Daniel Coleman, psychologist opines that a combination of competencies that contribute to a person's ability to manage his or herself and relate to other people-matters twice as much as IQ or technical skills in job success. In a rapidly changing work environment which is technology driven and customer oriented in an information based economy, the reliance on soft skills is more relevant than ever. These skills complement the hard skills and help unlock the potential of a professional and in enhancing his performance. In tune with this understanding, MSIT reinforces this concept through different ways. Soft skills course constitutes 15% weightage of the MSIT curriculum unlike any other conventional course. The training is spread throughout the year and not just limited to a few days towards the end of the program. In-house training to develop LSRW (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) skills, life skills training by corporate professionals and rich digital content (e-modules) represent the threefold approach adopted by MSIT.

In-house training is provided by mentors on board and continuous assessment is done through the weekly presentations and writing assignments in order to enhance speaking skills and writing skills. Listening assignments and reading assignments are given to the students to improve their listening skills and comprehension capabilities. Also on the platter are Group Discussions and Debates that are conducted to assess and critically evaluate a student’s group dynamics as well as convincing cum negotiation skills. These are conducted by a mediator/facilitator, a Softskills mentor who evaluates and critically analyses them and gives feedback while also providing tips for self-improvement.

MSIT has signed an MOU with a corporate training company, CNK Management Ltd to offer training in all personality development related concepts and career management concepts. Corporate trainers from CNK Mgmt Ltd train the students in a feedback oriented activity centric fashion which enables the students to realize their shortcomings, improve their skills and master them. The workshops conducted by CNK resemble the Management Develop Programs in the industry and measure up to high standards both in terms of delivery and results. They integrate real time learning with simulation and enhance the learning potential of the student by role-plays and other activities. Topics like Business Etiquette, Team Building Skills, Business Communication, Problem-solving, Stress Management, Cross-Cultural Issues, Time-Management and Conflict Management are some of the topics offered so that students have a healthy work life balance.

To enhance the learning process in soft skills, e-module reading is provided to the students. 24X7 Learning P Ltd supplies the e-module content in collaboration with Skill Soft, an USA based E-learning Organization. Excellent digital content with audio visual facilities aid the students in obtaining insight into the concepts being stressed in the workshops.

“Variety is the spice of life” and so does MSIT indulge in it once a while. Also played are lectures by eminent speakers on life skills, motivational videos, to enable the students to face life boldly. Role-plays based on motivational books are enacted by students giving way to another innovative way of inducing soft skills training which is known as “Theatre Based Soft skills training”. A Softskills newsletter called “MSIT Voice” is also present to aid the students to contribute their thoughts at leisure which in turn becomes a learning experience for many. “MSIT Journeys” is an initiative wherein experienced professionals make presentations before the students to aid them in their journey called “life”. Many top management gurus and IT professionals from the industry and academia have been more than willing to narrate their success strategy to the students during the speaker series sessions.

A comprehensive and complete soft skills training offered at MSIT aims at providing the students with a wide range of abilities to ensure success of the students once they migrate to workplace. It turns them into effective solution providers rather than a problem provider.