Alumni Interactive Session Exploring Beyond the Newsroom: The Art of Feature Writing
Date: 04 March 2025
On March 4, 2025, the Department of English at Kristy Jayanti College Autonomous, Bengaluru, hosted an engaging alumni interaction session titled "Exploring Beyond the Newsroom: The Art of Feature Writing," featuring Ms. Fiona Vaz, a feature journalist from the Deccan Herald. Ms. Vaz introduced the concept of feature writing, emphasizing its storytelling nature and the depth it brings to journalism. She encouraged students to ask probing questions about the field, sharing her own job hunt experiences and discussing the diverse career opportunities available post-course. Reflecting on her time at St. Joseph's College, she compared the college environment to the professional world, highlighting the importance of credibility and fact-checking in feature writing. Ms. Vaz also discussed the relevance of understanding the target audience, using contemporary examples like AI, and the significance of proximity in writing. She advised aspiring journalists to read extensively and understand online publication dynamics, while also sharing insights from her exchange program experience, which enriched her understanding of local cultures and languages. The session concluded with a lively Q&A segment, where students eagerly inquired about career opportunities in journalism, leaving them inspired and informed about their future paths
Alumni Interactive Session: Expanding Pathways in Advocacy, Communication and Creative Fields
Date: 07 November 2024
On the 7th of November, Department of English, Kristu Jayanti College, had the pleasure of hosting an Alumni Interactive Session with Ms. Aaradhana Ashok, a distinguished graduate of BA JPENG 2017-20 Batch, who spoke on Expanding Pathways in Advocacy, communication and Creative Fields. She currently works in the field of environmental advocacy supported by Yuwwah-UNICEF and implemented by BBG. Aaradhana shared valuable career advice with students, offering insights from her own professional journey. Her expertise lies in supporting and promoting climate action initiatives. Aaradhana emphasized the importance of youth involvement in environmental issues, urging the students to be proactive in addressing climate change. Her session stood out for its fun, interactive, and informal style, creating an engaging atmosphere that encouraged open discussion and made her advice feel both practical and inspiring. She highlighted how young people have a unique power to drive change, especially in today’s fast-evolving climate landscape. Her passion for environmental advocacy was truly motivating, reminding all the student participants that even small steps can create a ripple effect. The session inspired students to think critically about how each one can contribute to climate action through career choices, community initiatives, or lifestyle adjustments.
Alumni Interactive Session on Mapping Your Future: Postgraduate Programmes and Career Paths Abroad
Date: 08 April 2024
The Department of English organised an Alumni Interactive Session on “Mapping Your Future: Postgraduate Programmes and Career Paths Abroad”. Mr. Christo Thomas Jacob, Doctoral Researcher, University College, Dublin, Ireland an alumnus of Kristu Jayanti was invited as the resource person for the interactive session. He opened the session by reflecting on his time in the institution and expressed gratitude. He was quick to appreciate the enthusiasm shown by students to learn about the foreign academic world. Why should I go Abroad? Was the question he presented before the audience as he opened his session. He answered the question by narrating his personal experiences which compiled his exposure to different academic and social cultures. Studying abroad was discussed in detail by addressing the academic process, Programmes available, authentic universities and ideal country. As the session was nearing its end, he gracefully suggested students choose France for Business and Germany for South Asian Studies. He also gave a spoiler alert that the 3year undergraduate programme is not accepted in every university. As he played the final ball, he insisted on the importance of scholarships to support the financial box. As the session was open to Question-and-Answer time, a student raised questions regarding the importance of publications for PhD and the importance of full-time and part-time.
Alumni Batch Interaction (BA 2014 – 2017, 2015-2018, 2016-2019 & 2017-202)
Date: 19 February 2024
The Department of English organized an alumni batch gathering of BA on 19 February 2024, Monday for the batches of BA 2014 – 2017, 2015-2018, 2016-2019 & 2017-2020. The alumni meet was conducted in A2 auditorium of Admin block. A total of 18 alumni members participated in the event. The alumni meet started at 11:00 AM to promote and encourage close relations between the college and its alumni. The alumni participants were welcomed by Mr. Jerrin Jose, UG Coordinator, Department of English. Sir highlighted the activities and growth of department over the years. Alumni members expressed their ideas and views about the department. The alumni members present shared their experiences and learnings from the Department. Alumni members agreed to be part of Alumni interactive sessions oragnised by the department where they can share their skills and learning outcomes to the current batch students.
The alumni meeting concluded with a refreshment and a campus tour for the alumni members. The event was a unforgettable experience for the Department and the alumni members.
Circulus Plena Session: 5
Date: 17 February 2025
The Department of English at Kristu Jayanti College organised a Meet Your Alumni programme, “Circulus Plena” on 17th February, 2025 for the II MA English Literature students. Ms. Nanda and Ms. Anysia, alumnae of the MA English Literature Batch 2022-24, served as resource persons for the session. Both are currently working as Assistant Professors at Christ College, Mysore. During the session, they shared their experiences as students in the department and reflected on their current roles as educators. They discussed the challenges of teaching and how their time in the department helped shape their teaching methodologies. They highlighted how their involvement in seminars, event organising, and the various opportunities provided by the department played a crucial role in their personal and professional development. These experiences not only helped them build confidence but also proved to be valuable in their career pursuits. In particular, they emphasised the importance of participating in placement drives organised by the college. They encouraged students to focus on the learning experience rather than solely on the salary package or other benefits. According to Ms. Nanda and Ms. Anysia, the placement drives offered valuable insights into the hiring processes of various firms, helping students understand the skills and requirements needed for different roles. They emphasised that these experiences, regardless of the outcomes, were vital in preparing them for the job market and shaped their career paths. Their advice was both motivational and practical, offering valuable guidance to current students as they look ahead to their own professional journeys.
Circulus Plena Meet Your Alumini Talk on Joy of Volunteering
Date: 03 November 2023
The Department of English organized an Alumini Meet, “Circulus Plena” on 3rd November from 10.00 am to 11.00 am at A1 Conference Hall at Kristu Jayanti College. The resource person for the event was Mr. Teddy Thomas, alumnus of Kristu Jayanti in the year 2023 as an English PG student. The speaker started with the importance of volunteering in a society that seldom gives time for others' needs. The speaker shared about his experiences as a volunteer at an old age home in JMM Jubilee Madiram, Kerala for the past six months. The speaker threw light on the conditions of the old age people and their sufferings. The various emotional and physical needs of the elderly were also discussed. The requirements to be a volunteer in old age homes were also emphasised by the speaker. The session drove home the idea of how volunteering in old age homes can serve a higher purpose in society. Mr. Teddy Thomas talked about bringing the joy of companionship to people who spend their days in old age homes and have no one to call family.
Meet Your Alumni Circulus Plena Session-2
Date: 17 October 2023
The second session of "Meet Your Alumni Circulus Plena" was conducted on October 17, 2023, by the Department of English. Ms. Riya, an alumna of MA English (2019-21), was the distinguished guest speaker for the event. Currently serving as a content writer at Gargash Insurance Services, Dubai, Ms. Riya shared valuable insights into her journey, transitioning from teaching to content writing. The session provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of content writing and the integration of AI tools. Ms. Riya's comprehensive overview included a discussion on the transformative impact of AI, with a particular mention of ChatGPT poised to revolutionize interactions, potentially rendering traditional platforms obsolete in the coming years. Overall, the event proved to be an enriching and forward-looking session, offering students a glimpse into the diverse career paths available to English graduates in the ever-evolving digital era.