THE POSTGRADUATE DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS
ST. MICHEALS COLLEGE CHERTHALA
Report on Orientation Program: ‘Insurance Practitioner’:
“Exploring Career Opportunities in the Insurance Sector”
 
Date: 13th August 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Venue: Fenicio Digital Seminar Hall
 
 
The PG Department of Economics, St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, successfully organized an orientation program on the add-on course titled ‘Insurance Practitioner’ with the theme “Exploring Career Opportunities in the Insurance Sector” on 13th August 2025. The event aimed to enlighten students about the scope and career potential in the insurance industry.
The session commenced with a prayer by Ms. Gowri & Anusree of II BA. Ms. Sarin Giji, Course Coordinator, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. M. A. Florence, Head of the Department of Economics, who highlighted the relevance of insurance in today’s economy and the need for professional training
The Keynote Address was given by Prof (Dr) Sindhu S. Nair, Principal of the college, who spoke about the college’s commitment to providing career-oriented programs. The highlight of the session was the Invited Talk by Mr. Rajesh Ramakrishnan, Senior Vice-President, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co. Ltd., who gave deep insights into the functioning and career prospects within the insurance sector.
A discussion session followed, during which students actively engaged with the resource person and asked relevant questions, reflecting their keen interest in the topic.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Vidhu Vinilkumar of I MA. The program successfully achieved its objective of spreading awareness and guiding students toward promising career opportunities in the insurance industry. A total of 118 students participated in the program, including 37 second-year B. Com students, 33 second-year B.A. Economics students, and 48 second-year BBA students. The session concluded by 12:30 p.m.

 

The Postgraduate Department of Economics, St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, successfully organized a two-day national workshop on Data Mining and Statistical Analysis with R. The workshop came out in flying colours from participants from various colleges in Kerala. It aimed to equip participants with essential knowledge on inferential and descriptive statistics for economics and statistical analysis using the R programming language.
Day 1: Inaugural Session and Introduction to Data Mining
The workshop commenced with an inaugural session, graced by the presence of esteemed dignitaries, including the Principal of St. Michael’s College, faculty members, and guest speaker Dr. P. Arunachalam, Fellow, Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla. Dr. Binil K.P., Teacher Coordinator of SMEAD delivered the welcome address followed by the presidential address by Dr. M.A Florence, HoD, Department of Economics. The keynote address was delivered by Principal, Prof. Dr. Sindhu S. Nair. Dr. P. Arunachalam inaugurated the gathering by highlighting the significance of data-driven decision-making in economics and research.
The first and second technical session was handled by Smt. Krithi M.R., Research Scholar, Department of Econometrics, University of Madras. She introduced participants to the fundamentals of data mining, covering key concepts such as data processing, data analysis, and career opportunities in data science field for economics students. The afternoon technical session provided hands-on training for the participants to familiarize themselves with R programming, focusing on data handling, visualization, and basic statistical functions.
Day 2: Descriptive & Inferential Statistics for Economics and its Application
The second day focused on advanced statistical techniques and real-world applications of data mining in economic research. Sessions included:

• Hypothesis testing and data analysis
• Time series analysis and forecasting models
• Clustering and classification techniques using R

Case studies demonstrating the use of R in economic data analysis

Participants engaged in practical exercises, where they applied theoretical knowledge to datasets, enhancing their analytical proficiency. The workshop concluded with an interactive Q&A session and a feedback session where participants shared their learning experiences.
The two-day workshop was highly successful in providing participants with a strong foundation in data mining and statistical analysis using R. The event fostered a deeper understanding of quantitative research methods and equipped attendees with valuable skills for academic and professional growth. The Postgraduate Department of Economics, St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, expressed gratitude to all resource persons, participants, and organizers for their efforts in making the workshop a fruitful learning experience during the valedictory function.
 

The Department of Economics, St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, as part of its Add-on Course: Insurance Practitioner, organized a special training session for the IRDAI Examination on 12th September 2025 (Friday). This program was conducted in collaboration
with Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Corporation Ltd. with the objective of equipping students with the necessary skills, knowledge, and guidance to appear for the IRDAI licensing examination, which is a crucial step for careers in the insurance sector.

The training session was designed not only to provide academic clarity on the IRDAI syllabus but also to offer practical industry insights, thereby bridging the gap between classroom learning and professional practice.

The session was hosted at the Bajaj office in Cherthala and was attended by 18 students enrolled in the Insurance Practitioner course. The program was facilitated by Mr. Joshy Kuriakose, Sales Manager, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Corp. Ltd., a professional with extensive industry experience who engaged students with practical examples and examination-focused strategies.

The training commenced at 2:30 PM and concluded at 4:30 PM. Over the course of two hours, Mr. Kuriakose covered the following key areas:

•  IRDAI Examination Syllabus – detailed discussion of important sections, topics, and concepts essential for success.
•  Exam Preparation Techniques – strategies to manage time, approach different types of questions, and focus on high-weightage topics.
•  Practical Industry Insights – connecting academic content to real-world practices in insurance marketing, policy structures, and customer management.
•  Exam Registration Guidance – step-by-step instructions on completing the registration process, avoiding common errors, and ensuring eligibility.

