Current ISBM students endorse IIT as an institute with a difference

What is the difference between IIT and the myriad other institutions around the island professing to offer a similar degree? Speaking to a number of IIT students who are currently at various stages of study, the answer seems to be that IIT doesn’t just offer a degree but offers an experience that is far more valuable than anything that can be taught.

The Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) offers a BSc (Hons) Information Systems with Business Management Degree from University of Westminster UK. The course structure, level of teaching and level of expertise, study and discipline expected of IIT students is the very same as that of a student studying at the main University in UK.

However at IIT every single student is treated the same and encouraged to perform his or her best in every aspect. Overall achievement in extracurricular activities, religious and cultural activities, and sports are encouraged and expected. In this way students are sure to attain an all round development at the end of their study period.

The study program itself is a thoughtfully structured one allowing for maximum exposure and theoretical as well as practical understanding.   Anushya Bastianpillai was of the opinion that “the course modules are structured in a way that appeals to the student and the subject matter flows making it easier for us to grasp the subject better. A major part of the study is also based on practical knowledge and the use of Industry experts to lecture us enables us to understand and appreciate the difficulties ahead and how to apply the classroom study to real life situations.”

The development of soft skills is another aspect that IIT places great importance on. The encouragement to make presentations, the team work, etc. develops the IIT student in order that they may stand out in the corporate world at the end of their study period.

“The changing environment of the business world into an integrated and social environment requires the knowledge of a plethora of soft skills. The presentation skills, time management training and other leadership values instilled at IIT together with the other non study related activities provide a comprehensive learning environment for the student” said Shehara Gomez.

According to Arquib Ismail, “The blackboard system as it is known is a versatile instrument that allows the students to access modules, tutes, lecture notes, the online library, research material from anywhere in the world. It is essentially a sort of student web portal and it receives important notifications from the University of Westminster as well. It is our very own student specialised email and virtual study world. This is a highly useful tool when it comes to learning – especially for the part time students.”

The placement year which operated during the third year of study at IIT is a unique and highly acclaimed practice that has placed IIT at an advantage. This year sees the students placed at various multinational and local blue chip companies in which they intern for a year, learning the ground rules and observing the practical application of what they have been learning. Most times, the corporate bodies that engage these students during their placement year specifically request and offer employment for those students once their studies are done.

In this way IIT students are assured of a career following the completion of their studies. This is because corporate entities both in Sri Lanka and abroad have realised the difference in IIT students and have recognised the added value that these students bring to the table in the competitive professional field.