“Classroom gives you knowledge; skills give you a career.” With this powerful message, Mr. Bervin Antony Michael set the tone for the first Gleaning Session of the new academic year, titled From Classroom to Career: Building Skills Employers Want.
Currently serving as Senior Manager – HR Business Partner at R1 RCM, a US healthcare organization, Mr. Michael brings extensive experience in managing and mentoring over 3,000 professionals. Beyond his corporate role, he is also the Managing Trustee of the NGO Celebrating Life, which supports paediatric cancer patients through a dedicated home in Chrompet—an experience he shared has kept him grounded and empathetic.
Through engaging anecdotes and practical insights, he encouraged students to look beyond academics and actively pursue opportunities that foster personal and professional growth. He highlighted the importance of communication skills, emotional intelligence, internships, portfolio building, and lifelong learning. His “7 Steps to Build Your Skills” framework offered students a clear roadmap to career readiness, emphasizing early engagement in co-curricular activities, real-world experiences, online learning, and professional networking.
The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, where students eagerly discussed workplace challenges, employer expectations, and the realities of corporate life. As they prepare for higher education and future careers, students left with valuable insights into what employers truly seek and how they can begin building those skills today.
