Designing Your Career: A Masterclass by Sunita Khadilkar

ISDI – School of Design & Innovation continues to empower its students through the CO-ELEV8 series, bringing industry experts to share valuable insights. In a recent session, Sunita Khadilkar, an esteemed Soft Skill Coach, conducted an engaging and enlightening masterclass titled ‘Designing Your Career’. Focused on essential soft skills for success, the session equipped students with key strategies to navigate their professional journeys with confidence and clarity.

The Power of Effective Communication

One of the primary takeaways from the session was the significance of clear and confident communication. Sunita emphasised that the ability to present ideas effectively, collaborate seamlessly with teams and understand client requirements is crucial for professional success. Whether in design, business or any creative field, articulating ideas persuasively can make all the difference in achieving career goals.

Communication is not just about speaking fluently; it involves active listening, clarity in thought and the ability to adapt one’s message to different audiences. Sunita encouraged students to practice structured communication, ensuring that their messages are concise yet impactful. She highlighted that a well-articulated idea can enhance teamwork, foster innovation and create lasting professional relationships.

Confidence: The Key to Growth

A recurring theme of the masterclass was the role of self-confidence in career advancement. Sunita underscored that individuals who believe in their abilities can take initiative, lead teams and overcome professional hurdles with ease. Confidence also enhances one’s presence in the workplace, helping individuals stand out as reliable and proactive contributors.

Building self-confidence requires consistent effort. Sunita advised students to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and embrace opportunities for growth. By cultivating a positive mindset, acknowledging one’s strengths and continuously improving upon weaknesses, individuals can shape a successful career path.

Leadership and Initiative

Sunita’s insights into leadership skills were particularly inspiring. She shared that leadership is not just about managing teams but also about inspiring and motivating others. Developing leadership qualities helps individuals navigate challenges, make informed decisions, and contribute effectively to an organisation.

She encouraged students to take initiative in their academic and professional pursuits, emphasizing that leadership is built through experience. Whether leading a project, mentoring peers or volunteering for new responsibilities, taking initiative fosters growth and builds a strong professional reputation.

Embracing Feedback and Continuous Learning

A vital component of personal and professional growth is the ability to accept feedback. Sunita highlighted that constructive criticism should be viewed as an opportunity to learn and improve. Being open to new experiences, perspectives and skills ensures adaptability in an ever-evolving job market.

Students were encouraged to seek mentorship, engage in reflective learning and remain receptive to feedback from professors, peers, and industry professionals. This mindset of continuous learning not only enhances technical and soft skills but also builds resilience and adaptability—key traits in today’s competitive world.

Professionalism and Personal Branding

The session also touched upon the importance of professional etiquette, including dressing appropriately, maintaining positive body language and respecting workplace norms. Sunita emphasised that first impressions matter and how one presents themselves can influence career opportunities.

Students learned that professionalism extends beyond appearance—it includes punctuality, accountability and ethical behaviour. Developing a strong personal brand through consistent professionalism and reliability ensures credibility and career longevity.

Takeaways from the Masterclass

Sunita Khadilkar’s ‘Designing Your Career’ masterclass left students with a renewed perspective on the importance of soft skills in shaping a successful career. Key takeaways included:

• Clear and confident communication is essential for collaboration and career advancement.
• Self-confidence and leadership qualities empower individuals to take initiative and inspire others.
• Openness to feedback fosters growth and adaptability in a dynamic work environment.
• Professionalism, including attire and body language, plays a crucial role in making a lasting impression.

ISDI’s CO-ELEV8 series continues to provide students with valuable industry insights, bridging the gap between academia and professional success. Sunita Khadilkar’s session served as a powerful reminder that while technical skills are important, soft skills play an equally significant role in career development. As students embark on their professional journeys, integrating these soft skills will enable them to navigate challenges with confidence, communicate their ideas effectively and build strong professional networks.