Employees Upskilling at Emeritus: How We Lead the Way in Lifelong Learning

At Emeritus, we believe in the power of lifelong learning. Every day, we inspire professionals across the globe to advance their skills and grow their careers through world-class online courses. But what makes us truly unique is that we practice what we preach. Many of our employees have embarked on their own learning journeys—taking courses, embracing challenges, and applying their new knowledge in real-time.

This year, we celebrate the stories of Emeritus employees upskilling to set examples of curiosity and growth. Their experiences are proof that when you invest in learning, the returns are transformational.

Here’s how our team is walking the talk and thriving in their personal and professional development.

1. Gaining a Fresh Perspective on Management

When Shreya Negi, Senior Associate, realized that understanding management principles was crucial for navigating the corporate world effectively, she took a bold step to upskill with the IIMK General Management Programme for Business Excellence. Coming from a non-management background, Shreya used the course to bridge the gap and enhance her growth.

Shreya shares:

“Upskilling with the GMPBE programme seemed like the perfect opportunity to enhance my knowledge and skills, especially in today’s fast-changing business landscape.”

Top Benefits of the Course

• Gaining a strong foundation in key management concepts.
• The confidence to tackle challenges with a strategic approach.
• Networking with diverse professionals, which expanded her perspective.

Impact of Employees Upskilling on Shreya’s Role

“The programme helped me gain clarity and confidence in my professional approach. I’m now better equipped to handle tasks and contribute meaningfully to projects that require cross-functional understanding.”

Shreya’s story highlights the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and investing in learning to achieve meaningful growth.

2. Building Strategic Skills for Operational Success

For Megha Patil, Assistant Manager – Training & Change Management, the IIMK General Management Programme for Business Excellence was about understanding how businesses operate on a higher level. Megha, who works directly with operational activities, aimed to align her skills with the organization’s goals.

Megha reflects:
“I recently took on the responsibility of managing Change Management as a vertical, and I was eager to explore innovative strategies for implementing changes effectively on a larger scale.”

Top Benefits of the Course

• Learning Design Thinking for her work in Learning and Development.
• Eye-opening lessons on Digital Transformation.
• Gaining insights into time value, cost capital, and service operations.

Impact of Employees Upskilling on Megha’s Role

“The course helped me understand industry trends and best practices. It equipped me with skills that align with the organization’s goals.”

Her journey underscores how learning can empower professionals to drive change and innovation within their roles.

3. Elevating Leadership Skills to Drive Transformation

As Vice President – Learning Design, Rohit Kapoor knew that staying ahead in a rapidly evolving edtech industry required sharpening his strategic acumen. Enrolling in the IIM Kozhikode Strategic Human Resource Management Programme allowed him to strengthen his leadership capabilities and navigate ambiguity during a pivotal time at Emeritus.

Rohit shares:
“I realized the critical importance of staying ahead of the curve. The programme offered a unique blend of academic rigor and industry relevance that aligned perfectly with my aspirations.”

Top Benefits of the Course

• Strategic Talent Alignment: Insights into aligning HR strategies with organizational objectives.
• Leadership Mastery: Gaining tools to adapt and lead through disruptions.
• Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.

Impact of Employees Upskilling on Rohit’s Role

Rohit used the lessons from the programme to:

• Redraft the performance management process, incorporating real-time analytics to track efficiency.
• Integrate AI into the content development lifecycle, reducing costs by 30% while improving quality and efficiency.

“These results demonstrate how strategic practices directly contribute to scalable, sustainable growth.”

Rohit’s story reflects how continuous learning helps leaders adapt to disruption and drive innovation.

4. Leveraging IT Expertise to Streamline Operations

Arjun C, Programme Coach – Services Delivery, saw an opportunity to strengthen his IT project management skills through the ISB Certificate Programme in Information Technology Project Management. With a background in IT and a role focused on service delivery, Arjun aimed to streamline processes and manage projects more effectively.

Arjun shares:
“I realized that upskilling in Information Technology Project Management would greatly benefit me. I saw this programme as an opportunity to enhance my ability to streamline processes and manage projects by leveraging IT tools and methodologies.”

Top Benefits of the Course

• Enhanced understanding of the IT project lifecycle, from initiation to closure.
• Hands-on exposure to tools like MS Project and Jira for project planning and risk management.
• Networking opportunities with professionals and access to the ISB Executive Network.

Impact of Employees Upskilling on Arjun’s Role

“The course significantly improved my ability to manage multiple courses efficiently. By leveraging data-driven tools for tracking and reporting, I can address challenges proactively and optimize overall delivery to meet client and learner expectations.”

Arjun’s story demonstrates how building expertise in specific tools and methodologies can drive operational efficiency and professional growth.

5. Bridging Gaps for Long-Term Impact

Deepraj Fernandes, Sr. Associate Director – Academic Delivery, Programs, is currently pursuing the UWA Global MBA to bridge gaps in his skillset and stay ahead in an evolving industry. With nine months to go, Deepraj has already seen significant value from the program.

Deepraj shares:
“My motivation was a conscious decision to stay ahead of the curve and add value both to my organization and my personal growth.”

Top Benefits of the Course:

• Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Actionable frameworks and tools that can be immediately applied.
• Professional Growth: Strengthened confidence to handle complex projects and make strategic decisions.
• Networking: Exposure to diverse professionals and new perspectives.

Major Takeaways:

• Adaptability: Continuous learning fosters the ability to navigate dynamic environments.
• Applied Learning: It’s about applying knowledge in real-world scenarios.
• Collaboration: Embracing diverse perspectives drives innovation and growth.

Impact of Employees Upskilling on Deepraj’s Role

“This programme has improved my efficiency and effectiveness at Emeritus. I’ve been able to streamline processes, ensure smoother programme delivery, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. It has also encouraged me to adopt a more strategic mindset in problem-solving and team collaboration.”

Deepraj’s story illustrates how targeted learning can prepare professionals to embrace innovation and drive greater impact.

A Culture That Champions Continuous Learning

At Emeritus, employees upskilling isn’t just encouraged—it’s part of who we are. From financial support for courses to fostering a growth mindset, we empower our employees to become the best versions of themselves.

Advice From Emeritorians to Future Learners

• “Start with a curious and open mind.”
• “Engage actively with peers and faculty to broaden your understanding.”
• “Apply concepts in real-world scenarios to reinforce learning.”
• “Stay consistent and dedicate time weekly to avoid procrastination.”
• “Continuous learning ensures you stay relevant in today’s ever-evolving corporate world.”

Looking Ahead: A Commitment to Growth

As we step into a new year, these inspiring stories from Emeritus employees upskilling serve as a reminder that growth is a choice. Whether you’re looking to upskill for a specific role or explore new interests, continuous learning opens up a world of possibilities.

To our learners, within Emeritus and beyond, we hope these stories encourage you to take that next step. When you invest in yourself, the rewards are limitless.

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Write to us at content@emeritus.org