“The future belongs to those who prepare for it today” – Malcom X
The long-term goal for most college students involves productive employment following school yet the prospects of turning the page on higher education and entering the workforce are intimidating for many graduates. Even the most prepared graduates face ever-changing employment conditions as there are many universal hurdles in store for them when choosing their career path, regardless of their grades, academic majors or universities of attendance. So, here’s “Future Challenge” to ensuring that the leap from secondary education to the professional field is an informed and inspired transition.
“Future Challenge 2020”, the official career fair of the University of Colombo, Faculty of Science (FOS UOC) was held for the 15th consecutive year on the 11th and 12th of March 2020 at faculty premises. It was organized by the Rotaract Club of FOS UOC in collaboration with the Career Guidance Unit.
“Future Challenge”- as its name deems, is the highlight of every novice graduate and undergraduate stepping into the job market. This project provides the opportunity for them to gain the necessary soft skills as well as test them out and hone these skills before finally facing an interview and stepping into their corporate lives. This was conducted in three phases; a workshop, mock interviews and the career fair.
In line with the main event, a career development workshop; “WERKSTATT-2020” was conducted with the aim of sharpening the employability skills of the participants. This three-part series workshop focused on 3 essentially crucial topics namely, “CV Creation and LinkedIn Guide” a session conducted by Unilever Sri Lanka, “Career Counselling”- a session on career prospects by Careerme.lk and “Personal Grooming and Corporate Behavior”- a session by Nestle Sri Lanka. The workshop facilitated with a remarkable assortment of knowledge and insight relevant to career building and future prospects.
Mock interviews were held to prepare undergraduates to face corporate interviews and build their confidence prior to the career day.
High enthusiasm and anticipation of the organizers, gathered a wide range of cooperates to one arena for the career fair, this year too. Brandix, 99X Technology, John Keels Holdings, CodeGen International Pvt (Ltd), Virtusa, London Stock Exchange Group, Wabtec Corporation, MAS Holdings, Stax Inc, Abans Group, AIA Group, WSO2, Unilever, Nestle Lanka PLC & Spectrum were among them. They had a number of vacancies as well as trainee programs readied for the participants.
Interviews were conducted for a variety of jobs scoping different fields of study. Although some might not have landed on their dream job, everyone left with a wealth of knowledge and soft skills that would definitely lay a solid foundation for a successful corporate life.
“Future Challenge is the signature professional development project of our Rotaract club. We are truly privileged to organize it jointly with the career guidance unit and with the support of the faculty administration. It’s been a tiresome 5 to 6 months of planning, but ultimately I think we managed to pull off a great career fair”, shared the President of Rotaract club of FOS UOC, Rtr. Mindula Perera.
He further appreciated the kind support extended by Prof. K. R. R. Mahanama, Dean of the Science Faculty, Ms. Vajira Jayaratne, Deputy Registrar and Prof. Ramanee Wijesekera, and also all undergraduates, graduates, Rotaractors and friends of Rotaract, for their combined efforts to make this massive project a reality.
Opening doors to over a dozen corporate giants, “Future Challenge-2020” presented its participants an overwhelming amount of opportunities via a wide range of fields of interest.
Featured Image courtesy: Rotaract Club, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo.