Mahasweta Sarma
Learning And Development Specialist
Pune
Summary
Communications Specialist and Learning and Development Expert with certification as ETS TOEFL Rater and Scoring Leader. Designed innovative curricula and mentored diverse teams to foster inclusive learning experiences, engaging varied audiences to enhance learning outcomes in academic and corporate settings. Crafted effective communication strategies and managed high-profile projects, delivering clear messaging and building strong stakeholder relationships.
Overview
7
7
Certifications
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Communications Specialist
Pune Institute of Business Management
10.2026 - Current
- Trained students to be placement-ready for top-tier companies and coordinated the Placement Selection Board for MBA and PGDM courses.
- Mentored junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and career development within the department.
- Improved workflow efficiency by organizing communication calendars, approvals, and cross-functional content tracking.
- Led internal communications initiatives to align faculty, staff, and leadership messaging across academic priorities.
- Developed clear content for newsletters, announcements, and official correspondence using consistent institutional tone.
- Coordinated event communications, including invitations, agendas, and post-event follow-up materials.
ETS Certified TOEFL Rater Supervisor
Firstsource
03.2025 - 12.2025
- Led team of ETS TOEFL raters as Scoring Leader for Speaking, ensuring accurate scoring while providing guidance, feedback, and coaching, resolving scoring queries, and conducting calibration sessions to maintain scoring standards.
- Evaluated test-taker responses for speaking and writing tasks, applying ETS's scoring rubrics and guidelines to ensure consistency, accuracy, and fairness, with certifications in TOEFL rating (Speaking and Writing) and TOEFL Scoring Leader for Speaking Measure.
- Trained candidates for ETS TOEFL Rater certification through Firstsource, utilizing expertise in scoring protocols and quality assurance to enhance rater readiness.
Assistant Professor of English
Lovely Professional University
07.2023 - 12.2024
- Delivered placement-centric ESL courses to over 200 students per semester, enhancing their verbal communication skills for academic and professional success.
- Developed and implemented curricula that included preparation for standardized ESL tests (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, SVAR), tailored to various proficiency levels.
- Conducted workshops and regular assessments to track and elevate students' CEFR level proficiency.
- Aligned teaching strategies and assessments with national and international accreditation standards to ensure quality learning outcomes.
Head of Operations
The North Eastern Chronicle
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Managed targeted campaigns to align with client needs and creative visions, overseeing all copy and content deliverables.
- Wrote and approved content, providing feedback to the team while ensuring quality and consistency.
- Founded and led "The Unheard" by TNEC, an open-mic platform initiative, as Head of Content Operations.
- Recruited and trained new talent, formulated budgets, and monitored expenses to maintain cost control.
Campaign Manager
Teach For India
06.2017 - 03.2018
- Hired and managed new members for the fellowship program under Teach For India, Guwahati, to maximize productivity while training them on best practices and protocols.
- Conducted outreach programs and sessions for the fellowship to formulate targeted enrollment and steady lead generation.
Vice City Head/ VP
Grapevine
06.2017 - 03.2018
- Acquired and coordinated talent, artists, and vendors to organize successful events for clients like MTV and VH1, ensuring high satisfaction, and revenue generation.
- Developed and executed creative event attractions and marketing plans, staying within projected costs, and leveraging internal capabilities.
Education
Master of Arts - Cultural Studies | Public Administration
Tezpur Central University
Assam, India 04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - English
Handique Girls' College, Guwahati University
05-2017
Skills
- Training and Development
- Communications Specialist
- Event coordination and execution
- ESL Instruction
- Curriculum design
- Social media strategy
- Content Development and Management
- Crisis management
- Team and Community management
- Campaign Management
- Strategy implementation
Tools and Platforms
MS Office, Excel, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Forms, Canva
Certification
ETS TOEFL Rater Certification of Speaking Measure
Timeline
Senior Communications Specialist
Pune Institute of Business Management
10.2026 - Current
ETS Certified TOEFL Rater Supervisor
Firstsource
03.2025 - 12.2025
Assistant Professor of English
Lovely Professional University
07.2023 - 12.2024
Campaign Manager
Teach For India
06.2017 - 03.2018
Vice City Head/ VP
Grapevine
06.2017 - 03.2018
Head of Operations
The North Eastern Chronicle
01.2017 - 01.2021
Master of Arts - Cultural Studies | Public Administration
Tezpur Central University
04.2001 -
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - English
Handique Girls' College, Guwahati University