Wipro partners VIT to train graduates in analytics space

Country's third largest software services firm Wipro has partnered with Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) to train graduates hired this year in analytics as it looks to expand its offering in the arena.
The Bangalore-based firm has launched a 'WiSTA - Data Scientist' programme in India, an integrated post graduate program in Analytics for the 2014 batch of engineering and Science graduates hired by Wipro as full-time employees, Wipro said in a statement.
VIT will conduct the programme and award the Master of Technology and Master of Science degrees in analytics.
"The WiSTA - Data Scientist program is an initiative aimed at creating an industry ready cadre of data scientists within Wipro in the information management and analytics space. These data scientists will work with Wipro's customers in the US and in various other international locations," Wipro said.

Highlighting the increasing significance of analytics, Wipro said rising digital economy, data explosion and changing face of competition has made it "imperative" that firms use analytical insights to make informed business decisions.
According to industry estimates, organisations in the US alone face a shortage of 140,000 to 190,000 employees with deep analytical skills.

The US also requires 1.5 million managers and analysts who can analyse big data and make decisions based on the findings, it said.
"We believe investing in creating the frameworks to nurture the resources of the future will be in the best interests of our clients and the industries we operate in. It is an exciting program," Wipro Senior Vice President and Global Head (Advanced Technologies & Solutions) Jeff Heenan-Jalil said.

The course, taught over weekends at Wipro's corporate headquarters, comprises of various modules on analytics and is a two-year programme for the engineering graduates and a four year program for the Science graduates.
The course content has been jointly created by Wipro and VIT and also includes modules prescribed and taught by professors from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and University of Michigan.
Along with a Masters' degree from VIT on completion of this course, the graduates will also receive programme completion certificates from MIT and the University of Michigan for the modules covered by them.
"The programme is designed to train fresh graduate employees in analytics, business processes, communication skills and relevant technologies, to help them become industry ready and chart out a career in the Data Analytics space," Wipro Global Head (Campus Hiring) Rajeev Kumar said.