge and experience. These sessions include dynamic Q&A discussions where practitioners reflect on the challenges they’ve faced and the innovative solutions they’ve developed. These interactive exchanges provide students with practical perspectives on problem-solving and decision-making strategies. Additionally, case study discussions are organized, offering students a realistic understanding of the business landscape they will soon navigate, and preparing them for the complexities of the professional world.

Careers360: Internships are now mandatory as per AICTE guidelines. Does the institute help students with this? If yes, how?

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: SCMS Cochin provides two valuable internship opportunities for PGDM students to bridge academic learning with real-world experience. The Social Immersion Programme is designed to raise awareness about pressing societal issues, fostering a deep understanding of community engagement, empathy, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural collaboration. This initiative encourages students to connect with the community while addressing real-life challenges. Additionally, the PGDM curriculum includes a two-month Internship cum Project, where students work under the mentorship of faculty members or industry professionals. This internship offers hands-on exposure to business practices, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios. It is tailored to sharpen their analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities, preparing them for leadership roles in the dynamic business environment.

Careers360:Can you please share details if there is any collaboration with universities abroad?

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: Since 2000, SCMS Group of Educational Institutions has forged numerous academic collaborations through Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with prestigious universities worldwide. These partnerships focus on knowledge sharing, research initiatives, curriculum development, faculty exchange, and student exchange programmes. SCMS has established academic tie-ups with 28 universities globally, with the latest addition being an MoU with Northern Kentucky University (NKU), USA. This partnership allows students from SCMS Cochin School of Business to directly enroll in the second year of the Master of Business Administration programme at NKU’s Haile College of Business. NKU, a rapidly growing metropolitan university, is renowned for its high-quality education and affordable tuition, making it a prime choice for students seeking global academic exposure.

Careers360: Please share placement statistics with information on the average package, highest and lowest package, number of students placed, and details of companies that have recruited.

Dr. Radha Thevannoor: All eligible candidates graduating from the PGDM programme at SCMS are successfully placed through the campus recruitment process. The dedicated placement cell at SCMS plays an active role in preparing students for this transition, offering comprehensive training, grooming, and mentoring. Before placement tests, group discussions, and interviews, students receive targeted support from a team of committed faculty. Each year, more than 60 leading corporate organizations visit the campus to recruit talent. For the 2023-24 academic year, the average salary package offered was Rs 8 LPA, with the highest package reaching Rs 16 LPA and the lowest at Rs 4.5 LPA. Renowned companies such as TCS, Wipro, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, ICICI Bank, HDFC AMC, Axis Mutual Fund, Asian paints, ITC, etc. are among the top recruiters at SCMS, reflecting the high demand for its graduates in the corporate world.

Disclaimer: This content was distributed by SCMS Cochin and has been published as part of Careers360’s marketing initiative.