Shruti Gaekwad

Experienced Placement Head, Student Coordinator and Centre Head with 8+ years of experience in career counselling, placements, student success, HR operations and institute management. Proven track record of guiding 500+ students, building corporate partnerships, increasing placements and leading cross-functional teams. Skilled in corporate relations, admissions support, recruitment, training, stakeholder management and centre operations.

Placement Head & Student Coordinator - Arena Animation - Vadodara, Gujarat

(2025-11)

• Led end-to-end placement activities, including corporate outreach, campus recruitment, internship coordination, and student placements.
• Built and maintained strong relationships with recruiters across Animation, VFX, Gaming, IT, Digital Marketing, and Design industries.
• Conducted career counseling, resume reviews, portfolio evaluations, mock interviews, and placement readiness programs to improve student employability.
• Coordinated campus drives, industry interactions, guest lectures, workshops, and recruitment events.
• Maintained placement MIS, recruiter database, student records, placement statistics, and performance reports.
• Collaborated with faculty to identify skill gaps and organize technical and soft skills training aligned with industry requirements.
• Managed internship programs, tracked student progress, and facilitated successful conversion of internships into full-time employment.
• Strengthened alumni engagement and leveraged alumni networks for mentorship and placement opportunities.
• Supported admissions through career counseling sessions, placement presentations, and showcasing placement achievements to prospective students and parents.
• Improved placement outcomes by developing strategic employer partnerships, ensuring high student engagement, and delivering an excellent recruiter and student experience.

Senior Counsellor & Centre Head - Arena Animation - Karelibaug, Sayajigunj & Anand

(2018-07 - 2024-09)

• Directed operational functions, including work distribution and resource allocation.
• Administered enrolment strategies, resulting in increased student engagement.
• Developed financial forecasts and business plans to guide organizational growth.
• Managed budgeting processes, fund inflows and outflows, and financial reporting.
• Implemented employee training and productivity improvement initiatives.
• Guided students in course selection, career paths, and skills development in animation, VFX, gaming, and multimedia.
• Conducted career counselling, workshops, seminars, and industry awareness sessions.
• Successfully counselled 500+ students, improving enrolments and placements.
• Guided over 500 students in academic choices and career pathways in animation and multimedia.
• Conducted aptitude assessments to aid students in career decision-making.
• Delivered workshops and seminars to promote industry awareness and skills development.
• Managed budgeting, team performance, workshops and parent counselling.

HR Executive - Vadera & Co

(2016-12 - 2017-12)

• Managed recruitment, onboarding, HR documentation, attendance, training and employee engagement.
• Handled joining formalities, induction, and exit processes.
• Conducted employee engagement and motivational activities.
• Managed HR trackers, employee records, and documentation.
• Organized training & development programs, including external trainers.
• Issued HR letters including offer, appointment, confirmation, appraisal, and relieving letters.
• Supported performance appraisals and review meetings.
• Managed leave & attendance, policy drafting, and grievance handling.
• Supervised admin team for daily operations.

HR Executive Assistant - Blurbpoint Media Pvt. Ltd.

(2015-06 - 2016-11)

• Supported recruitment, payroll coordination, onboarding and HR administration.
• Prepared job descriptions and conducted recruitment processes.
• Handled CV screening, interviews, and salary negotiations.
• Conducted employee background verification and payroll processing.
• Managed joining formalities, induction, and orientation.
• Maintained HR database, policies, attendance, and payroll.
• Handled resignations, exit interviews, and full & final settlements.
• Coordinated office administration, equipment maintenance, and bills.
• Organized employee engagement activities and counselling sessions.

PGDM - HR & Operations Management - Welingkar Institute Mumbai

B.Com - Human Resource Development - The Maharaja Sayajirao University Vadodara