A Day of Discovery: College of Engineering, Guindy Students Visit Askan Technologies

During the bright part of the day on 17th May 2025, a group of 80 enthusiastic 3rd-year students from the College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, accompanied by their knowledgeable faculty, Dr. Selvi Ravindran (B.E., M.Tech., Ph.D.), Associate Professor, and Dr. K. Kulothungan (B.E., M.E., Ph.D.), Associate Professor, embarked on a highly anticipated industrial visit to Askan Technologies, located in the vibrant city of Pondicherry. This visit was meticulously organized to expose students to the realities of the IT industry and to help them connect the dots between academic knowledge and practical applications.

About College of Engineering, Guindy

College of Engineering, Guindy (CEG), being a public college under Anna University, Chennai, is one of the most popular and oldest engineering colleges in India. CEG is renowned for its very strict academic environment and research and development focus. There are thousands of engineers who have been produced by CEG and have significantly impacted technology and industry globally. With its culturally rich campus life and seasoned faculty members, CEG always endeavors to blend theoretical inputs with practical exposure so that the students are rendered industry-fit for the ever-changing world of engineering.

Immersive Office Tour: Witnessing Innovation in Action

The day started with a guided tour of Askan Technologies' office, an organization known for its dedication to cutting-edge technology solutions and customer-centric software development. The students were greeted warmly by the Askan team and guided through different departments. The working environment itself exemplified the creativity and teamwork culture, with staff members collaborating effortlessly on innovative projects employing novel technologies. Students saw firsthand the software development process, team dynamics, and employments of agile methodology, and the insight gained into the operations of technology businesses in the dynamic industry landscape was invaluable.

Expert Advice from HR Meenakshi Devi on Building a Successful Career

The highlight of the visit was a participative and very informative session conducted by Ms. Meenakshi Devi, Head of Human Resources in Askan Technologies. Her session's theme was, "Understanding Real-World Projects and Strategies to Shine in Job Recruitment." Ms. Meenakshi initiated her presentation by describing the nature of projects undertaken at Askan, highlighting the need for flexibility, ongoing learning, and practical experience.

Internship Positions:

Among the students, Soham expressed interest and inquired about internship opportunities at Askan Technologies, and Ms. Meenakshi was supportive. She mentioned that the organization provides internships in some really interesting domains such as Web Development, Node.js, and Angular. She encouraged the students to seize these opportunities to gain hands-on experience and insights into how the industry operates, which can significantly enhance their job prospects.

Resume Screening and How to Make an Impression

One of the inquisitive students, Shashank Narayan Ramnarendran, raised a thoughtful question about why certain resumes face automatic rejection, Ms. Meenakshi said recruiters don't simply pay attention to the way a resume is presented. They wish to observe actual skills and interest. She suggested students create a robust professional profile on platforms such as LinkedIn and GitHub, where they can present their projects and hands-on work. In her opinion, interviewers like those applicants who continue studying and growing by learning on actual projects rather than applicants with good grades.

Concerns About CGPA:

Most students expressed anxiety about their CGPA influencing their employment opportunities. Ms. Meenakshi offered much-needed relief by saying that though academics do matter, organizations such as Askan are more interested in practical skills and pertinence of experience. She said, "Even if your CGPA is not very good, if you have good skills and internships that demonstrate your abilities, you have a good chance." She asked the students to prioritize skill acquisition, certifications, and experiential learning, which can often be more valuable than conventional academic parameters in the current competitive workforce. The interactive session was packed with honest tips, real-world advice, and inspiring thoughts, eliciting enthusiastic participation from students who enjoyed the frank and useful responses.

A Glimpse into Leadership: Interaction with the Managing Director

One of the most meaningful moments of the visit was the interaction with Mr. Kannan Rajendiran, Managing Director of Askan Technologies. The conversation took a thoughtful turn when Soham asked how one finds direction in a competitive industry and how small teams like theirs continue to grow and stay motivated over time. The Managing Director shared his journey with honesty and clarity. He explained that growth begins by identifying real-world problems and building focused solutions around them. Not by chasing trends, but by creating value where it’s needed most. He said that when you choose a meaningful path, motivation becomes a natural part of the process. He reflected on the early days of building with limited resources, where determination, adaptability, and a learning mindset made all the difference. According to him, success is not just about being busy. It is about being consistent, clear in your purpose, and open to change. His advice wasn’t just practical. It was deeply human. Students left the conversation with more than answers; they walked away with direction, inspired to shape their careers with intent and courage.

Visit to Ulamart: Experiencing Tradition and Quality at Our Store

After their visit to Askan Technologies, the students and faculty had the chance to explore Ulamart, a store operated under the same group. Ulamart showcases a wide variety of premium products, including different types of rice, intricately designed miniatures, and unique handmade crafts that beautifully highlight local traditions and expert artisanship. Everyone enjoyed browsing through Ulamart’s diverse collection, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication involved in creating each item. One student was especially fascinated by a handcrafted squirrel made from coconut shells. She admired the creativity behind the piece and expressed a strong desire to gift such a distinctive and meaningful item to Her loved ones. This visit offered valuable insights into how traditional craftsmanship and modern business come together to create unique products for the market. It was a memorable and enriching experience that perfectly complemented the day’s theme of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Reflections and Takeaways

The Askan Technologies industrial visit was a rich experience in itself, blending theoretical learning with practical exposure. For the students of College of Engineering, Guindy, it was not a field trip as such. It was an important step towards understanding the realities of the IT industry and the kind of qualities one needs to be successful. This visit also brought to the fore the role played by industry-academia collaboration in developing talent and equipping students for the challenges that lie ahead. Askan Technologies, by opening up its doors and being willing to impart practical insights, was instrumental in building the future-oriented mindset of these young engineers. Staff members Dr. Selvi Ravindran, B.E, M.Tech, Ph.D, Associate Professor, and Dr. K. Kulothungan, B.E, M.E, Ph.D, Associate Professor, were also grateful to Askan Technologies for inviting the students and facilitating such an enriching experience. The energy and interest the students demonstrated testified to their preparedness to venture into the working world with confidence and competence. A special word of thanks to student coordinators Arun Karthick and Varun, whose initiation and coordination facilitated the whole visit to be smooth, fruitful, and memorable.