In view of globalization of education and economy it has become imperative to reorient and reshape the various policies and programs to make the current Indian Higher Education System more relevant and career-oriented with a focus on quality and excellence. It is envisaged that professionally qualified graduates (undergraduates too) with a sound knowledge of their core disciplines and expertise in a concerned skill will have more openings in service, industry and self-employment sectors. Demand and scope for such professionally trained graduates are visible in the applied fields of almost all basic/core disciplines and faculties in the changing global scenario and is likely to increase in the future.

Keeping in view the above stated needs, three certificate courses at Vidyasgar University have been approved by the University Grants Commission (UGC). All these courses have been introduced F.Y. 2018-19. The three courses are as follows:

1. Certificate Course in Entrepreneurship Development

The Certificate Course in Entrepreneurship Development has been designed as an experiential learning activity that enables students to do research for new products/service, ideas, business plan with projected financial statements, resource planning and implementation. Students get familiar with the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs. The core course in Entrepreneurship Development equips students with skills and knowledge required to start and sustain their own business.

There are many routes to becoming an entrepreneur: Starting a New Business Concept, Buying Franchise, Buying an Existing Business, Starting a ‘Work at Home’ Business, and Becoming a Consultant.

2. Certificate Course in Beekeeping and Management

The Certificate Course in Beekeeping and Management has been designed to investigate scientifically the diversity of pollen and nectar sources for apicultural practices in natural forest ecosystems elucidating the potentiality of the available resources in honey and pollen industry in the study area and to develop strategies for management of bee colonies round the year for income generation. It will also assist to formulate guidelines for an appropriate technology development in honey production and utilization and preparation of a honey flora of the region by mapping honey rich forest zones.

It will also inculcate importance of Bee keeping and honey processing in relation to entrepreneurship development and to give a better knowledge to the students about various techniques of Bee keeping and honey processing and its marketing to make them self sustainable.

3. Certificate Course on Dietetics

Certificate course on Dietetics offers a short term job oriented training programme to generate skilled manpower as Dietitian. After the successful completion of the course, the students may start their carrier as Dietitian in different governmental organization and NGOs at small towns and rural sectors. They can also begin their carrier as Nutritional Counselor to develop awareness program in relation to health and nutrition in rural community. They may be absorbed as Dietitian in small scale sectors like rural hospitals, local nursing homes, health clubs, hotels, restaurants, etc. Overall they will get the opportunity of self employed as Dietitian in small towns and villages where they will be engaged in formulating diet for the general and sick people as per their requirements.

4. Certificate Course in Sales and Marketing

The Certificate Course in Sales and Marketing has been designed as an experiential learning activity that enables students to become expert in the domain of Sales and Marketing. Through this certificate course, students will acquire in-depth knowledge of digital marketing, consumer behaviour, business communication, computer fundamentals, and sales and marketing activities.
The core course in Sales and Marketing equips students with skills and knowledge required to start their career as sales and marketing executives, sales representative, and salesperson in various corporate houses or to apply their theoretical and practical knowledge to their own business or start-up.

5. Certificate Course in Mushroom Cultivation and Processing

The Certificate Course in Mushroom Cultivation and Processing has been designed to give a scientific idea about different mushroom cultivation process for commercial exploitation. Mushrooms are one of the most loved foods not only for its exotic taste but also for the benefits with which it comes. It can be consumed in various forms like fresh, pickled, dried, powdered, canned, etc. Its farming has picked up a fast pace among contemporary entrepreneurs owing to its nutritional and medicinal benefits and low-cost input with high output. Forest dominated Jungalmahal area near Vidyasagar University harbors different types of wild mushrooms. This course will help to exploit these natural resources also for the economic development of the people of the area.
Mushrooms are easy to cultivate, have quick growth and nil carbon emission and waste generation. The fungi are a good source of income generation for the growers and also provide additional benefits through its processing. Hence mushrooms hold a bright future in every aspect owing to its diverse properties. It will also inculcate the importance of mushroom cultivation in relation to entrepreneurship development and to give a better knowledge to the students about various techniques of Mushroom cultivation and Processing and its marketing to make them self-sustainable.

Syllabus

1. Certificate Course in Entrepreneurship Development
2. Certificate Course in Beekeeping and Management
3. Certificate Course on Dietetics
4. Certificate Course in Mushroom Cultivation and Processing
5. Certificate Course in Sales and Marketing

Student List

MoU

1. Ruby General Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal
2. South Asian Institute for Advanced Reasearch and Development (SAIARD), Kolkata, West Bengal
3. Laxmi Narayan Apiary, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
4. Krishna Foundation, Srikrishnapur, Barnan, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal
5. Enterprise Development Institute, Salt Lake, Kolkata, West Bengal

To download Model MoU (Draft MoU format) Click Here