Vol : 1 Edtion : 1December 2008

VOICE : MSIT-shaping young minds!!

Business imperatives and dynamics in a world-wide context, propelledin technologically effervescent environment, elude organization’s search for that all-fit”ideal” talent. A talent pool that’s technologically competent, communication and networksavvy,attitudinally positive, socially and culturally understanding, and capable of deliveringresults anytime, anywhere is what business demands today.Master of Science in Information Technology, MSIT, an interdisciplinary post graduate programin collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburg took its inception in the year2001.A brain child of Dr.Raj Reddy, the programme aims at transforming ingenuous entrantsinto nimble professionals equipped with necessary technical skills and business acumenrequired to succeed in constantly changing digital world. Initially MSIT was launched invarious learning centers located at IIIT, Gachibowli, SIT- JNTU, Hyderabad, College ofEngineering, Osmania University and NIT, Warangal.MSIT has been a trendsetter in addressing the needs of IT professionals by continuouslyaligning the focus of its course structure with the changing realities. Since its inception, thecourse has always been at the vanguard of the evolution and advancement of Informationtechnology education and research, offering expertise to industry in alignment with theirtalent requirement. Its special features standing out to be its pedagogy, personalizedmentoring, project centric curriculum and soft skills training.Equipped with excellent infrastructure, the programme took off with a good number ofstudents, close to 140. Initially a one year diploma course offer too was rolled out to the2001 students and the first batch had a combination of both the MSIT and PG diplomastudents. As it happens with every other course during its nascent stages, MSIT tooexperienced a few initial hiccups with self paced learning extending into a longer learningpath that the students took to. The programme plugged the loopholes and developed a strongevaluation system. A gamut of soft skills courses with an objective to enrich the people skillsof the students are designed to be offered by corporate trainers along with continuoussessions to improve students’ LSRW skills by internal trainers.2002 and 2003 witnessed majority of students taking to Bio-informatics specialization offeredat IIIT learning centre. SE and E-Commerce specializations were also offered alongside. Soonafter the development of course websites in the year 2004, there was a complete learning bydoing methodology adopted successfully and the students embraced the project centricapproach with dexterity. MSIT started offering Language technologies and networkingspecializations too from 2005.Consistent and meticulous up gradation of course material enabled structuring the coursecurricula with a healthy blend of theoretical aspects and practical nuances. Alongside this,concept tests are designed in a way that would help in building up the foundations ofeach course offered. Programming contests are also held in order to enhance programmingskills and foster a spirit of healthy competition.A consistent placement record until 2006 proves the efficacy of the programme incontributing expertise to the industry. Multi dimensional responsibilities of a faculty at MSIT,as a mentor, counselor and a trainer make the role complete and helps shaping up thestudents into all rounded professionals by invoking their dormant capabilities. Students enjoythe journey from the college to corporate with all gusto.’MSIT News@6', where students read out the daily updates everyday at both the learningcenters, helps them stay well informed. ‘MSIT Journeys’ conducted at IIIT Learning centerserves as a platform of learning from the speaker’s experiences. ‘MSIT classiques’, skits

enacted by students strengthen the concept of theater based learning in soft skills. An annualcultural festival, ‘MSIT Spree’ has got added to the program’s calendar and the studentsacross the learning centers take up the additional responsibility of organizing the events overand above the already grueling academic schedule. Spree has evolved as a celebration andchange to let one’s creativity, talent and enthusiasm loose. A fusion of sports, literary events,dramatics, choreographed dances and musicals serve as a respite to MSITians.Picking up hands on experience on projects along their way, constantly conditioningthemselves to handle project deadline pressures, quickly putting newly gained skillsinto action, students at MSIT look beyond traditional models; looking instead to non-traditional, path-breaking solutions. We look forward to enhancing our research capabilitiesby working on research projects, conducting tech-symposiums where students get toshowcase their potential and present papers.Around 450 students have graduated from this program hitherto and 80% of the alumni havebuilt their career in the IT domain. ‘The program equips its graduates to navigate presentand future business landscapes with agility’ says an alumni student who’s working with Nokia,R&D wing.Padmaja NaraharisettyPrincipal MentorSoft Skills, MSIT.

WonderWhy?

Leaders declare hostility,Yet it’s the soldiers who go to war,The bigger the crime and thecriminal,The smaller the reach of the law. A politician lives in luxury, While the people he represents live in woe, A child gets the father’s name, Though the presence of the mother is much more. A reckless act by one, Yet some other pays the price, A child is told to speak the truth, By adults who tell lies.Role models are posters, And pop stars have many a fan, Yet very few admirers, Of thecommon man.Success is measured in money, And in holding positions high, And for all the injustice taking place, One can only wonder why.