The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), along with VMock, has launched a Virtual Platform for enhancing employability of its job aspiring population, spread across national and international borders. The Finishing School initiative, spearheaded by the Campus Placement Cell (CPC) and eGyankosh on the IGNOU FlexiLearn platform, aims to enable learners prepare and practice for job interviews at their own place and pace. The service was launched during the Higher Education Summit in New Delhi, organized by the Centre for Science Development and Media Studies (CSDMS), with IGNOU as its Knowledge Partner. “The IGNOU-VMock online platform enables candidates to practice for job interviews and improve via feedback. The strategy enables learners to know themselves, create their own video persona, answer career specific mock questions and take feedback from friends, alumni and IGNOU mentors already available on Facebook, LinkedIn and other social networks. It is a boon for all job seekers since it effectively takes care of their Last-Mile to Employability” said Vice Chancellor Prof V.N. Rajasekharan Pillai, while launching the service. The platform is available to all interested candidates across disciplines at Rs.1,100 (Rs.1,000 as access fee plus Rs100 as registration fee). A special discount – 50 percent for IGNOU learners and Rs.600 for IGNOU alumni – is being offered for a limited period only. VMock is connected to almost all major social networks. All that learners require to get started is a computer with webcam and 128kbps internet connection. They can register themselves online through the IGNOU FlexiLearn portal. “The objective behind this enabling service is to empower learners to practice, rehearse, retake, repeat and continuously improve and refine their interview skills till they are confident to excel. Once registered, they can continue to practice for a validity period of six months,” said Dr Neeta Kapai, Director, Campus Placement Cell.
