The Career Fest 2025, organized by the Counselling Unit was a vibrant and impactful event held on 19th and 20th September 2025 in the college auditorium. Specially designed for students of Grades XI and XII, the fest aimed at guiding and motivating young learners to make informed career decisions. Through expert talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, the festival successfully opened doors to diverse career options across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams, while also helping students reflect on personal values, adaptability, and future readiness. It was a truly special gathering as we also celebrate 30 glorious years of our Junior College.
Objectives of the Fest
- To inform students about diverse career paths and opportunities.
- To connect students directly with experienced professionals from multiple industries.
- To foster discussions on future-readiness, equipping students with the right mindset, skills, and adaptability.
Introduction
Choosing a career is perhaps one of the most crucial turning points in the life of a student—and often, their families. Decisions made during the 11th and 12th grades can determine one’s academic pursuits, professional direction, and long-term satisfaction. With this vision, Career Fest 2025 was curated to give students first-hand exposure to career opportunities, evolving trends, and industry insights while encouraging them to discover their own passions and “north star.”
The event commenced with a keynote address by Mr. Ashwin Shastri, Jt. Secretary, Kannada Sangha on Ethics and Values in a Competitive World. This set the perfect tone by reminding students that professional success must always be rooted in integrity. Following this, Mr. Manoj Khaladkar (Trainer, Bosch Industry Academia Collaboration Coordinator, experience in the field of campus placements, employability training and faculty development; Motivational speaker and a blogger; writer) inspired students with his session on Finding Your North Star and the Ikigai of a Successful Career, urging them to align passions with purpose. Dr. Aditya Abhyankar (Dean Faculty of Technology and Professor in Dept of Technology, SPPU) captivated the audience with his thought-provoking talk on Opportunities in the Era of Generative AI, pushing students to adapt to the technological transformations shaping the workplace.
Listening to these esteemed speakers was nothing short of a treat for both the mind and spirit.
Panel Discussion – “Future-Ready: Mindset, Skills & Opportunities”
One of the most engaging segments of the fest was the panel discussion, which provided students with critical perspectives on future work trends, mindset, presence of AI, and shifting opportunities.
The panel featured eminent personalities:
- Mr. Vivek Savant, Chief Mentor, Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL)
- Dr. Bhooshan Shukla, Adolescent Psychiatrist and a parenting coach with over 25 years of experience
- Mr. Sameer Gokhale, an admirer of change advocacy, a multifaceted professional and a founding member of Jampot Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Together, they emphasized the importance of resilience, generating ideas and creativity, adaptability, and transformation, encouraging students to plan ahead while staying open to change. Students left with a deeper understanding that the future belongs not only to the skilled but also to the flexible and ethical.
Sessions on Skill based and Offbeat Careers:
Another highlight of a 2 Day fest was the interactive session on Skill-Based Education by Mr. Vivek Velankar, a renowned career counsellor, author, and motivational speaker. He shifted the focus from traditional academic paths to the importance of practical competencies, flexibility, and lifelong learning, urging students to embrace change with curiosity and confidence.
Adding an exciting twist, Mr. Anish Sahasrabuddhe delivered a powerful talk on Designing Your Own Career: Why 9–5 is Not the Only Path. His session, which earned a standing ovation, encouraged students to take charge of their own career journeys, underscoring the timeless values of honesty, integrity, and ethics. His message resonated deeply with the theme of the fest—tying back to the keynote on ethics and completing the circle beautifully.
Participation and Attendance
The enthusiasm was overwhelming, with over 500 students from both grades actively participating. The auditorium buzzed with energy, and students even filled the aisles to be part of the sessions. Their eagerness to interact directly with experts reflected the success of the initiative and the need for such platforms.
Impact and Feedback
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciated the practical knowledge, exposure, and the chance to clarify doubts with professionals. They found the sessions motivating, insightful, and future-oriented.
Parents also commended the efforts of the college, particularly praising how the event combined professional guidance with the core values of ethics and integrity. Indeed, what began with a keynote on values culminated with a rousing session by Mr. Anish on the same—making Career Fest not just an exploration of careers, but also of character and responsibility.
Conclusion
Career Fest 2025 was a resounding success, leaving students inspired, better informed, and future-ready. By blending expert knowledge with value-driven discussions, the fest truly empowered young learners to navigate their paths with clarity, courage, and conscience.
