Swapnali Prakash Jadhav - Visionary Professional in Skill Development and Education Management

 

Swapnali Prakash Jadhav, Assistant Director, D.Y. Patil University Center for Skill Development
 

Could you introduce yourself to our audience?

Absolutely! I’m Swapnali Prakash Jadhav, the Assistant Director at the Dr. D.Y. Patil University Center for Skill Development in Pune. Inspired by the transformative initiatives led by NSDC and regulatory bodies like UGC, AICTE, and NCTE, my mission revolves around integrating skill education with academia. I believe in the philosophy that in today's world, skills are your passport to prosperity—not land or capital.
 

Could you tell us about your educational background and areas of expertise?

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma in Management, specializing in Insurance and Risk Management, and an MBA in Materials Management from the Department of Management Studies, North Maharashtra University. Currently, I am pursuing a Ph.D. at Savitribai Phule Pune University while continuously expanding my skills through advanced certifications. I am a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, certified by International Management Consultancy, and CPD certified by UK bodies. My expertise spans skill development, certification programs, education management, and business strategy management, enabling me to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry demands.
 

Could you outline your professional journey, highlighting the key milestones?

I started my career with a focus on continuous updating with reference to professional certifications, which quickly evolved into leadership roles at various organisations like Reliance, HDFC, and Kotak, and am currently heading the Dr. D. Y. Patil University Center for Skill Development as Assistant Director. Key milestones include leading multi-departmental skill enhancement initiatives, acting as a panellist at events like the APAC 4th National Skill Conclave, and driving skill development programs aligned with UGC standards. My journey reflects an unwavering commitment to helping professionals align their academic credentials with market needs.
 

What inspired you to embark on a career in professional certification development and program management?

My inspiration stems from the need for quality education that’s aligned with industry. The landscape of education is shifting skills are becoming the currency of success, fuelled by visionary frameworks from NSDC and global standards like UGC. Witnessing the gap between academic theory and practical skills made me determined to create a system where education meets industry and professionals are equipped for the evolving market.
 

Could you share your roles and responsibilities as the Assistant Director at Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth - Centre for Skill Development?

In my role as Assistant Director, I spearhead the development of certification programs, collaborate with industry partners to ensure relevance, and lead upskilling and reskilling initiatives across departments. I am also involved in aligning our courses with regulatory frameworks like UGC, NSDC, and relevant Sector Skill Councils, NSQF, to ensure they meet academic standards while remaining industry-focused. A large part of my responsibility is to shape the future of skill education through innovative course design and stakeholder collaboration.

 
Could you highlight some of the significant achievements, awards, and certifications you have received throughout your career?

Throughout my career, I’ve been a Board of Studies member of Operations Management - BBA & MBA BOS -Board of Studies for prestigious business management schools in Pune and around for my contributions to skill education and program development. Being a panellist at the APAC Skill Conclave was a defining moment, alongside leading successful cross-disciplinary certification programs at Dr. D.Y. Patil University. These certifications will equip the professionals with the tools they need to succeed in an ever-evolving industry landscape.
 

What advice would you give to professionals looking to excel in developing UGC-aligned certification programs, particularly in balancing academic standards with industry relevance?

My advice would be simple: Stay agile and be collaborative. Ensure that you not only adhere to UGC guidelines but constantly engage with industry experts. Balancing academic rigor with practical application is key. The integration of skills into academia is a game-changer, and as I always say, in today’s world, it’s your skills that will propel you forward.