The interactive nature of the session allowed students to raise questions and receive clarifications directly from an industry professional, making the session highly participatory and effective.

Outcomes of the Session

The program proved to be extremely fruitful for the participants. The main outcomes included:

• Enhanced Knowledge Base: Students gained a deeper understanding of the IRDAI syllabus and examination structure.
•  Confidence Building: With detailed exam preparation tips and professional insights, students felt more confident about facing the IRDAI examination.
• Practical Awareness: The collaboration with Bajaj Allianz provided students with exposure to real-world insurance practices, which complemented their classroom learning.
•  Registration Clarity: Guidance on exam registration eliminated doubts and helped students understand the procedural requirements.
• Skill Development: The session contributed to the broader goals of the Insurance Practitioner course by building skills in professional readiness, industry knowledge,and regulatory awareness.

The Department looks forward to continuing such collaborations in the future to enrich student learning and ensure their professional competence in the dynamic field of insurance and financial services.

The Department of Economics at St. Michael's College, Cherthala, continues to focus on academic excellence, student development, and fostering a deeper understanding of economic principles through dynamic and engaging activities. This report highlights the department's key initiatives and accomplishments in 2024, which underscore its commitment to student enrichment and academic progress. The department places a strong emphasis on both theoretical learning and practical exposure. In 2024, we continued to refine our teaching methods and engage students through various academic initiatives.
List of activities conducted by the Department of Economics in 2024:

• Date: 08-11-2024​
• Chief Guest: Dr. Mothi George (Registrar, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady)

The inauguration of the Economics Association marked the start of various academic and extracurricular activities for the year 2024. It was a momentous occasion for the department. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from the students. The inaugural ceremony started with a prayer song followed by welcome speech by Lt. Abin Albert and Presidential Address by Dr. Florence M.A., Head of the Department. The chief guest of the event, Dr. Mothi George's delivered the inaugural address which was deeply inspiring, encouraging the students to explore economics beyond textbooks and recognize its practical implications in everyday life. He also highlighted the importance of critical thinking, innovation, and analytical skills in the field of economics, urging the students to think beyond conventional boundaries.

The department also honoured achievements by its faculty and students. The mementos were handed over by Fr. Dr. Celestine Puthenpurackal. The event provided an excellent platform for students to interact, share ideas, and engage in discussions, setting a positive tone for the activities to follow under the association.

• Date: 08-11-2024

 
The Interdepartmental Quiz Competition proved to be an exciting and competitive event, bringing together teams of two students from various departments. Participants tested their knowledge in diverse areas, including economic theories, global trends, and historical events. The event was structured into multiple rounds, with each team competing against others in a display of intellectual agility. Beyond the thrill of competition, the quiz fostered cross-departmental collaboration, encouraging students from different fields to come together and share their knowledge. It also nurtured a spirit of healthy competition, making it a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.

• Date: 04-11-2024

 

• Resource Person: Manoj T. Neelakantan (Industry Expert)

 
The department organized an insightful talk on the topic "Overview of Securities Market and Career Growth" in collaboration with BIAP Mumbai and Apex Academy, Kochi. The session, led by Sri Manoj T. Neelakantan, a BFSI Sector Skills Trainer and certified trainer of SEBI, provided valuable knowledge on the securities market. Sri Neelakantan shared practical insights into stock trading, market dynamics, and the various career opportunities within the finance and capital markets. The session was highly informative, equipping students with essential skills and know-how about trading and the broader financial sector, empowering them to explore future career growth in this dynamic field.

• Date: 02-12-2024

 

• Resource Person: Sri. Dominic A.V.

 
A thought-provoking session was organized, focusing on career opportunities for social science graduates and postgraduate students of the department. The talk highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary skills and emphasized various career pathways in fields such as research, policy-making, and public service. The speaker provided valuable insights on how to shape a successful career in social science, stressing the importance of combining academic knowledge with practical skills. The session was both enlightening and beneficial, leaving students with a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available and how to navigate their career journeys in the social sciences.

• Date: 02-12-2024

 
A paper presentation competition was held for both graduate and postgraduate students from the department, where participants presented their research on a range of economic issues. The competition encouraged students to explore innovative research ideas and provided a platform for them to showcase their analytical and critical thinking skills. It also offered an opportunity to hone their presentation and communication abilities, essential for academic and professional growth. The event played a pivotal role in fostering intellectual engagement and enhancing students' overall academic development, while also promoting a spirit of healthy competition.

The Department of Economics at St. Michael’s College, Cherthala, has had a successful year in 2024, marked by academic excellence, increased student engagement, and active involvement of eminent resource persons. The activities reflect the department's dedication to providing both academic enrichment and career guidance to its students. The department continues to be committed to fostering student development and academic enrichment through its various activities, preparing students for future challenges and opportunities in the field of economics.