AMCHAM’s Western Region along with the U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai organized a roundtable session with Pace University on October 18th at the U.S. Consulate, Mumbai. The session brought together representatives from Pace University, USA, Indian higher education institutions, and industry leaders to discuss the skills and competencies needed for today’s workforce. The session was moderated by Mr. John McCadams, Commercial Officer, U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai. The discussion commenced with Dr. Jonathan H. Hill, DPS, Interim Provost & Executive Vice President of Academic Affairs, Pace University and Dr. John Meletiadis, Assistant Dean, Lubin School of Business of Pace University introducing Pace’s mission, emphasizing their focus on preparing students for future workforce demands through strong industry ties, skill-building programs, and leadership development. Pace University shared its efforts in corporate tie-ups, community-focused research, and a wide-ranging access to skill development programs. They also presented their efforts in leadership development and creating a strong foundation for students to adapt to future industry needs.

Industry leaders from Dow Chemical, IBM, and EdpowerU highlighted significant skill gaps, emotional challenges, and the growing importance of entrepreneurial education in the evolving job market. They stressed upon the importance of industry readiness and the relevance of specific skills that are often lacking in fresh graduates. Mr. Chandrakant Nayak, Chairman – Western Region, AMCHAM and Country President & CEO, Dow Chemical highlighted the growing importance of self-employment as a future trend, urging academia to rethink how they prepare students not only for traditional roles but also for entrepreneurial ventures. Mr. Utpal Ashar, Associate Partner, IBM Consulting pointed out challenges related to industry 4.0, particularly the lack of analytical skills required for the evolving technology landscape. Indian universities, including MIT ADT University and Symbiosis Skills & Professional University, discussed the importance of industry-academia partnerships. They presented their ongoing efforts in integrating mentor-driven modules and designing curricula that focus on real-world applications and job readiness. The discussion also touched upon potential collaborations between Pace and Indian institutions in areas such as joint research, student exchange programs, and skill development initiatives. The session concluded with a consensus on the need for global engagement and deeper collaboration to bridge the skill gap.