Alumni Talk Series: Career in Corporate for Students of Social Science

The Department of Sociology, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), hosted an insightful session as part of its Alumni Talk Series on 12 July 2025. The session, titled “Career in Corporate for Students of Social Science”, featured Ms. Ritu Basu, an alumna of the Department (Batch of 2013–2015) and currently a Project Lead at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). Organized in collaboration with the Student Association, the event drew strong participation from postgraduate students eager to understand the intersections between sociology and corporate careers.

                                                                    

Ms. Basu began by sharing her professional journey, spanning diverse roles in public relations, community management, human resources, and corporate operations. Drawing on her experiences at leading organizations including Amazon and HP Inc (via Quess Corp), she highlighted how the foundational skills acquired during her sociology degree—critical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and people-centered analysis—were directly transferable to her work in corporate structures.

Her talk illuminated how social science graduates can contribute to and thrive within corporate domains such as CSR initiatives, social research firms, corporate communications, financial services, and PR agencies. In doing so, she dismantled the conventional perception that sociology graduates are confined to academia or non-profit work, positioning the corporate sector as a promising and dynamic career pathway.

A central message of the session was the relevance of sociology in corporate environments, particularly in understanding organizational systems, human behavior, and communication flows. Ms. Basu emphasized the importance of cultivating professional ethics, resilience, and adaptability, alongside maintaining clarity of personal goals. She also underscored the significance of networking, continuous learning, and developing patience and perseverance as key strategies for navigating competitive corporate landscapes.

Her reflections on work culture, career progression, and skill-building resonated strongly with students. Through candid anecdotes, she provided practical advice on aligning one’s academic background with corporate demands while staying grounded in the values of integrity and social responsibility.

The interactive format of the talk created a space for dialogue rather than one-way instruction. Students were encouraged to ask questions about career choices, challenges in transitioning from academia to industry, and the evolving role of social sciences in corporate practices. This dynamic exchange enriched the session, ensuring that it went beyond abstract discussions to offer concrete insights and actionable strategies.

The event reaffirmed the Department of Sociology’s commitment to bridging academic learning with professional applications. Alumni sessions such as this provide current students with a deeper awareness of diverse career trajectories and help them envision possibilities that extend beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. The overwhelmingly positive reception of this session reflects both its relevance and impact on student career preparedness.

The Alumni Talk with Ms. Ritu Basu was a valuable opportunity for students to reflect on how a grounding in sociology can be leveraged in corporate spaces with confidence and purpose. By drawing on her professional journey and offering thoughtful guidance, Ms. Basu not only inspired students but also underscored the enduring strength of a social science education in shaping versatile, ethical, and adaptive professionals.