The two-day CII IWN Campus Catalyst program, organized by Paavai Engineering College (Autonomous) on 19th and 20th September 2025, was a highly enriching and engaging event aimed at empowering students through a series of insightful and skill-enhancing sessions. The inaugural session featured prominent speakers including Shri CA N.V. Natarajan, Chairman of Paavai Institutions, who delivered the welcome address and emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between academia and industry through continuous skill development. Ms. Saelvizhi Balaji, Convener of CII-IWN Salem, highlighted the vision and initiatives of IWN in supporting women and youth in professional growth, while Ms. Uma Veeramani shed light on the impact of mentorship and the need for structured guidance in early career stages.
The first technical session, led by Mr. Vijay Sheshadri, focused on Personality Traits and Attitude Skills, where students actively participated in exercises aimed at self-awareness, building emotional intelligence, and cultivating a growth mind-set, all essential for long-term career success. This was followed by a critical session on POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), delivered by Mr. Harishankar Ethiraj of Lexposh, who educated participants on the legal framework, workplace rights, and the importance of fostering a culture of safety and mutual respect in professional settings. The interactive nature of this session helped students gain clarity on how organizations implement POSH policies and the role individuals play in upholding workplace ethics.
Day two commenced with an engaging session on Goal Setting, led by Ms. Mahalakshmi from Renault Nissan Technology & Business India. She introduced students to the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) and encouraged them to translate their ambitions into actionable plans. She also stressed the importance of adaptability and consistency in the face of evolving career landscapes. Following this, Ms. Rajeswari Natarajan, HR Head at Nippon Paint, conducted a dynamic workshop on Resume Building and Acing Interviews. She provided real-time examples of effective resumes, dos and don’ts for fresh graduates, and simulated interview scenarios to prepare students for real-world hiring processes.
The afternoon sessions began with Financial Wellness, conducted by Ms. Ratandeep of Consulting & Beyond, who demystified the concepts of budgeting, saving, investment planning, and debt management. She emphasized the importance of financial literacy early in one’s career to ensure long-term stability and independence. The final session on Personal Branding, presented by Ms. Vidhya Prabhu, inspired students to proactively craft their personal and professional image. She discussed the value of authenticity, the power of networking, and how digital platforms like LinkedIn can be used strategically to build visibility in one’s field of interest.
Each session was thoughtfully designed to address key aspects of holistic development, blending technical knowledge with soft skills, workplace awareness, and self-leadership. The program concluded on a successful and inspiring note, with active participation, vibrant discussions, and valuable takeaways that will empower students to navigate their academic and career journeys with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
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