Title of the Event: Alumni Talk
Theme:“The Analytical Advantage: Why Data Forwardness Outlasts AI Hype”
Date: 22 September 2026
Time: 10:00 AM onwards
Venue: Block–2 Auditorium
Organized by: Department of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
Speaker: Ms. SonikaNautiyal, Product Analyst, Nutrabay, Delhi
- Introduction
The Department of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, Dr. Akhilesh Das Gupta Institute of Professional Studies, organized an Alumni Talk on 22 September 2026 at the Block–2 Auditorium. The session was organized with the objective of providing students with practical insights into career development, industry expectations, professional growth, and the importance of continuously upgrading technical and analytical skills.
The session featured Ms. SonikaNautiyal, Product Analyst at Nutrabay, Delhi, as the invited alumni speaker. Through her academic and professional journey, she interacted with students and shared valuable perspectives on developing a successful career in the rapidly evolving fields of technology, data, analytics, and artificial intelligence.
- Objectives of the Event
The primary objectives of the Alumni Talk were:
- To provide students with practical exposure to the professional world and current industry requirements.
- To motivate students to focus on continuous learning and skill development.
- To help students understand the importance of analytical thinking and data-driven decision-making.
- To create awareness about career opportunities in data analytics, product management, artificial intelligence, and related domains.
- To encourage students to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry-oriented skills.
- To guide students regarding professional growth, career planning, and preparation for future employment opportunities.
- To emphasize the importance of adapting to technological changes rather than following short-term technology trends.
- Proceedings of the Session
The Alumni Talk commenced with an introduction to the speaker and the purpose of organizing the session. Students were introduced to the professional journey of Ms. SonikaNautiyal, who currently works as a Product Analyst at Nutrabay, Delhi.
The speaker discussed the changing nature of the technology industry and highlighted the growing importance of data, analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and business understanding. She explained that students should not focus only on emerging technologies or trends but should also develop strong fundamental skills that remain relevant across different technologies and job roles.
The session particularly focused on the theme “The Analytical Advantage: Why Data Forwardness Outlasts AI Hype.” The speaker encouraged students to understand how data can support meaningful decision-making and how analytical capabilities can provide long-term professional value.
- Key Points Discussed
During the interaction, the students were encouraged to focus on the following aspects of professional growth:
- Importance of Analytical Thinking
Students were encouraged to develop the ability to analyze problems systematically, interpret information, identify patterns, and arrive at logical conclusions. Analytical thinking was presented as an important skill for students pursuing careers in AI, Data Science, Analytics, and related fields.
- Focus on Fundamentals
The speaker emphasized that students should develop strong fundamental knowledge instead of relying exclusively on rapidly changing technology trends. A clear understanding of programming, databases, statistics, data analysis, problem-solving, and domain knowledge can provide a strong foundation for professional growth.
- Continuous Skill Development
Students were encouraged to adopt a habit of continuous learning. As technology evolves rapidly, professionals need to regularly upgrade their knowledge and learn new tools, technologies, and methodologies relevant to their career goals.
- Industry-Oriented Learning
The session highlighted the importance of connecting classroom learning with practical applications. Students were encouraged to work on projects, analyze real-world problems, participate in internships, and gain hands-on experience to improve their understanding of industry practices.
- Career Planning
The speaker discussed the importance of having a clear career direction and gradually developing the skills required for the desired role. Students were encouraged to identify their areas of interest and build relevant technical and professional competencies accordingly.
- Effective Use of Artificial Intelligence
The discussion also addressed the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence in professional environments. Students were encouraged to understand AI as a tool that can support productivity and decision-making while maintaining strong analytical, domain, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Professional and Soft Skills
The session also highlighted the importance of communication, teamwork, adaptability, confidence, presentation skills, and professional behaviour. Students were encouraged to develop these skills alongside their technical knowledge.
- Interaction with Students
An interactive discussion was conducted during the session, allowing students to engage with the speaker and gain insights into industry expectations and professional development.
The students showed interest in understanding the transition from academic life to professional life and the skills required to become industry-ready. The interaction provided students with an opportunity to learn from an alumni professional’s experience and understand the practical challenges and opportunities associated with technology-oriented careers.
The session encouraged students to think beyond academic grades and focus on knowledge, practical skills, projects, continuous learning, analytical ability, and professional development.
- Learning Outcomes
The Alumni Talk provided students with several important takeaways:
- Students gained a better understanding of the importance of analytical and data-driven thinking.
- They became aware of the need for continuous skill enhancement in the technology sector.
- Students understood the importance of practical projects and industry-oriented learning.
- The session encouraged students to develop strong technical fundamentals.
- Students received guidance regarding career planning and professional growth.
- The interaction helped students understand the relevance of AI and data analytics in contemporary professional environments.
- Students were motivated to improve their communication, problem-solving, and professional skills.
- The session encouraged students to make informed choices about their future career development.
- Conclusion
The Alumni Talk organized by the Department of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science was a valuable academic and professional development initiative. The interaction with Ms. SonikaNautiyal, Product Analyst at Nutrabay, Delhi, provided students with practical insights into the expectations of the professional world and the skills required for sustainable career growth.
The session successfully emphasized that professional success requires more than knowledge of emerging technologies. Strong fundamentals, analytical thinking, practical exposure, continuous learning, adaptability, and effective communication are equally important for building a successful career.
The Alumni Talk served as an encouraging platform for students to learn from the experiences of an alumnus and to reflect on their own academic and professional goals. The Department looks forward to organizing similar alumni interactions and industry-oriented sessions in the future to strengthen the connection between academic learning and professional development.
