"As Skills Diminish Faster, Lifelong Learning Becomes Non-Negotiable": XLRI's K S Casimir

In today's time, staying ahead of industry demands is critical for both management schools and graduates. In an insightful discussion with K.S. Casimir, Director of XLRI-Delhi NCR, he explores how XLRI is ensuring its curriculum aligns with industry needs, the rising demand for new-age skills and the role of lifelong learning in shaping future leaders. Casimir also shares his views on the evolving importance of internships and industry collaborations in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.

How can management schools ensure that its curriculum aligns with the skills in demand by industries today?

Management schools can ensure alignment by actively collaborating with industry leaders and professionals. This can include setting up advisory boards composed of industry experts who provide real-time feedback on emerging trends and skills. Schools can also conduct regular curriculum reviews, incorporating inputs from recruiters, alumni and industry reports. Integrating practical learning modules such as case studies, live projects and experiential learning programmes helps maintain relevance. Finally, introducing interdisciplinary courses that combine technology, data analytics and business management ensures that students are equipped with both traditional managerial skills and emerging technical proficiencies.

What are the most popular sectors for graduates in terms of placements and how have these trends shifted in recent years?

Traditionally, sectors like consulting, finance and FMCG have been popular among graduates. However, in recent years, there has been a noticeable shift towards tech-driven industries like e-commerce, fintech and digital marketing. With the rise of startups, entrepreneurship and innovation-driven roles have also become more attractive. Sustainability and ESG (environmental, social, governance) roles are gaining momentum as industries focus on green and responsible business practices. These shifts reflect the growing impact of technology and sustainability on business models across industries.

With technological disruption across sectors, what skills do you see becoming obsolete for fresh graduates and which ones are emerging as critical?

Routine, repetitive tasks such as basic data entry, manual calculations and outdated software handling are becoming obsolete due to automation and AI integration. On the other hand, skills in data analytics, AI, machine learning and digital transformation are becoming critical. Equally important are soft skills like adaptability, critical thinking and emotional intelligence, which help graduates navigate the changing business landscape. Graduates also need to be equipped with skills in sustainability management, ethical leadership and cross-functional team management to thrive in future industries.

How do you see the role of internships and industry collaborations evolving in shaping the future workforce? How does it help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry skills?

Internships and industry collaborations play a crucial role in preparing students for the real world. As industries rapidly evolve, internships provide students with hands-on experience, exposing them to real-world challenges, tools and technologies. Industry collaborations, in the form of projects, research or even guest lectures, offer insights that go beyond textbooks, helping students understand current market dynamics. These experiences enable students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, develop problem-solving skills and build professional networks. Moreover, such collaborations are becoming more integrated with academia, with companies co-designing courses to create a job-ready workforce.

What are your thoughts on lifelong learning and how do you encourage students to continue learning and upskilling beyond their time at XLRI?

Lifelong learning is essential in today’s fast-changing world. The half-life of skills is shortening due to technological advances and market changes, so it's important for professionals to continually update their knowledge. At XLRI, we instill a mindset of continuous learning by encouraging students to explore new fields, participate in workshops and engage in industry certifications. We also emphasise the importance of intellectual curiosity and adaptability in our curriculum. Alumni programmes, executive education and online learning platforms provide opportunities for graduates to stay connected and continuously upskill in areas relevant to their evolving career paths.