Pearl Academy debates career prospects, trends via industry tie-ups

Retail leaders from Reliance Retail, Shoppers Stop, Levi Strauss among speakers

Pearl Academy of Fashion today organized ‘Retail Connect 2012’, a seminar which witnessed the participation of educationists like principals, deans & faculty members from leading colleges in and around Chennai, along with retail industry experts, who deliberated on the current trends in the fashion industry and the future placements opportunities. Mr S Balasubramaniam, Chairman, City Union Bank Ltd graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the event held at The Aruna Chennai Sterling Road.

With the changing dynamics of the fashion and retail industry in India, PAF has been constantly working towards making education more relevant for its students. The institute provides its students a strong network of global partners and industry associations. The seminar discussed important trends in retail industry. At around 13% contribution to the GDP and 9% employment of the national workforce, retailing is undoubtedly a strong pillar of the Indian economy and a sector offering huge opportunities. Indian retail industry is on verge of a revolution; hence, the requirement for more skilled manpower is on the rise.

Mr Ramalingam, Director, Pearl Academy of Fashion, Chennai, said, “We place special emphasis on our curriculum and associations to ensure that our students are industry-ready when they pass out from PAF to give them an edge in employability. Seminars like these are our way of further strengthening our industry connect, keeping up with various trends in industry and showcase the talent of our students.”

In line with the changing market scenario, the institute has also launched two new courses this year including Fashion Retail Management, in association with Shoppers Stop & IMM Ahmedabad and Fashion Merchandising.

The other key speakers present were Shri M Shantanu Ghosh, Shoppers Stop Ltd, , Mr Jayaprakash Gandhi, Career Consultant and Analyst, Shri Jatindra Mishra, , Reliance Retail Ltd, Shri G Natarajan, , Levi Strauss India, Prof Winfred Chelliah, Educational Consultant, Mr MG Dawood Mia Khan, Qaide Milleth College etc.