VISA Meet - 12th Edition | A Report

Minutes of the Session 

VISA Edition no. 12 - 05/03/2025 

Dr. Jaywant Michael

[Transcript by Mr. Abraham, Intern, Office of the Dean IP, MCC]

The session was started by Ms. Zibiah Merin Kuriakose, Global Student Ambassador and Intern, I M.A. English (Aided) and the college prayer was read by Mr. Sabarinathan M, Global Student Ambassador and Intern, III BBA (SFS).

Then, Dr. Samuel Rufus, Dean of International Programmes offered the welcome address and formally introduced Dr. Jaywant Michael who is our alumnus and had completed his B.A. Economics from Madras Christian College.

He was also a resident of the Selaiyur Hall. He has completed his MBA with Indiana University, USA. He has worked in India, the US, Canada, the UAE and Qatar in a range of industries including banking, pharmaceuticals and education; and has over three decades of professional experience in leadership, training and higher education.

Since 1997 Dr. Jaywant has been involved in equipping bankers and potential bankers in the UAE and Qatar, for the banking industry. He is now currently working as a senior lecturer in the field of banking and technology at University of Doha for Science and Technology, Qatar (UDST).

Dr. Jaywant’s talk was focussed on his journey from MCC to the world. He began his talk by taking us through his unexpected academic journey, particularly his schooling, which had started in a girls school and finally came to an end at the Kendriya Vidyalaya. He described himself to be from a hinglish background and he was a bookworm and also an introvert at this point.

Dr. Jaywant spoke about his transformation which was rendered by MCC and Selaiyur Hall. He witnessed a 360 degree transformation and described such a transformation to be a depressing experience for many. Then, he talked about the people who were an essential part aiding in his path of transformation - his professors, wardens, classmates and hallmates.

Then, Dr. Jaywant spoke about,

Why Higher Studies? - In which he described the four main reasons to consider higher studies which are personal growth, research contributions, to increase market value and career advancement.

Where Do I Study? - The factors which he considered for his higher studies based upon the need either for the full-time/ part-time programme, bachelor/ married and the financial need.

Why Study Overseas? - By giving us the following reasons to consider studying abroad,

(i) Leaving India is Higher Education - Immersive global experience.

(ii) Access to Premium Resources more affordable - World class labs, libraries, research facilities.

(iii) New Learning Paradigms & Approaches - Different teaching styles, critical thinking emphasis.

(iv) Larger Pool of Quality Education Opportunities - Access to top global institutions.

Dr. Jaywant talked about how he got his scholarship and presented to us his little-known scholarship secret where he described how one should approach the institution directly for getting a scholarship.

Finally, Dr. Jaywant thanked Prof. Arun Kumar Joseph (Associate Dean IP), Dr. Samuel Rufus (Dean IP) and Dr. Paul Wilson (Principal and Secretary) for giving him this wonderful opportunity.

The talk was followed by a Q and A session and was concluded by the vote of thanks given by Ms. Zibiah Merin Kuriakose,Global Student Ambassador and Intern, I M.A. English (Aided).