Bank on Banking

Deepak Lamba, President of Times Centre for Learning, talks about TimesPro’s banking course and how social media is impacting education

What is the hiring trend in the banking sector right now? How is it impacting fresh graduates?
The penetration of the banking industry is low (57% according to a report by Dun & Bradstreet in 2011). This shows the potential for the industry to grow. As the industry expands, so do the opportunities of employment. The banking sector has massive hiring requirements at the entry level. The IBPS data indicate that over 4,50,000 fresh graduates will be absorbed by the banking industry by 2016.

Tell us about TimesPro’s PGDBM course.
The TimesPro Post Graduate Diploma in Banking Management (PGDBM) is a 6-month programme offered to young graduates aspiring for a career in banking. The course is built on 15 modules which cover the topics required for a career in banking. Our students are also trained on Financle which powers leading banks in India. Several leading private sector banks participate in placements and offer profiles ranging from banking operations to customer service to our graduates. The highest package has been Rs. 3.75 lakhs. We are now expanding our courses to eight new cities across India.

Without a postgraduate qualification, how does one secure a job in banking?
For young graduates who are looking for entry level jobs in banking, a postgraduate degree is actually counterproductive. Today, the banking industry seeks day-1- hour-1-ready professionals which postgraduates (typically MBAs) are not skilled for. The content in an MBA is generic and not tailored to the requirement of the banking industry. Training on core banking software like Finacle or Flexcube is missing. The banks hence reinvest in training postgraduates.

How do you think the explosion of media outreach, specifically social media, would impact education in the country? 
Social media has provided a channel of communication and content discovery for students. The majority of our students interact with faculty on Facebook and Google Plus. We answer multiple prospective student queries across social media platforms.

Do you have any advice for the new generation trying to make a place for themselves?
Whether one is unemployed or simply looking to make a move, in a world where jobs are more competitive than ever, finding a job is a task. In spite of job openings in the banking industry, students don’t know how to get into banking, while banks find it hard to choose the right candidates. The new generation should take up the challenge and try to transform themselves into a ‘Trained Quality Professional’ to help them differentiate from the rest. Whatever one plans to do, just make up your mind to pursue a fruitful, long-term career.

Volume 3 Issue 12