Brand Yourself In A Unique Way - YouTM - Are You Ready? 2016
The third session of “Are you Ready? 2016” commenced on the evening of 28th November at the Civil Auditorium of University of Moratuwa. The session was organized focusing on personal branding and professional development emphasizing the importance of uniqueness for a graduate who enters the industry. The Session co-Chairpersons were Rtr. Charith Premachandra and Rtr. Heshan Sudarshana.
The session opened with the wise words of Oscar Wilde “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.” After the lighting of the traditional oil lamp by the distinguished guests, Rtr. Charith Premachandra warmly welcomed the gathering.
The distinguished speaker for the session was Mr. Suneth Kotuthenna, Head of Manufacturing, Fonterra Lanka who is a graduate engineer from the University of Peradeniya. Mr. Kotuthenna laid out the reality in the industry and what the industry seeks in a newly passed out graduate. He emphasized the importance of creating a professional network even as an undergraduate and how the nurturing of such professional relationships would pave the way to enter the industry as a fresh graduate.
The highlights of his speech were to create a small description for the question “So who are you?”. He mentioned that a clever answer for the above question can make a lasting impression on a person and is vital in creating a unique brand for oneself.
After the inspiring words of the guest speaker, a discussion was held between the undergraduates who attended the session and an experienced discussion panel. The members of the discussion panel were Mr. Suneth Kotuthenna, Head of Manufacturing, Fonterra Lanka, Mr. Damith Silva, Milk Sourcing Manager , Fonterra Lanka, Mr. Ramindu Liyanage, Supply Manager, Fonterra Lanka, Mr. Niradh Perera, Assistant Manager, Production Planning, Fonterra Lanka and Mr. Chamara Madusanka, Health and safety coordinator, Fonterra Lanka.
The undergraduates forwarded their questions regarding organizational cultures, additional qualifications required when entering the industry and much more which were addressed by the discussion panel. The discussion panel cited practical examples from the industry which gave the undergraduates an insight into the prevailing industrial situation.
The end of this valuable session was marked by the vote of thanks delivered by the session co-chairperson Rtr. Heshan Sudarshana followed by the National Anthem.