Navigating Future Paths, A look back at "Are You Ready? 2024"

As the session coordinator of "Are You Ready? 2024", the official career fair organized by Rotaract Club of  University of Moratuwa, I had the privilege of overseeing a series of transformative sub projects aimed at preparing final-year undergraduates for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in their professional journeys after graduating. Each subproject was designed to provide valuable insights and guidance, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future careers before the official career fair of the university.

The first subproject, "Global Pathway," focused on offering foreign employment, internships, and insights into advanced academic pursuits. Through virtual sessions led by distinguished professionals : Prof. Janitha Liyanage,the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Russian Federation , and two university alumni : Mr. Ramith Hettiarachchi, post Baccalaureate fellow at Harvard university and visiting scientist at MIT  and  Mr. Withanage Madura Cooray, Graduate Mining engineer, Glencore Coal Assets Australia, students gained valuable insights into the current global landscape, internship opportunities, and the industries' newest developments. The sessions not only broadened their horizons but also provided practical advice for navigating the international job market.

"The Image," the second subproject, centered on personal branding and entrepreneurship. Recognizing the importance of standing out in today's competitive job market, the event aimed to equip students with the skills and mindset needed to succeed. Keynote speakers : Mr. Heminda Jayaweera and Ms. Umaria Sinhawansa shared their expertise, inspiring undergraduates to start thinking about their personal brand and entrepreneurial ventures early on in their careers.

"Heads Up," the third subproject, emphasized the importance of graduate studies and crafting a compelling CV. Through virtual workshops led by senior lecturers at University Of Moratuwa : Dr.Ranga rodrigo and Dr. Prathapasinghe Dharmawansa, undergraduates learned valuable tips for creating a standout CV and preparing for graduate studies. The sessions provided practical advice for networking and showcasing their skills and experiences effectively.

The "Resume Centre" was a hands-on event where students received personalized feedback on their CVs from HR professionals. This event was highly successful, over 600 final-year undergraduates participating and receiving valuable advice on resume improvement. To equip undergraduates with the skills to maintain a professional resume, the London Stock Exchange Group, In Talent Asia, eArrow, Hayleys, UTE, Recruits Plus, and hSenid joined forces.

Finally, "Career Insights" series with two days of virtual workshops provided undergraduates with valuable perspectives on the job market and insights into prominent companies within Sri Lanka. Through interactive sessions conducted by industry experts, undergraduates gained a deeper understanding of company cultures, available job openings, and desired skill sets.

Overall, the sub projects of  "Are You Ready? 2024" was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication and hard work of all the individuals involved. It was truly inspiring to see undergraduates actively engaging with industry professionals, gaining valuable insights, and taking steps towards building successful careers. As the session coordinator, I am proud to have been a part of this transformative journey and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the future professional development of our own undergraduates.